In Remembrance of Arel Thomas

Death of a longtime, well-known friend this morning: Arel Thomas. He was an entertainer and musician extraordinaire. Perhaps you've seen him perform as "Arel Thomas and The Kicks" and in other ensembles over many decades here in the Northwest, Las Vegas or Reno. He and his wife have been living in Reno for many years. He was a gifted musician from early childhood and came from a musically talented family. But despite all of that, he was also an extraordinary family man and friend. #ArelThomas #Reno #LasVegas #TheKicks #Seattle

One of his longtime musical partners was vocalist and drummer Evan "Brownie" Brown, who passed away a couple of years ago. Evan had also worked for many years at KLAY Radio in Lakewood until cancer sidelined him prior to his death. #EvanBrown #Brownie

I wrote to Arel recently to let him know that KLAY had been sold and was being dismantled. Sadly the end of an era here in local radio. Even though we kept in touch on a regular basis, I had no idea when I wrote to him that day that he was dying. #KLAY

But here is what Arel wrote back that day something that was so insightful -- both powerful and uplifting -- I was astonished by it

Arel's last words to me: "One of the tough steps we go through is watching things disappear or change....good times is just that...time evolves and we experience the vibrations..we are at a time where we can look back and smile at being so blessed to have had the love..the chance to bring smiles to the gift of life. We have been so lucky...enjoy the sadness ..it will turn into love and keep going!! Love and caring is the way...just keep going forward..the light is waiting for all of us!" #LastWords