in memory

MORENO VALLEY GOLF CLUB

In Memory Of Tom Sterrett

October 11, 1929 July 18,2009

A MEMBER TO REMEMBER Jeannine Hinkle : Editor

Christmas 2008 We have lost one of the greatest members of the club. TOM STERRETT was one of the most dedicated member of Moreno Valley Golf Club. I can't even begin to list all the progress and dedicated time that Tom contributed to the club. I remember the first time I meet Tom. He was directing an out of town tournament in Laughlin, NV. open to the public. My husband and I looked forward to those twice a year golf trips. His personality, demeanor and dedication made the trip successful. Unfortunately when Tom resigned from this position, the Laughlin trips were canceled due to the lack of a new director. I must say, that Tom was a member you could count on. Toms' strong relationship with the city has been a blessing for the club and the Cottonwood Golf Course. Without Tom, we may not have had the course open as long as it has been. With the city owning the course many obstacles have occurred and presented many question and votes, as to whether the course should stay open. Tom worked side by side with the City of Parks Recreation assistant Director: Karen Reams for many years. Many of the Cities decisions on the Golf Course were due to Toms' strong participation. Many members' have fond memories and stories to tell. Just ask anyone. One memory that stick to mind, is that Tom had a HOLE IN ONE on all holes, with the exception of hole three, the longest hole on the course. What an accomplishment! Not many of us die hard golfers get that many hole in ones.

I HAVE LOST MY BEST FRIEND Carolyn Nukaya: secretary

Tom would have been 86. He died on July 18,2009 and was laid to rest on the 24th at the National Cemetery. He had been a Marine, and had received a Purple Heart. I had spent the afternoon before he died with him. He said he couldn't hold on any longer. The burial ceremony was a nice one. They had bagpipes and a 21-gun salute and the flag-folding and the whole works. Lots of the members and former members attended. He would have been pleased if it hadn't been for HIM.

A SALUTE TO TOM STERRETT L.T. Duffey: 2009 President

‘MVGC’s president of presidents’

This has been a very sad month for the club. We lost one of the greatest supporters this club has ever had. One that was so dedicated that he spent many hours walking the streets of Moreno Valley canvassing the many business owners to provide raffle items. Giving up his time unselfishly provided the Third Sunday Membership Meeting a chance to have more fun. Tom last few days were filled with him taking care of personal business that covered more states than California. Thanks to Joe Simon who Tom placed a tremendous amount of trust in to help him through those important periods as his health declined. I spent several days with Tom after I left my medical appointment and he was so delighted in the time Carolyn Nukaya spent with him on the phone and with her presence. He said she was like a beacon light when ever they made contact because she was so encouraging and brought much needed light to his life.

It would be impossible to list the many successful outcomes that Tom brought to this club. His energy down to the very last evening was don’t let the club go south. Weather through the storm of golf club closure and attend every meeting that you can and create some if necessary. Congratulate them (the council) on things they do well and protect the club when things seem dim. Be honest and provide the best leadership you can. Don’t let their lack (the membership) of participation off the course discourage you. The come to play golf and trust that you will do the rest.

Tom often stated he was not going to leave the hospital until he thought he was well. He also often stated that he probably would not be leaving alive. Tome fought a good fight for the entire City of Moreno Valley. Do you remember when he and his wife appeared in the MV paper separating plastic from regular trash that people dump in the trash receptacles? They were quite a couple and she would put pounds on your hips from the many cookies and other sweets she baked.

Tom was a ’one of a kind’ and I hope someone will step up and provide the care that he had for “THE MORENO VALLEY GOLF CLUB.

TOM IS RESTING AT PEACE IN THE ARMS OF CREATOR.

Christmas 2007

Christmas 2008