 | | | July 28, 1932 - May 21, 2024 | | | | | | Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1932. While in High School, his family moved to Poland, Ohio where he met his future wife, Sandra (Hegg). The two became close friends. He graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, CT and then entered the Army. Following his discharge, he enrolled in the Wharton School and received an MBA in 1958. With encouragement from Sandra, he struck out for San Francisco and she followed a few months later. They began dating, and the rest as they say, "is history." After some time in Burlingame and Long Beach, they settled in Orinda, California. Tom was involved in the sale of packaging machinery nearly all of his professional career. In 1967, he purchased King Sales & Engineering Co., headquartered in San Francisco. The company was the exclusive sales representative in California for several of the leading manufactures of packaging machinery. Tom served as President of the Western Packaging Association, Chairman of the Board of Sponsors for the Western Packaging Show, and on the Advisory Board of the Packaging Program at San Jose State University. He was an active member at Orinda Community Church teaching the senior high class, Chairing the Open and Affirming Task Force, and organizing the church's annual retreat in Yosemite. Tom was an avid sailor, woodworker, and all around putterer. He enjoyed mysteries and was a member of The Scowrers and Molly Maguires. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his quick wit, ridiculous puns, and infectious smile. In 2007, Tom and Sandra relocated to Willamette View in Portland, Oregon to be closer to family.
Tom is survived by his children David (Vicki) Hill of Oberlin, Ohio and Jennifer (Greg) Thorne of Gresham, Oregon, grandchildren Benjamin Bisbee, Elizabeth Pulaski, Nathan Thorne, Nicholas Thorne, and great grandchildren, Alexander, Adeline, and Evelyn. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Martha, and his beloved wife of 62 years Sandra.
A committal service will be held at Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA