Thomas Arnold Hai Botzler, 54, of Guerneville, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Trinidad, with family at his side, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love. Thomas left us in body, but not in spirit. Known for his legendary stories, dad jokes and infectious laughter, Thomas brightened every room he entered. Whether it was his storytelling or his love for travel and food, Thomas lived life with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Thomas was born on April 14, 1972, in Vung Tau, South Vietnam, to a Vietnamese mother and an African American serviceman. Thomas’ journey began when he left the hospital to become part of an innovative orphanage program in Vietnam established by “Mom and Pop” Warren. In November 1973, he traveled to San Francisco and joined Richard and Sally Botzler’s family in McKinleyville, through the Holt Adoptions Program.

Thomas’ journey continued when he graduated from McKinleyville High School in McKinleyville, and he traveled to Great Bend, Kansas, where he attended Barton County Community College on a cheerleading scholarship. Cheerleading was a central part of his life and gifted him many opportunities to travel across the country and abroad. Following Barton County Community College, he cheered at Kansas State University (K-State), where he later became an assistant cheer coach. He worked as a staff member, coach and, eventually, a camp manager for Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) over the course of 25 years. He was also a cheer coach at Coffeeville Community College (Kansas), Sacramento State and Humboldt State. Thomas loved watching sports, especially the K-State Wildcats. He was a die-hard fan until the end, remaining committed, passionate and was always found in purple — sometimes with many layers of purple. Thomas made and maintained many close and lifelong friendships through his travels. The stops along his journey helped him to become a wine connoisseur and incredible cook. He said cooking was his love language and it brought him great joy to cook for others. Those he fed, felt the love.

As Thomas journeyed and made a few stops to live throughout the United States, he found his “Good Place” in Guerneville, with Lisa in 2024. Together they created and established Local…ish, a refillery store that also hosts local Sonoma County artisans. Thomas and Lisa knew the importance of legacy and establishing roots. The Guerneville community and Local…ish gave him and Lisa the opportunity to live these values. They found themselves embraced and adored by many. There Thomas found a true sense of belonging and community.

Thomas was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2018. During the following years, he learned important lessons he wanted to share with others. Thomas reflected thoughtfully about “living while dying” and spent time sharing his experience with others, acknowledging we often don’t honestly discuss dying; he wanted to do that differently. Thomas graciously shared his cancer journey with friends, family and community through vulnerable conversations, Facebook, podcasts and as a guest on a Sonoma County radio station. He wanted to normalize “living while dying,” and he did so with strength and courage. When Thomas had exhausted all treatment options for his cancer and entered Hospice, he scheduled a “Farewell Tour” traveling to Kansas City (MO), Humboldt County (CA) and then returning home to Guerneville (CA), hosting three events celebrating his “well-lived” life and creating more memories with those who loved him. During the hardest part of his cancer journey, two new grandbabies were born. Thomas was very proud of being GT (Grandpa Thomas). His “Farewell Tour” allowed him to meet his two youngest grandbabies in Kansas City, renew wedding vows with the love of his life, Lisa, surrounded by family and friends in Humboldt, and make his last ham for a Thanksgiving themed celebration in Guerneville. These gatherings were a gift to all those who were there, giving them time with him and closure.

Thomas’ memory will continue to be celebrated by his wife, Lisa, who cherishes their 18 years of travel, food and laughter-filled marriage, and their five children, Katie Ogle (TBD), Joshua Ogle (Erin), Karie Partridge (Dexter), Ashley DeLaConcepcion (Nate), and Jade Dumas (Kadarrious), including his chosen daughter Tristen Fetherston (Kyle), all who share Thomas’ wit and charm. Thomas loved being called GT, by all his grandbabies who loved him dearly. He will continue to be loved by Kali, Claire, John Roy, Harlem, Amy, Milo, Cecilia, Sawyer, James, Rory and grand- pup Brutus. Thomas’ memory will also be celebrated by his dad, Richard Botzler, and siblings Emilisa Botzler-Rodgers (Jimmy), Tin Botzler, Dedie Davis, Sarah Kennon (Tim) and many nieces, nephews and friends who were his chosen family. Thomas was preceded in death by his mom, Sally Botzler. Thomas is greatly missed!

As Thomas would say, “Cheers and Be Well”.

Family will be hosting a celebration of Thomas’ life at the Moonstone Beach House, Trinidad on November 21st, 2026, from 1pm-4pm. Those who might like to enjoy time spent honoring Thomas’ well-lived life with stories, laugher, good company, food and drinks are welcome to attend. There will be a private graveside service in Trinidad.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Lenora Lee from Kaiser in Roseville, Dr. Vineeth Tatineni from Kaiser Oncology in Santa Rosa, Dr. Jordan Keen and Yve Duran from Kaiser Palliative Care in Santa Rosa, By the Bay Health and Hospice of Humboldt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Court, Eureka, CA 95503, in honor of Thomas.