Remembering Tom
Submitted by John Lullo
White Sulphur Springs Ranch
Our friend, Tom Cooley passed this life on March 7th of this year. Born in Michigan he came to California in 1997 and finally to Portola in 2003 where he was twice elected mayor. No job was too big or too small. He was mayor but he also cleared brush along the river walk in Portola. He and his wife Linda became active member volunteers of the Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council in 2012 so they could be a part of the restoration of the historic White Sulphur Springs Ranch in Clio.
Tom had many talents. Besides being a successful businessman, he was a private pilot and a professional photographer. He was an accomplished graphic artist and produced many flyers for activities like Summerfest and other fund-raising events. He could also be seen each year helping to set up the Summerfest grounds….pulling ropes and setting up tables. As usual, no job was too big or too small. He was a man for all seasons, an unselfish friend and a steadying influence to all that worked with him.
The Board of Directors of the Mohawk Valley Stewardship Council have authorized a legacy brick with Tom’s name inscribed, to be placed on the grounds of the historic ranch site. He will always be a part of the site he loved and worked so hard to improve. He will be sorely missed.
Tom is the third face from the left with a work group clearing the land before Summerfest 2016. Photo submitted
