Laguna will miss Thomases

Suzie Harrison

Monday’s art commission meeting was emotional to many because it was

Les Thomas’ last day. He has served on the commission since 2000.

Les and his wife Marilyn have lived in Laguna Beach for 16 years

and have been an integral part of the community. Recently they moved

to Lake Tahoe to be closer to family, leaving a void.

Marilyn attended Monday’s meeting, where Les received a

proclamation from Mayor Elizabeth Pearson-Schneider.

“It’s with distinct displeasure to say farewell to Les and his

wife Marilyn. We’re going to miss you very much,” the mayor said,

adding that the proclamation is for the Thomas’ dedication to

volunteerism. “This recognizes Les and Marilyn for many years of

dedicated service to the city of Laguna Beach,” Pearson-Schneider

said.

Les said he and Marilyn will miss everyone.

“Laguna Beach is an incredibly great town because of the people

primarily,” Les said. “That’s what makes it so difficult and so

emotional to leave. There are fabulous people on the arts commission

and the city and other wonderful people here in the community. I love

all of you.”

Marilyn said she feels privileged to have lived in Laguna Beach.

“There are so many talented people; I’m thrilled with the quality

and professionalism of the artists that live here,” Marilyn said.

“The artists at the Sawdust Art Festival and Festival of Arts are

wonderful examples of the talent we have in this town.”

Arts Commissioner Pat Kollenda, with tears in her eyes, said of

the couple “You’re both phenomenal and an integral part of the

community, not just the arts.”

Arts Commission chair Jan Sattler said Les and Marilyn gave a lot

to the community.

“Few people choose to serve like you and Marilyn,” Sattler said.

“It’s unusual in this small community to do everything. What you’ve

done has benefited everyone; we’ve been very fortunate.”

Les served as both arts commission chair and treasurer for two

years. He was president of Laguna Beach Alliance for the Arts and

assisted with First Thursday’s Art Walk and California Choreographers

Dance Festival.

The list of service Marilyn and Les were dedicated to over the

years is lengthy. In 1994, they founded Music in the Park Inc. with

arts commissioner emeritus Doris Shields. Music in the Park was the

fundraising arm for the arts commission-founded summer concert

series, which began in 1983. The city was going to have to cut the

number of concerts from eight to five because of a lack of funding.

Les and Marilyn collected the funds at the concerts by passing a hat.

They also greeted everyone at each concert, passing out schedules.

Every concert, Marilyn took Polaroid pictures of people, posted them

at the following concert for people to pick up and keep at no charge.

Les and Marilyn were named 2003 Patriot’s Day parade Citizens of

the Year.

Marilyn volunteered 11 years with over 11,000 hours of volunteer

time for the police department’s citizen on patrol program. She

received a commendation last month for her service. Les was a

volunteer citizen on patrol for three years, volunteering more than

1,000 hours to the program. Both Les and Marilyn received

commendations in 2004.

Les and Marilyn were among 31 finalists for the 2004 Service

Excellence Awards named by the Orange County Tourism Council. They

also served as volunteer judges for the Patriots Day parade.

Marilyn was the director of volunteers for the Ocean Institute

Adopt-A-Class program and an American Legion Post 222 post auxiliary

member. She was also honored in 2002 by the Laguna Beach branch of

the American Association of University Women for her outstanding

contributions to the community.

On a personal note, I am very sad Les and Marilyn Thomas are

leaving. Every time I would see them I was greeted with a warm smile

and a hug. They always remembered important things, such as the time

I went home because my mother needed major surgery. The first time I

saw them they asked how she was doing. They never missed a beat, so

loving and kind.

I will miss them dearly, and so will Laguna.