Donald Philip Thom, a 4th generation Californian, born in 1928 in San Francisco, first child of Andrew and Mary Thom. The family moved to San Carlos in 1939 where he attended Central School. A 1946 graduate of Sequoia High School, he also attended San Jose State College. He met Jocelyn Bauer on a blind date and the couple celebrated 63 years of marriage in August of 2013.
A strong leader, Don was manager and eventually owner of Bruce Bauer Lumber & Supply in San Carlos and Mountain View. Cultivating and solidifying the community-based roots of the brand that Bruce Bauer himself established, Don defined stewardship for what is now a fourth generation, local family business. He was an active member of the San Carlos Rotary Club. Don graced the earth with his kindness and love. The consummate gentleman; Don always greeted you with a smile and trademark firm handshake, listened to what you had to say, and held the door for you whether he knew you or not.
An avid outdoorsman who fished, hunted and camped; a prolific crossword-solver and a jigsaw puzzler, he could also pitch a mean game of horseshoes. Don was a loyal friend, and loving companion who leaves a legacy that is admired by all who knew him. When not hard at work on projects, Don loved adventures—he and Jocelyn traveled the world on tours and explored California on up into Alaska by motorhome. Dearest to him were Memorial Park, the Bauer family cabin on the Oregon Coast where he and Jocelyn honeymooned, and many summers spent on the south shore of Maui including the family reunion they hosted on their 50th anniversary.
Don leaves behind his wife Jocelyn, and three sons: Douglas (Susan), David (Chris) and Darryl (Lori). He was Grandpa to: Adam Krusi-Thom (Jillian), Mike, Nick & Dan Nardini, Brian, Kelly and Joel Thom and Great Grandpa to Madison & Emma Nardini. Also survived by siblings: Phylis Agnelli (Lou), Doug Thom (Libbie), Gini Alexander (Brian), sister-in-law Barbara Bauer and Don's childhood friend of 80 years, James Old, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Don’s family and friends celebrate this great man and his enduring spirit.
A Public Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 22, 1:30 PM, Epiphany Episcopal Church, 1839 Arroyo Ave, San Carlos, CA 94070
Donations may be made in Don's memory to the Alzheimer's Association: www.Alz.org
Tributes
Leave a tributeDoug & Susan
I talked to a Bruce Bauer Customer today who was going to drive to Alaska. I shared my story with him about when you and Mom drove me to Alaska where we met Grandpa Bauer.
David
Today, I was telling a customer how you taught me to greet customers when they walk in the door. The customer said he had a warm and fuzzy feeling in the store today.
David
Doug
Doug. 1/26/2022
Well, we sent you some "company" on Tuesday. I hope you and Mom are having fun again.
Doug
We miss you! We've got a NEW house project at Ten Mile. Grab your hammer and come give us a hand!
Doug
You're a Great Grandfather - what fun! A baby girl and a baby boy on the way. Exciting times. Special thoughts of you today. Ten Mile next week!
Still our favorite place! XOX
We're going to meet your new Great Granddaughter, River, in a few days. I hope she got all of YOUR "Fun-Loving" genes.
We miss you! Doug
Today I was doing a little research on Barbara Bauer as her 80th birthday is coming up Monday. I found an old e-mail from Barbara dated Jan 25,2014. In the note Barbara explained what types of See's candy she likes which is most all kind. In the same note she mentions her concern for your well being and of course you passed the next day.
You are always in our thoughts Dad.
We miss you terribly.
Doug
XOX
XOXO Doug
Thanks again for giving me my first job. I still get excited every time I walk into a lumberyard and inhale that magical scent of wood...
Leave a Tribute
Doug & Susan
I talked to a Bruce Bauer Customer today who was going to drive to Alaska. I shared my story with him about when you and Mom drove me to Alaska where we met Grandpa Bauer.
David
Welcome to heaven Mom
Hello Dad,
Mom passed Tuesday Jan 22, 2019 (as you now know) and we are pleased you are both together once again. Perhaps you are playing Gin Rummy on a Motor Home trip. Say "Hi" to Aunty Phil and Uncle Lou for all of us please. We celebrated Mom and Uncle Lou's Lives with many special friends and family members last weekend. There were so many wonderful stories.
More Don-ism's....
These may have evolved elsewhere, or perhaps passed to me from Darryl. But, their roots were solidly with Don.
"Shoot the grease over here" - pass the butter.
"You boys set up in your fartsacks?" - basically, how are we doing in our sleeping bags while camping or an overnight on Melendy.
Oh, yeah, solid Don material.