Thomas Joseph Bernard

1932 - 2018

Thomas Joseph Bernard March 21, 1932 - May 22, 2018 Santa Ynez Thomas Joseph Bernard passed away May 22, 2018 after fighting multiple health issues. He was born on March 21, 1932 in Los Angeles, CA. Tom was a child actor starting at age nine performing in theater, radio, TV and movies. In 1958 he changed career paths and moved to San Diego. He spent 21 years with Rohr Industries where he held various positions primarily in systems development. His last appointment was in 1979 where he was named President and General Manager of the Rohr Flxible Bus Co. in Ohio. When Tom returned to San Diego he joined Linkabit and served as Vice President of Communication Networks. Shortly after the initial founders started QUALCOMM, Tom joined as Vice President of Commercial Programs, later to hold the positions of VP and General Manager of OmniTRACS and eventually Sr. VP and General Manager of the Infrastructure Products Division. Tom helped spin off Leap Wireless as Vice Chairman and Executive VP in 1998 and retired in 2001. Tom had a very adventuresome spirit. He loved flying, golfing, fishing, swimming, skiing, horseback riding and traveling the world. His love for life was contagious. After retirement Tom and his wife moved to the Santa Ynez Valley where he totally embraced his last twelve years of life. He left behind a wife Teresa, children Dustin, Cydney, Tom and Allan. He had five grandchildren Sophie, Charlie, Kit, Awna and Scarlett. There will be a Celebration of Life held on June 9th at 4 PM at the Alisal River Course in Solvang, CA.