Herbert Sedgefield Thomson

1926 - 2015

H. Sedge Thomson

February 6, 1926 - October 23, 2015

Herbert Sedgefield Thomson, known to his friends and family as Sedge, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of October 23rd. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. It was at Cal that Sedge met his loving wife of 65 years, Sally. Sedge, one of the legendary Pappy Waldorf's Boys, served as senior manager for the Cal Bears in their Rose Bowl year of 1949. After graduation, his 40 year career in Higher Education commenced first at UC Berkeley, then UC Santa Barbara as Vice Chancellor, then in Seattle in 1963 as Business Manager at the University of Washington. He retired in 1988 as Director of Campus Planning. He was a leader in both the Western and National Associations of the College and University Business Officers, the latter awarding him in 1991 the Distinguished Business Officer Award. He held leadership positions with Rotary International, PROBUS, served 29 years on the Kidney Center Board, and was an active member at St. Bridget Catholic Church.

Sedge and his family have fond memories of backpacking trips in Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada, waterskiing on Lake Washington, and hosting joyous dinner gatherings in their home. Sedge was an avid reader, a master at the charcoal BBQ, loved flying and held a private pilot's license for several years. He was passionate about trains and built HO model railroads in his homes. In retirement, Sedge and Sally enjoyed cruises and train travel throughout North America and Europe.

Sedge was a wonderful writer and a well prepared and polished speaker. Known for his sense of humor and wit, he often had a limerick, poem, or song appropriate for the moment.

In addition to Sally, Sedge is survived by sons Sedge III, and Ken (Susan), daughter Ann Mann (David), grandchildren Jeremiah, Henry, Samuel, and Romilly Thomson, and loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass followed by a reception will be held Friday, November 6th, at 11:00 am at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 4900 NE 50th, Seattle. If you wish to make a donation, remembrances may be made to Catholic Community Services, the Mirabella Seattle Foundation, or the charity of your choice.