Thomas Edward Diamond

Colonel Thomas E. Diamond

Scene: St. Peter and a Mourner at the Gates of Heaven

Mourner: “St. Peter, what happens to us when a hero dies?

St. Peter: “What do you think, my friend?”

Mourner: “Our hearts break. Our world grows smaller. We wander; wondering ‘why’ and no explanations seem to fill the gap our hero left.”

St. Peter: “That, and more, dear friend. That and more. Then your sacred quest begins in discovering the ‘and more’ and embracing it.”



Colonel Thomas Diamond is a hero whose body died the day after Thanksgiving. He was a hero in so many ways: a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a friend beyond compare. He went to war in Vietnam for God and Country; distinguished himself as an Air Force Officer who turned down a promotion to be General so that he could spend more time with his family. While in the military service, he and his research team, with existing technology, developed digital photography as we know it today. Some would say he was the Steve Jobs of the United State Air Force Audio Visual Program. A hero in war. A hero in peace.

As impressive as Colonel Diamond’s professional credentials prove to be, they pale in comparison to the personal legacy he left as Tom the husband, father, grandfather and friend. Imagine, if you will, a family hero. Imagine his smile as it warms you inside and lets you know, in no uncertain terms, that you are the most important person in the world. Imagine this family hero putting you to work at home, helping him mow the lawn, dig postholes, and pound nails for a swing set. And during all this, you could feel his love, a love that is tangible, vibrant, and real. You feel safe within his arms. That’s a family hero. That is Tom.

That is Tom indeed. Not “was.” Tom is not in the “past tense.” His body has left us, but his spirit is another matter. Just pay attention: the double rainbows, the breeze across your face when there is no wind, a tug at your heart when you needed encouragement, an unexpected moment of peace in a hectic day. Just pay attention. Tom’s there. That and more.

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Tom's family legacy includes his loving wife, Rise' Pegram Diamond, his devoted children and their spouses, Tommy (Laurie) Diamond (Tommy is deceased) and their children, Courtney, Hollyn, and Ian; Robin (Scot) Ward and their children, Chet and Peyton; and Greg (Sarina) Diamond and their children, Christian, Aidan, and their baby girl due in February. Tom is also survived by his sisters and their spouses, Karen (Charlie) Hardy, and their children, Mary Pat (Kevin) Hall, and Tom (Flannary) Hardy; and Barb (Bob) Garritson, and their children, Jeanne Garritson and Jerek Garritson. He is survived by his grand nieces and nephews, Kelly and Erin Hall, Willow and Nicholas Hardy, and Liam Garritson. He also leaves behind his lifelong friends, Terry Corcoran, Frank Seitz, Mike Nash, and Dick Ward.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Olivia Diamond, his in-laws, Peg and Cashie Pegram, and his son, Tommy Diamond.



A celebration of Tom's life will be scheduled this coming summer with a funeral Mass at Holy Rosary, and a graveside service at Sunset Hills Cemetery when all the family will be able to attend. For those who wish to honor his memory, contributions may be made to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or the American Heart Association, or Loma Linda University Children's Hospital (Loma Linda, California).



Condolence and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com