Obituary of John Thomas

Life Legacy John Michael "Mike" Thomas 7/10/43 – 8/12/14 John Michael "Mike" Thomas passed away peacefully from cancer on August 12, 2014, with his loving wife at his side, under hospice care in Tucson. He was born in Stillwater, OK, to Max and Vera Thomas, both deceased. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Roberta; daughter, Kristine, and rescue dog Arrow. Mike served 40 years in law enforcement, rising to the rank of police director at the University of Kansas. He later served as chief of police at the University of Arizona, and was a graduate of the FBI National Academy. As UAPD chief, he was responsible for modernizing the department, starting the K9 unit, achieving the agency's international accreditation, and overseeing the Mt. Graham observatory division, serving as its police commander. He was an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus (4th degree) and the Golden Key Honor Society, and served as security manager for the Eastern AZ Incident Management Team. A Memorial Mass for Mike will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 5150 N. Valley View Rd, Tucson, AZ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southern Arizona or to the charity of your choice. A Police Officers Prayer LORD, I ask for courage Courage to face and conquer my own fears... Courage to take me where others will not go... I ask for strength Strength of body to protect others, and strength of spirit to lead others... I ask for dedication Dedication to my job, to do it well Dedication to my community to keep it safe... And please, LORD, through it all, be at my side...