Thomas Minem Halby passed away quietly on Sept. 4, 2019 in Santa Rosa, CA.

Tom was born to Joseph Halby Sr. and Alice Halby (David) on April 1, 1937 in Los Angeles, CA. Tom married Pamellia (Pam) Hafen on Sept. 17, 1966. He attended Palo Verde High School where he lettered and played varsity football all four years. He made his dream of attending the University of Notre Dame a reality after graduating High School in 1956 and studying for a year at Palo Verde College. When his time at Notre Dame finished, he was drafted into the Army for two years. While stationed in Germany he became fascinated with the German wine culture and their affinity to making great wines.

Upon his return to the U.S., Tom pursued a career in the wine industry. An opportunity arose for him to become a regional manager for Parrot Co. and sell Louis Martini and Wente Bros wines in the Midwest. He moved his family to the Chicago suburbs where they met many lifelong friends. In 1982, Tom moved his family back to California to be closer to the wine industry epicenter. He reestablished his family to Blackhawk in Danville, CA where they made many dear friends over their 36 years there. Tom founded his company Halby Marketing in Sonoma, CA in 1983 and began to import wine to the U.S. During his over 55 year career in the wine industry Tom helped establish many prestigious California wineries from Napa and Sonoma as well as represent fine wines from Germany, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Chile. He truly loved his job traveling the world with his wife and enjoyed selling wine every day.

Tom's interests included playing Gin Rummy and watching sports, with a passion for college football. Tom retired to the town of Sonoma with his wife in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Pam of over 53 years, his son Thomas Scott Halby of Sonoma, CA, his son Brett Joseph Halby and wife Debra of Sonom,a CA, his granddaughters Taylor Ann Halby of Atlant,a GA and Savannah Lee Halby of Sonoma, CA, his brothers George Halby of Blythe, CA and Joseph Halby Jr. of Henderson, NV, as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Pamela Halby.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked to please make a donation to the Alzheimer's Association, St. Judes Children's Hospital or to your local First Responders fund in Tom's honor.

Visitation will be held at Frye Chapel in Blythe on Thursday, Sept. 19th, at 6 pm with Rosary will starting at 7 pm. Services will be held Friday, Sept. 20th at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church at 10 am, with burial following at Palo Verde Cemetery.