THOMAS FORCE

Thomas Byron Force, 60, of Nevada City, passed away suddenly on February 12, 2015, victim of a motorcycle accident. Tom was born the third child of Norman and Mary Catherine Force on October 16, 1954 in Walnut Creek, which is where his childhood years were spent. He loved to recall memories of growing up with a close community of childhood friends, most of whom, Tommy included, attended Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek in the early 1970’s. He enjoyed reminiscing about his animal “projects” as he would frequently bring home furred and feathered friends that “didn’t have a home”, at the repeated chagrin of his mother. He also raised rabbits as a 4H project as a young boy. Tommy’s love of motorcycles began at an early age, when a neighbor arrived home with a Honda and Tom received permission to be taken for a ride. He purchased his own first motorcycle in his early teen years and spent a period of time racing at the local speedways. He eventually acquired a Harley Davidson Sportster, and finally the Road King he owned until his passing. Motorcycle riding was his passion. Tom married Kim Diehl shortly after high school and their daughter Heather was born in Sacramento. Tommy moved to Nevada County for the first time in the mid 1970’s with his young family and his best friend and business partner, George Moore. Tom and Kim’s son Thomas Jr. was born in Grass Valley. Tom later moved back to the Bay Area, where he joined the Carpenters Union trade. He performed sheetrock and construction work in San Francisco for many years while he raised his family. As he loved the outdoors and mountains in particular, Tommy returned to Nevada County in the 1990’s and continued working in construction. He met his wife Judith Ann (Cirino) and they married in 2005, residing in the Nevada City area. Judy introduced Tommy to the computer, and through those newly acquired skills he began a second career as a disaster inspector for Parr Inspections, spending many weeks in the southern United States after hurricane Katrina and several tornado disasters. He truly enjoyed meeting and helping the families in need he encountered during such trips. In recent years Tom helped with fund raising efforts through motorcycle memorials and clubs, with proceeds given to Children with Disabilities of Nevada County. Most recently Tommy retired and spent time enjoying hobbies including fishing and cheering the San Francisco Giants to their World Series victories, but his passion remained motorcycling and he was happiest when traveling locally and throughout the western U.S. on two wheels. Highpoints included two trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and to Arizona Bike Week. With the recent acquisition of a Go Pro camera he had plans to record his travels and begin development of motorcycle riding instructional videos. Thomas Force is survived by his wife Judith Ann, daughter Heather King (Tim) of El Dorado Hills, son Thomas Force Jr. (Sandy) of Walnut Creek, stepson Adam Force of Brentwood, stepson Ryan Cirino of Cedar Ridge, two granddaughters, Kayla and Alyssa King and a grandson, Colton Thomas Force. Thomas is also survived by a sister, Rosemary Davis, (Warren) of Sweet Home, Oregon, and a brother Brad Force. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life, Friday, March 6, 2015 at 2:00 PM at The Nevada City Elks Lodge, 518 California Highway 49, Nevada City, CA 95959. All food dishes are welcome. Please call Kari A. Murray at Chapel of the Angels Mortuary 530-273-2446 to coordinate and for any questions. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to http://www.gofundme.com/mjyspo Arrangements are in the care of Chapel of the Angels Mortuary, 250 Race Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945 – 530-273-2446.

THOMAS FORCE

October 16, 1954 - February 12, 2015