Thomas Edward Dilts

My brother Thomas Edward Dilts graduated from West High School in 1964.He died of multiple organ failure on June 25th, 2000, in San Luis Obispo County General Hospital. Tom actively participated and lettered in Wrestling and Gymnastics.Although West didn't have much of a Gymnastics team, he had lettered at North Torrance HS his sophomore year, and lettered 3 years in wrestling.Tom was known on campus by all of his classmates and was usually seen with his best friend Darryl Ferges. After graduating from West, Tom and Darryl went to work for the Ted Duane Circus. Tom and Darryl traveled the world with the circus and their act. Tom served his military duty in the US Army (drafted) and did a tour of duty in Viet Nam.Upon his return to civilian life, Tom married Kathy. Tom was only married for about 7 years.Then he was back on the road with his buddy Darryl.After many years of bruises and injuries, Toms body was no longer able withstand the physical regimen of his work schedule.That's when life for Tom began to take a turn for the worse.Tom had lived his life to fullest.He lived more life in 20 years than most of us will live in our lifetime.Because of the pain he had to endure from all of his injuries, he began to drink very heavily.We all tried to help Tom during this down turn in his life.Unfortunately we failed.We miss him very much.We hope that those of you who knew Tom, or Thom as he liked to be known, will remember the shining star that he was.He was a good hearted soul that, like a shinning star, burned out before his time was due.