GONZALES, Thomas (Gonzo)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, August 28, 2013 Thomas Gonzales, known to many as Gonzo, passed away surrounded by his wife, Linda, granddaughter, Bailey and nine very close friends in the ICU unit at YRMC on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013. Gonzo was born, April 9, 1949 in Parker, Ariz. He was the son of LoLo and Gloria (Nopah) Gonzales. Gonzo is survived by his wife Linda (Collier) who was his best friend and partner for 15 years. They were a couple for many years before their marriage. Together they ranched at the Y4 Ranch in Kirkland, Ariz. and grew alfalfa in Parker, Ariz. Tommy, as he was known in Parker, graduated in 1969. He was an athlete in high school, participating in baseball and football; his basketball team won the State Championship. He had a scholarship to attend college but was drafted into the Army, serving his country in Viet Nam as a helicopter doorgunner. He later served as a drill sergeant. On his return from the Army, Tom worked for Metropolitan Water. He was married to Patti Rossman. They had two children, a daughter, Holly and son, Bryce. They moved to Prescott, Ariz. Together they owned and operated Tom Mix Western Wear. Gonzo is survived by his wife Linda of Kirkland, Ariz.; sister Cyndee Garcia of Phoenix, Ariz.; granddaughter Bailey Wilson of Prescott Valley; grandson Bryce Wilson of Reno, Nev.; granddaughter Bella Peterson; son-in-law Ben Peterson, both of Phoenix, Ariz.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Lorenzo, Gabe and Freddie; and his son, Bryce Gonzales. Gonzo was a member of Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo and a member of Prescott Mounted Sheriff's Posse, serving in numerous offices. He loved team roping and put on ropings in the arena at Y4 Ranch in Kirkland that was built by fellow posse members. He was an avid fan of Arizona Diamondbacks. Gonzo was bigger than life, he had a way of drawing people to him. His sense of humor and laughter was contagious. He was loving and tender and always put the needs of his family and friends above his own. There are no words to explain the loss and emptiness that his passing brings to both his family and friends. We have not lost him because he will be in our hearts forever. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2103, at Hampton Funeral Home, 240 S. Cortez St., Prescott, Ariz. A Celebration of Gonzo's life will take place starting at noon Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at the roping arena on the Y4 Ranch in Kirkland, Ariz. It will be a potluck, BYOB, spend the day with friends telling stories of the life of Tommy, aka Gonzo Gonzales. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Information provided by survivors.