Toma "Thomas" Mazuran

Thomas Muzuran left Nakovana as a young man after a disagreement with his Father Ivan Muzuran - No-one ever knew what the disagreement was about - It is one of the great family mysteries that died along with Father and Son Thomas & Ivan.

When Thomas left Nakovana to never return or see his Mother Frana again - This we are told broke his Mothers heart with a sadness that she never quite recovered from. Thomas moved to San Pedro California where he never married but been the sociable fellow that we believed him to be - he had a wonderful extended family of close friends.

Thomas was very musical and he enjoyed composing his own music - he penciled many original music scores during his life. Thomas must of also played an instrument - but it is unknown to us which one.

There are many pictures of lovely dinner parties, & friendships with a creative crowd who look to share his passion for music, poetry & the theater - Thomas by all accounts appeared to totally love his life living under the Californian sunshine. The pictures do suggest a fun & enjoyable life.

Thomas Lived his life at 211 (West) 9 TH Street, San Pedro California. This address is an easy walk to San Pedro Bay. Thomas must of taken advantage of the properties close proximity for walks along the Bay. A chance to relax and take in the Pacific sea air, under blues skies and the mild Californian climate.

We assume Thomas was a member of the San Francisco 'Yugoslav Society' - Thomas is pictured in one very interesting group shot photographed in a long scroll format with possibly 500 odd people. The photograph is taken outside San Francisco City Hall which reopened in 1915.

New evidence has come to light that Thomas Mazuran was naturalized in 1927.

Thomas always kept in touch with his sister Frana Pamich and her three Daughters living in New Zealand. Thomas sent beautiful letters & cards regularly to the Pamich family & three girls. Thomas had gorgeous handwriting & was a great communicator. Thomas was the ever-adored Uncle of Millicent (Milica) Nola, Mary (Govorko) & Gloria (Pecotic). Thomas would regularly send over packets of silk stocking for the three girls. Millicent (Milica) Nola was happy when she married on May 10th in 1947 a special package arrived from Uncle Thomas with a passionate letter wishing his niece all the best in her life with her new husband Gordon Nola. In the accompanying letter Thomas was deeply concerned the pair of white silk stockings he sent for her to wear on her wedding day wouldn't quite arrive in time. Mother always spoke of Thomas' thoughtful nature & kind heart. Thomas was remembered fondly by everyone that knew (or knew of) him.

When Thomas passed in California in 1955 - some time later a trunk arrived to our Grandmothers house (Frana Pamich) in Tahuna New Zealand we believe. Inside there was a box of photos, coupled with a few other personal effects - Sent out from San Pedro by a neighbor of Thomas' we were always told. As kids it was nice at least to have a great collection of pictures to look through to try & get to know the man if even a tiny bit.

Although we never met Uncle Tom mainly because he was a bit before our time - we all grew-up with photo's of Thomas watching over us from the dinning room wall's of our Baba Frana Pamich's house in Tahuna. It was like he was 'kind-of there and had quite a presence even if only in spirit.

On a trip to America in the 1970's our parents Milicent & Gordon Nola traveled to San Pedro to try and locate a grave for Thomas but sadly there were so many cemeteries. After visiting a few without any luck, they gave up the search. Thomas' grave had never been successfully located. It was through the kindness of a dear lady via Geni who located Uncle Thomas' grave for us 58 years later (4th April 2013) and brought his spirit to rest with family. Bless.

A photo of Thomas Muzurana's gravestone is in our album. If you are visiting California here is where you will find Thomas: Green Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Los Angeles, California Plot - Ocean View 234 H

We are sorry we never had the pleasure of meeting you Uncle Tom. I'm sure our families love of both the stage & music may have been passed down from you to us. We finally found you & brought you home (in a sense)

Pocivala u miru.