Thomas Thom A. Neighbors

Thom Neighbors, partner and co-founder of Bravo Productions passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with colon cancer at the age of 78. Thom was born on August 15, 1944, to James and Docia Neighbors in Long Beach, California. Both parents preceded him in death. He was the second eldest of four children. One sibling Daniel (Danny) Lee preceded him in death. Thom grew up in Long Beach, California, and graduated from Jordan High School in 1962. He later studied art and design at California State University, Long Beach and additional studies in drafting, and illustrations at the renowned Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. Prior to co-founding Bravo Productions, Thom served as art director and general manager for Festival Artists, one of the largest Tournament of Roses Parade Float manufacturers. Thom managed the company’s Art and Construction Departments, designed artwork for promotional merchandise, and assisted in designing parade entries for the company’s clients, including Bank of America, American Honda, and Arco. His impressive architectural designs led to prestigious awards and recognition in the art and design community, and with the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. Thom also served as a designer for several years for the Downey Rose Float Association, where his creations won numerous awards in the Tournament of Rose Parade. Thom also freelanced with Phoenix Decorating and won numerous Rose Parade awards. He designed for such clients to include AMC Theaters, city of Los Angeles and Lions Club, to name a few. Previously, Thom served as general manager and art director for Michigan’s Thanksgiving Parade. He also served for ten years as art director for Fiesta Floats in Temple City, California. Under his direction, the company’s Rose Parade entries received numerous awards for originality, creativity, craftsmanship, and artistic merit. Formerly, Thom was a technical illustrator for McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Company in Long Beach. Thom was a uniquely talented individual, both as an artist and man. In addition to his passion for art, he enjoyed movies, history, and reading thrillers, non-fiction, and bestselling novels. He enjoyed gardening, travel, museums and galleries, the great outdoors, visiting national parks, and trivia – a natural as a potential Jeopardy show contestant. Thom was also known for his quick laughter and warm and caring nature. Thom served in the military and was honorably discharged from the Army at the expiration of his term of service. Prior to military service and after high school, Thom took a 3-month trip to Europe where he learned many life lessons to include independence, freedom, confidence, self-awareness, and problem-solving skills. Thom leaves to cherish his memory, beloved friend and business partner, Greg Jenkins; siblings Patricia Kinder (Rick) and Pamela Russell; nephew and nieces Robert Spence (Christina), Lori Mann, Michelle Touchstone (Brent); great nephew Hayden Spence; great nieces Brooklyn Spence and Danielle Mann; and a host of friends, relatives, business clients and colleagues, and supporters in the community. Thom was loved by many and will be dearly missed and remembered often.