Patrick Edgar Tons

July 26, 2023, Patrick Edgar Tons, 82, of Irvine, California, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home with family by his side.

Patrick was a citizen of the world. Born in Riga, Latvia to Edgars Tons and Wanda Karklins, he spent his youth in Germany and Spain. He grew up with his two younger brothers, Pepito and Santiago Cogollos Karklins in Valencia, Spain.

In 1959, at the age of 18, he came to the United States to further his education in Kentucky. A short while after, he moved to New York where he earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from the City College of New York, and his MBA in Business Management from New York University. He and his family moved to Connecticut, then Massachusetts, following career advancement opportunities and the promise of new and exciting experiences. In the later stages of his career Patrick lived and worked abroad, spending many years in Asia before settling in Southern California.

Patrick strived to make a global impact through his career in International Trade and Development. His career led him to work for a variety of Environmental Engineering firms where his contributions spanned across the world including Asia and the Middle East.

He was kind to everyone who crossed his path, making allies and friends quickly. He is known for his love of cigars and martinis a la James Bond. He brought worldly knowledge to those around him and encouraged people to explore the world beyond their immediate surroundings. “Fish in other ponds, and you will find what you’re looking for '' he would say.

Patrick was many things, including stubborn, determined, hopeful, a devout Christian, and always enjoyed being surrounded by family.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Helen Pham, his sons: Patrick Tons, Jr. (wife Micki Carruth), James Tons (wife Mary Tons), James Vi (wife Nikki Nguyen), Jimmy Vi, Jason Vi (wife Ann Pham), his daughters: Dominique Forotti (husband Pascal Forotti), and Jacqueline Vi (husband Bryan Gott); 9 grandchildren: Stephanie Tons Williamson Bowman (37), Meggie (Mancini) Anderson (34), Luke Tons (30), Nina Tons(29), Seth Tons (22), Felix Forotti (10), Anais Forotti (8), Jordan Vi (4), and Joshua Vi (2); 4 Great grandchildren: Delaney Williamson (17), Liam Anderson (11) & Piper Anderson (10), Everly Bowman (6).

He is survived by his two brothers, Santiago Cogollos Karklins of Onteniente, Spain, and Pepito Cogollos Karklins of Valencia, Spain. He is also survived by his two sisters, Juta Brauna and Arta Tons in Latvia.

He will be missed for his sense of humor, bear hugs, and kind nature. He is at peace now and is with his mother Wanda, father, Edgars, as well as his Oma.