CROSS, Thomas G.

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, August 26, 2010 Thomas G. Cross, 61, passed away suddenly on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010, at his home in Lake Havasu City after a long, courageous battle with cancer. He was born on Oct. 18, 1948, in Sacramento, Calif. to Gerald and Mary Ena (Fulmer) Cross. He graduated from McClatchey High School in Sacramento, and in 1970 he graduated from the University of California at Davis. He promptly was hired by the Ralston Purina Co. as a Sales Representative and eventually became a District Manager. Upon the merger of Purina and the Nestle Corporation, Tom took on the role of National Trainer for Nestle where he mentored and trained personnel from all over the country in various business applications. He celebrated 40 years of service with Nestle in June and was going to retire in October, but he unfortunately couldn’t endure the pain and suffering any longer. His passions were golf, traveling, football and experiencing new adventures. He completed two items on his “bucket list”: cruising through the Panama Canal and playing golf at Pebble Beach. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara; his mother, Mary Ena Cross; his father-in-law, Robert Butcher and his brother-in-law Tom (Vicki) Butcher, all of Lake Havasu City; his son, Matt (Kelly) and granddaughter Sara; son, Tom (Tor) and grandsons Nick and James; nephew, Tommy (Shanel); and great niece, Ella. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Cross and his brother, David Cross. He also leaves behind his beloved Bernese Mountain dog, Lucille McGillicuddy, and his many friends at Nestle and in Lake Havasu City including Gary and Kathy Kellogg, Steve and Julie Hatch, Gene and Susan Dull, and Jim and Cyndi Salscheider. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Graveside service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at Havasu Memorial Gardens. Interment will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Western Arizona Humane Society or the Cancer Center at Havasu Regional Medical Center. Condolences, thoughts and memories can be sent to the family at www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory.