This section includes announcements of important events in our lives–births, graduations, engagements, marriages, and deaths. If you want to share an event with your community, please send a photo and a written piece to [email protected].
Thomas Arnold Hai Botzler, 54, of Guerneville, CA, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Trinidad, CA, with family at his side, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and love. Thomas left us in body, but not in spirit. Known for his legendary stories, dad jokes, and infectious laughter, Thomas brightened every room he entered. Whether it was his storytelling or his love for travel and food, Thomas lived life with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. Thomas was born on April 14, 1972, in Vung Tau, South Vietnam, to a Vietnamese mother and an African American serviceman. Thomas’ journey began when he left the hospital to become part of an innovative orphanage program in Vietnam established by “Mom and Pop” Warren. In November 1973, he traveled to San Francisco, CA, and joined Richard and Sally Botzler’s family in McKinleyville, CA, through the Holt Adoptions Program.
Thomas’ journey continued when he graduated from McKinleyville High School in McKinleyville, CA, and he traveled to Great Bend, KS, where he attended Barton County Community College on a cheerleading scholarship. Cheerleading was a central part of his life and gifted him many opportunities to travel across the country and abroad. Following Barton County Community College, he cheered at Kansas State University (K-State), where he later became an assistant cheer coach. He worked as a staff member, coach, and eventually, a camp manager for Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) over the course of 25 years. He was also a cheer coach at Coffeeville Community College (KS), Sacramento State (CA), and Humboldt State (CA). Thomas loved watching sports, especially the K-State Wildcats. He was a die-hard fan until the end, remaining committed, passionate, and was always found in purple — sometimes with many layers of purple. Thomas made and maintained many close and lifelong friendships through his travels. The stops along his journey helped him to become a wine connoisseur and incredible cook. He said cooking was his love language, and it brought him great joy to cook for others. Those he fed, felt the love.
As Thomas journeyed and made a few stops to live throughout the United States, he found his “Good Place” in Guerneville, CA, with Lisa in 2024. Together they created and established Local…ish, a refillery store that also hosts local Sonoma County artisans. Thomas and Lisa knew the importance of legacy and establishing roots. The Guerneville community and Local…ish gave him and Lisa the opportunity to live these values. They found themselves embraced and adored by many. There Thomas found a true sense of belonging and community…