Thomas Browning

Browning, Thomas Frederick
April 21, 1943 - February 14, 2015

Thomas Browning passed unexpectedly at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Sharon; brothers, Max (Mary Jane) Browning, Vern (Sondra) Browning and Ron (Carol) Browning; sister Lyla (Jim) Grimes; brothers-in-law Aaron (Cathi) Read and Dan Read; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Elizabeth Browning, and sister Mae (Bud) Mangels.

Tom graduated from Armijo Union High school in Fairfield as class president and valedictorian in 1961. Apart from all his numerous academic achievements he was also a very accomplished athlete, competitive in both baseball and basketball. Tom graduated from Sacramento State with a Bachelors of Arts in 1965. For the next 28 years Tom was employed by Sacramento County in the Department of Health and Human Services as a Social Worker. He exemplified the true spirit of compassion in caring for each of his clients in the programs of Dependent Children, and in Adult Protective Services where he worked with the at-risk elderly and disabled until the end of his long career in 1995.

His life long love of golf was his greatest joy, as were the friendships he formed with fellow golfers at Ancil Hoffman. For Tom, being outside with good friends and some laughs always trumped the score. During the 19th hole gatherings, Tom exhibited a quick wit, teasing humor-no matter who won the low stakes pocket change. Tom was also an accomplished tennis player and fast distance runner, participating in numerous organized runs. What gave him great joy in recent years was the countless hours he spent on the phone with his beloved brother, Max, analyzing the play by play of ball games on super sized TVs.

Tom and Sharon enjoyed the ballet, contemporary jazz, theatre and art, having visited many of the finest museums in the US and Europe. But, their three Bichons-- Molly, Casper and Masie-- were the heart of their home, the place they always enjoyed the most.

Tom was funny, sweet and generous and will be missed by all who knew him. There will be a celebration of his life at Haggin Oaks Golf Course on March 22, at 1:00 PM. Donations may be made at IMHRO.ORG, One Mind Institute, for brain research.