I met Tom while he was in College at Cosumnes River College in Sacramento, CA and I will never forget the talk we had one day while eating lunch together.  He stated that while he could do the academic courses well enough to get a good grade, he really wanted to do something in which he could use his mind and his hands and that he would be transferring to Sacramento City College to enter the Aeronautics Program in which he found his specialty in helicopters.  I later talked with him about how he had completed the program and another program for advanced training in Arizona  and went on to follow this passion in Williams AZ working for a company that flew tours through the Grand Canyon and in Hawaii.  He told me how he could hunt and fish very close to his home that was on the edge of the national forest and how much he loved the small town atmosphere.  Tom was in his element!  He was doing what he loved and he stated he fell in love.  I am so pleased to learn that he has a wonderful daughter and experienced the joy of raising a little girl.   While we never were able to connect again after college, I did tell many of my patients about Tom as an example of someone finding their passions and being true to yourself and putting in the hard work can lead to a life of reward.  I tried to find Tom a few times over the years, but was not able, I left him a message on LinkedIn but never heard back.  I had hoped to go fishing with him in our retirement years.  I will miss not being able to do that with him, hurts my heart right now.  I send my love to his family during this difficult time.  I pray to Jesus that He will comfort you as you turn to Him during this time of loss.   The most important thing we can do in life is not only follow the good passions and goals in our life, but be thankful and form a personal connection with the giver of life and His incredible love for us and price he paid for those who accept Jesus work on the cross for paying our penalty.

Chet La Rue

You found out I was in Las Vegas for a conference. You drove from your work site to have dinner with Scott and I then treated us to a surprise helicopter ride around the strip. You ALWAYS made time to see me when you were close. You were so good about picking up the phone and calling too. I miss you so much Uncle Thomas. So incredibly much.

Happy hunting cuz❤️. You will be missed. 
Dan and Betsy Powell

I was fortunate to be a coworker and friend of Thomas for 34 years.  I quickly learned that Thomas was not only a fantastic helicopter technician, but that he was a man of integrity. We entrusted our lives to him and he took that responsibility seriously.   I’m amazed at how many times we were able to get together over the years since we left the Ditch.  We met up in Washington, Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and the last time in Las Vegas with Johnny Thurston (What a great night).    Thomas was an amazing outdoorsman and we shared a couple of memorable fishing and hunting trips.  Thomas loved his daughter and was very proud of her.   He always sent me texts during Thanksgiving time and Christmas. Then we’d start sharing pictures. I’m going to him.

Thomas was my very good friend, and  I will miss him dearly. I hired him shortly after he got out of school, and became the very best employee I have ever witnessed in my long career in the aviation business. At his wedding reception I had the opportunity to tell his father, that my greatest dream, was that my young son would grow up to be just like Thomas.
Dan OConnell
Prescott AZ.

OBITUARY

Thomas Lee Sunderland

October 16, 1964 – October 1, 2025

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