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Archiver > GenMassachusetts > 1999-04 > 0924389214


From: john Keating <>
Subject: Re: Fw: News: Family of slain security guard at the LDS Family History Center in Salt Lake yesterday
Date: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 17:46:54 -0500


Isthere an Address for donation? Thanks Jack

Launie Graffeo wrote:
>
> >FAMILY OF SLAIN SECURITY GUARD
> >
> >[This information was sent to us by Gems subscriber Jana Pawlowski
> ><> and is used with permission from her and the
> >family.]
> >
> >Brother Don Thomas is the name of the Security officer killed on
> >Thursday.
> >He and his family live in my ward in West Jordan, near Salt Lake. I'm in
> >the Relief Society Presidency of the ward, and we were in the Thomas home
> >on Thursday afternoon to help with cleaning and consoling. Sister
> >Konadee
> >Thomas, Don's wife of 33 years, said she last spoke with her husband at
> >10:20 a.m. on Thursday morning (the shooting was at 10:30) and among
> >other
> >things, told him she loved him which is her custom to do frequently. He
> >announced that a bunch of grade school children were coming in so he'd
> >better get going.
> >
> >Sister Thomas has multiple sclerosis (MS) and has been confined to a
> >wheel
> >chair for 25 years. Brother Thomas had total care of his wife and never
> >complained. He daily lifted her out of bed, into the bath, back into bed
> >at night and everything in between. When people asked him how he stayed
> >in such good shape, his usual response was "I lift weights."
> >
> >He was very understanding and non-judgmental. He was the most
> >kindhearted
> >man many of us have ever known and was always willing to lend a hand,
> >whether it be spiritually, physically or financially. I was not in the
> >least surprised when I learned he had stepped into the line of fire to
> >confront the gunman.
> >
> >His daughter and her family also lived with them as well. All his family
> >will sorely miss him, especially the four grandchildren living with him,
> >to
> >whom he was like a father.
> >
> >His family has been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and
> >compassion
> >shown by the community and Church officials, particularly the Security
> >Department.
> >
> >Don leaves behind 4 of 5 living children, 12 grandchildren and his
> >cherished
> >wife, Konadee Thomas, who has been compassionate service leader in our
> >ward
> >for 15 years. She mentioned to me yesterday, that this is one funeral
> >she
> >will not be arranging.
> >
> >Sister Thomas had just left with her bishop and two security officers to
> >see her husband's body Thursday afternoon when the First Presidency
> >called
> >her home. They were able to reach her on the Bishop's cell phone and
> >offer their condolences.
> >
> >Personal note:
> >While I was at the Thomas home cleaning yesterday, several things struck
> >me. There was an old-fashioned needlepoint picture with the famous
> >quote,
> >"Life is fragile, handle with prayer," and an unfinished painting that
> >Brother Thomas had been working on in the family room. Many of the
> >pictures in their home were painted by him, and are very good,
> >
> >Jana Pawlowski <>
> >
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