Thomas "Gonzo" Gonzales

April 9, 1949 - August 24, 2013

Thomas Gonzales, known to many as Gonzo, passed away surrounded by his wife, Linda, granddaughter, Bailey and nine very close friends in the ICU unit at YRMC on Saturday, August 24, 2013. Gonzo was born, April 9, 1949 in Parker, Arizona. He was the son of LoLo and Gloria (Nopah) Gonzales. Gonzo is survived by his wife, Linda (Collier) who was his best friend and partner for 15 years. They were a couple for many years prior to their marriage. Together they ranched at the Y4 Ranch in Kirkland, Arizona and grew alfalfa in Parker, Arizona. Tommy, as he was known in Parker, graduated in 1969. He was an athlete in high school, participating in baseball and football; his basketball team won the State Championship. He had a scholarship to attend college but was drafted into the Army, serving his country in Viet Nam as a helicopter doorgunner. He later served as a drill sergeant. On his return from the Army, Tom worked for Metropolitan Water. He was married to Patti Rossman. They had two children, a daughter, Holly and son, Bryce. They moved to Prescott, Arizona. Together they owned and operated Tom Mix Western Wear. Gonzo is survived by his wife, Linda, of Kirkland, AZ; sister, Cyndee Garcia of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter, Bailey Wilson of Prescott Valley; grandson, Bryce Wilson of Reno, Nevada; granddaughter, Bella Peterson; son-in-law, Ben Peterson, both of Phoenix, AZ and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Lorenzo, Gave and Freddie; and his son, Bryce Gonzales. Gonzo was a member of Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo and a member of Prescott Mounted Sheriff’s Posse, serving in numerous offices. He loved team roping and put on ropings in the arena at Y4 Ranch in Kirkland that was built by fellow posse members. He was an avid fan of Arizona Diamondbacks. Gonzo was bigger than life, he had a way of drawing people to him. His sense of humor and laughter was contagious. He was loving and tender and always put the needs of his family and friends above his own. There are no words to explain the loss and emptiness that his passing brings to both his family and friends. We have not lost him because he will be in our hearts forever. Visitation will be at Hampton Funeral Home, 240 S. Cortez St, Prescott, AZ on Thursday, August 29th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. A Celebration of Gonzo’s life will take place at the roping arena on the Y4 Ranch in Kirkland, AZ on Saturday, September 7th starting at noon. It will be a potluck, BYOB, spend the day with friends telling stories of the life of Tommy, aka Gonzo Gonzales. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.