Thomas W. Conklin – Dentist and great cook

Thomas W. Conklin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by
family on Nov. 22, 2007 at the age of 80 years. Thomas W. (Tom)
Conklin was born June 29, 1927 in Boise, Idaho to parents William
D. ‘Bill’ and Blanche Conklin. He is survived by his wife Dolores,
sons Daniel Conklin and his wife Brenda of Redding and son Dr.
William (Bill) Conklin and his wife Julie of Healdsburg. He is also
survived by his sister, Wilma (Willie) Workinger and her husband
Sam of Santa Cruz.
Upon graduation from Boise High School, Tom enlisted in the US
Navy at age 17. He served on the USS Robert H. Smith during WWII.
Returning home, he entered the University of Washington and as a
member of ROTC he was called to serve in the US Army in Korea after
graduation in l952. During this time he met and married Dolores
Marie Anderson on Dec. 23, 1950.
Returning from the service he worked in the family owned MarLyn
planning mill in Gualala, California. Sons Daniel and William were
born in Santa Rosa during this time. Life changed when on the
advice of a dental friend Tom decided to go back to school to
become a dentist. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio for four
years. Tom graduated from Western Reserve School of Dentistry in
1965 and the family returned to California. Tom practiced general
dentistry in Healdsburg until his retirement in 1990.
Dr. Conklin was a devoted family man who loved to cook,
especially Chinese food, for family and friends. He enjoyed
traveling and a good ‘action’ movie. He will be remembered for his
sense of humor, his friendly greeting, ‘bear hugs’ and love of a
good Chinese lunch out. His sons learned their love for camping and
waterskiing from their dad during many summers spent at Lake
Pillsbury. His grandchildren will miss their ‘Papa’ and his
willingness to go to the movies or for ice cream at a moment’s
notice.
Also survived by his loving grandchildren, John Conklin and wife
Heather of Riverside; Katherine Conklin of Davis; Christopher
Conklin, USMMA, Kingspoint, NY; Jessica and Jena Armstrong of
Redding; Michelle and Nicole Conklin of Healdsburg. He will also be
missed by nieces Karen Pinsonneault, Debbie Dill, Jean and Lisa
Lundquist and nephew Sten Lundquist.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life
for Tom on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church, 1402 University Ave. in Healdsburg. Pastor Clint
Lutz will be officiating.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to
the Healdsburg Boys and Girls Club, 555 Piper St., Healdsburg, CA
95448 or to your favorite charity.