Tommy D. Rydalch

Tommy D. Rydalch passed away 0n February 13, 2018, in Long Beach, California. Tommy Dee was born in South Gate, California, on June 2, 1939, to Margaret and Chester Dee Rydalch—who gave him a good old fashioned name suggested by Grandpa Zemmerer, Margaret’s father. Tom lived in South Gate, CA, until 1947 when his Dad sold everything and bought a 80 acre farm in Wendell, Idaho. Tom attended Wendell High School, graduating in 1957 with 39 classmates. He played varsity football and baseball, and played a season for the Chicago Cubs semi-pro team as a catcher. He then attended College of Idaho where he received a B.Ed. in elementary education and taught fifth grade for a year before moving to California to be near his parents who retired and moved to Laguna Beach, CA. Tom worked at Phelps Dodge Copper products as a maintenance mechanic and millwright, and then the same position at Uniroyal Tire and Rubber for ten years (the old Babylonian Stone building off the 5 fwy.). When all rubber manufacturing left the west coast, Tom returned to college and completed a certificate in Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing from Cerritos College; and to U.C.L.A. to receive his Community College Teaching Credential. Tom met his wife Ina Marie Clark Rydalch in 1964, and they were the most devoted and loving couple for almost 53 years, having married in July of 1965. They were never blessed with children, they both were teachers, she eventually the director of a dental hygiene program at Cypress College, and Tom the department coordinator and professor of Automotive Collision Repair and Refinishing at Compton/El Camino College. He taught over 30 years. Tom received his first drivers license at 14 years of age, and started the building of a 1929 Ford roadster. His life long love of car restoration lead him to his teaching of  paint and restoration, and at one time he had a collection of automobiles he had all personally restored.  He loved Cadillacs, Corvettes, muscle cars, and classics. His last restoration was a 1929 Ford roadster, he wanted to finish with the same car he first started with…. Tom always had a great love of music, playing the harmonica as a child at the Grange dances in Idaho, then in college playing a banjo after the style of the Kingston Trio. He always loved bluegrass music and found joy in a music ministry in Bluegrass Gospel music –playing 20 years with a group called Gospel Train, then for over 20 years with a group called Bluegrass Light, from Huntington Beach, CA. He found such happiness serving the Lord through music, playing every Sunday evening for the service at Lakewood Village Community Church. With his love of the Lord, his kindness, and caring heart; and his sweet smile he truly was God’s good and faithful servant.He is survived by his loving wife Ina, his sister Sally Hand (Erv), and their two daughters Shauna Rexroat (Robin) and Ellen Sawyer and their children and grand children from Washington. Ina’s brother John (Sonia) from Hawaii, cousins and family. His adopted family who he loved Cliff Parris and Karen Parris, and their children and his God children (children in heart) Melissa Mittlehauser (Don) and Brian Parris (Sara). He treasured bring Papa Tom to granddaughters Anna (10) and Alina (6). And he treasured so many dear friends who he loved and considered family of the heart.A Celebration of his life will be held at Lakewood Village Community Church, on April 14, 2018, at 11:00 AM. Luncheon to follow in the Fellowship Hall at the church. Many have asked about flowers, and instead of flowers a donation to the Lakewood Village Community Church to help those who are in great need with food, clothing, and care, would honor him greatly.Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401