Virgil Thomas Arbonies, age 52, passed away following a brief battle with cancer on the morning of July 31, 2017, in Winnemucca, Nevada. “Tom,” also known as “Virgil” later in life, is survived by his girlfriend of eight years Kim Acorda, his mother Jacqueline Arbonies, brothers Jim (Dawn) Arbonies and Rod Arbonies all of Winnemucca, Sister Beth (Mike) Lane of Kannapolis, North Carolina, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Arbonies, his grandparents Joaquin and Silveria (Arquetta) Arbonies, James and Stella (Dermid) Sluder and nephew Josh Arbonies. Tom was born on May 10, 1965.
He attended the First Baptist Church as a child and school in Winnemucca. He started work at the 76 Truck Stop as a teenager and later moved on to NAPA auto parts.
Tom spent the last 22 years working west of town at Desert Valley as a farmer, then farm boss for Crawford Farms managing the day to day operations.
Tom enjoyed holidays and dinners with family. He was known as “Papa” and loved by many children. He formed a very special relationship with Kim Acorda in 2009; together they enjoyed many road trips, their “adoptive” daughter Erika (affectionately referred to by Tom as “Baby”), Kim’s children and grandchildren, their dogs Balsa B, Oreo, Pita and Spooky the cat.
Tom was a very social man who enjoyed spending time with his many friends on hunting trips, trap shooting, duck hunting, shooting rabbits and squirrels at the farm and dining out.
His family, friends and co-workers will always remember him, as he touched many lives. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday August 12, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Winnemucca Convention Center, West Hall. Pastor Jason Brogan of the First Baptist Church will officiate, with a potluck to follow.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s life. The family would like to thank all Tom’s friends and the Crawford family for their visits, prayers, love and support. We would also like to thank the nurses and Dr. Mahadeva at HGH for making his final days more comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like any donations sent to Humboldt Volunteer Hospice, PO Box 843, Winnemucca, Nevada 89446.
