Brian Jess Thomas, beloved husband, father, son, and brother returned home to his Heavenly Father on February 3, 2021, after sustaining injuries in a tragic accident. His departure has left a hole in our family that will not be filled until we see him again one day.
Brian was born on November 13, 1976, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was married to his sweetheart Cheryl Tidd Thomas on May 13, 2005. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family. His love for Cheryl is eternal and knew no bounds. His children meant everything to him, and he loved being with them. Whether they were building Lego sets, camping, or out on the lake, life was better when they were together.
Brian graduated from Brighton High School. He loved biking and was out on a trail whenever he could find the time. He was fortunate to work in a business that supported this love of biking and the outdoors. Brian was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was an Eagle Scout and served a Mission to Maracaibo, Venezuela.
We are heartbroken that he had to leave us so soon. We wanted more time with him, but we know that he is Home and that one day we will be reunited with him.
Brian is survived by his wife Cheryl, his children Rebecca, Zachary and Nicholas, his parents Lynn and Cherie (Newman) Thomas, his brothers, and sisters: Tiffany (Chad) Rappleye, Kimberly (Guy) Goddard, Matthew (Nicole) Thomas, Amy (Mike) Gasik and Spencer (Heather) Thomas. He is also survived by his grandparents Lynn and Patricia Newman and Leora Thomas, his Father and Mother-in-law Ralph and Wilma Tidd, and brothers-in-law Michael Tidd and Vance Tidd as well as nieces and nephews who love him. He was preceded in death by his sister Rebecca Thomas Griffiths and his grandfather, Verlyn Thomas (we can only imagine the joyful reunion taking place!).
A viewing will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, Utah. Due to COVID-19, masks are required. Funeral services will be broadcast via ZOOM on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
Brian will be laid to rest in the Memorial Holladay Cemetery located at 4900 South Memory Lane.
I am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lynn and Cherie,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the tragic loss of your son.
May God bless you and your family at this difficult time.
Kim Chadwick
So sorry to hear about Brian’s tragic passing. I met Brian several times. He was such a wonderful friend to my son Steve. Thank Heaven for our understanding of the Plan. May your testimony of that plan give you comfort at this difficult time.
We are sorry for your lose. You have been such great ministers to Lynnette and I . We don't always understand why things happen the way they do, but we know that Heavenly Father has a plan. We just have to trust in Him. Thank goodness for the sealing Powers of the Priesthood. That comfort will help us all get through this life.
Let Sheryl know that our prayers will be with her and her children.
We love you all. If there is anything that we can do please allow us to help.
Gary and Lynnette Starling
So sorry to hear about Brian. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl, Elizabeth, Zach, and little Nicholas and the entire Thomas family, My deepest condolence and love to you. My prayers are with you at this time. I know this is most difficult, and just pray for comfort to come to you. . May Heavenly Father and the Savior richly bless and watch over you. Know you are loved by so many.. Love, Pat Staley
Cheryl-
Our hearts are breaking with yours. He was taken too soon. Always remember that you have such a huge circle that are here for you and the kids. You don’t ever have to do this alone. I love you and would do anything to ease your heartache. ♥️♥️
Xoxo Kim
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. The times at work you talked about Brian and the kids, they were always at the top of your list for love, good times together and laughter. I know Brian's parting will leave a huge hole in your hearts. Love to you. Margo
Cheryl,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl,
We are so sorry for your loss.Mandy and I wish you and your family the best through these difficult times.
Cheryl, I am at a loss as to what to say. As soon as one of the girls found out, we all knew within minutes (myself, Sara, Anna, Kylie & Maria).
I am so grateful you had such a wonderful husband and family together, as so many never have the same kind of special, close relationship. Yet I can only imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing from this loss.
We feel helpless not being able to take away your pain. Please know we love you, the girls all remember you fondly from our time in the Butler Ward. We recently moved back and are here if you need anything at a moments notice. You're in our deepest thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jen
Cheryl,
Brian's gift to me is helping me to be a better man. His lesson he taught in Elders Quorum, and the conversations before we started really showed me that he cared about me. That was especially helpful to me when I didn't feel as close to God as I wanted to be. He just had a way of showing me that it was ok to be not perfect and thats I could be liked for who I really am. He also made me laugh sometimes because he would just have such a funny energy in class. I also knew how amazing of a Dad he is because the looks on his face as he picked them up made me wish that my Dad would have done that for me. I just wanted you to know he was loved by me and I hope that I could be just as good of a Dad as he is. He's not forgotten by me or my family and his mark is permanent to me in my life. If you need a lawn mowed, a hug, a pizza, or my wife and I to help you with anything, we are here and love you and your family.
To the Thomas Family, As an uncle on Brians mothers side and one who lived in Nevada I always looked forward to the Family Christmas and summer parties. Catching up with all the family. I particularly enjoyed taking to Brian about bikes and the new upgrades and what is good and what is coming up soon. I am sorry for your loss and pray the spirit of comfort will surround your family and be in your hearts. We will all see Brian again and look forward to that day
my condolences to a great friend ... from Venezuela. Mosiah Povea.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to your family at this time.
Cheryl, I can only imagine how hard this must be for you and your family. We pray for you all and hope you can find peace and comfort in Christ to help you through.
Dear Cheryl,
I was so sad when I heard about Brian. You were the best backyard neighbors... always so friendly and supportive. Brian was such an awesome guy. He adores you! That was so evident in all he did and even just the way he looked at you. I hope that you find strength and some comfort as you move forward. Remember that you are loved...by so many!
May you and your family be blessed with the spirit, to surround you, to gather you in and hold you tight. We love you
We are so sorry for your loss. We were devastated when we heard what happened. Both Billy and I and our children have had the opportunity to get to know your children through primary. Our hearts broke for your family when we heard the news. Both Crystal and Amber have frequently asked about your kids. Amber said that they can have a play day with her if they want too. ❤ You are in our thoughts and our prayers. Please Know that you are loved immensely by so many.
Love Billy, Amy, Crystal, Amber and Ethan.
Siento mucho tu muerte..mi querido misionero. Siempre te tendré en mi corazón.
Gracias por haber llevado el evangelio a mi vida. A mí posteridad. Querido amigo.
Dear Thomas family,
I am so sorry to hear about this early passing of Brian. I can't imagine how hard it is to have lost not just one, but two children so young. That must be so difficult.
I just want you to know that we are thinking about you, and have been praying for you. Our family (the Bown family) has been saddened by this tragic event. It's funny how all the Lake Powell memories suddenly come back to the forefront.
We love your family and wanted you to know we are thinking of you and will continue to pray for you.
Kim Bown Packer
My heart is breaking! What a tremendous loss and way too soon to leave this life. I'm so very sorry and praying for peace and comfort for his children, family, and friends.
Brian, summer memories of you and your band of friends are among my very favorite high school experiences. It was a privilege to know the very kindest and best gentlemen. When I hear songs from Zooropa and Achtung Baby, I will think of you.
Dear Lynne, Cherry and family, I am so sorry for the news about Brian. My heart goes out to you and to his wife and kids. I have so many cherished childhood memories with Brian throughout the school years, scouting and sports activities. He was always such a fun and self-assured friend. He was a great person to be around and I am sure that continued throughout his adult years.
My deepest condolences,
Brinton
We were terribly saddened to hear of Brian Thomas's passing. Sister Porter and I were delighted to serve with him in the Venezuela Maracaibo Mission. He was an effective leader in the mission, a good example to all, loved dearly by his companions and the people of Venezuela. We are all better for having known him. Our hearts go out to his family. We know the Lord will bless and strengthen them.
Thomas Family-
Words are not adequate for the sorrow that I feel for each one of you. My life has been richly blessed by knowing Brian. I can still see Amy and I sneaking into his room to borrow some Legos, riding in the boat in Lake Powell, listening to U2, playing night games, or sitting around the dinner table with your family and being teased. Knowing of a Savior and Eternal Families can help to lessen your sorrow and pain. Please know that there are many who mourn along with you and are praying for you to feel peace and God's love.
Love,
Rachael
He recordado tanto a Thomas, ese misionero maravilloso. Que dejó a sus familia para venir a Maracaibo Venezuela a predicar el evangelio de Jesucristo.
Le estoy muy agradecida por haber llenado ni vida de la verdad de Cristo. Thanks you Thomas.
Thomas Family -
I just heard the news yesterday about Brian and I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I had lost touch with Brian too many years ago for unknown and likely dumb reasons as our lives took different paths. I've been thinking back fondly of the memories I have of Brian and hating that we'd lost touch. Playing basketball, listening to music, being in the same classes, senior trip in Lake Powell, and just hanging out. Life comes at us all too fast, and the time and years really do get away from us. We wonder where it went, we second guess the decisions we've made and the people we've allowed to drift in and out of our lives. I hate that Brian's gone and I hate that losses have to happen to remind us of the importance of the relationships we share with others. I pray that your family is comforted by the memories you shared with Brian and the joy that he experienced in life. May God keep you close in this time of sorrow.