Los Angeles, United States - January 21, 2025 01/21/2025 09:30 am (GMT-0800) SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – Statement issued by the City of Simi Valley: City Announces the Passing of Mayor Fred D. Thomas Post Date:01/21/2025 9:30 a.m. With a heavy heart, City Manager Samantha C. Argabrite announced that Mayor Fred D. Thomas passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of January 21, 2025, surrounded by his family. Mayor Thomas was first elected to the Simi Valley City Council as Mayor in November 2022 and re-elected this past November to a second term of office. During his time on the Council, he demonstrated a passion for the community and a love of its citizens. Prior to his service on the City Council, Mayor Thomas served for 20 years on the board of the Boys ̉ Girls Club, four of which as Board President. He previously served as a member of the Simi Valley Gang Task Force, Simi Valley Crime Prevention Task Force, and as an executive board member of Neighborhood Council #1. He most recently served as a board member of the Simi Valley Police Foundation and previously as its President for three years, demonstrating a passion for the safety of Simi Valley and its Police Department. As an active member of the community and avid supporter of youth, Mayor Thomas was recognized with the Simi Valley Community Foundation Humanitarian Award in 2013, the Kiki Camarena Award from Californians for Drug Free Youth for his work in drug education working with the Drug Enforcement Agency, and was presented with the 2021 Boys ؊ Girls Club Champion of Youth Award. Mayor Thomas was an entrepreneur his entire adult life, starting as a graphic designer before becoming a partner in a real estate marketing firm. He formed his national direct mail marketing firm in 1992 and owned a commercial printing company. “This is an incredibly sad time,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dee Dee Cavanagh. “Fred was a caring man, an excellent leader, and a true testament to a life well lived.” Mayor Thomas, who was 67, had been a resident of Simi Valley since 1994. He is survived by his two daughters, Brandee (Brandon) and Kristen (Jay), two grandchildren (Shane and Summer), and his partner Ashley. No information on services is available at this time. During the January 27 City Council meeting, the City Council will discuss steps moving forward.