Thomas Paterson

1924 - 2017

Thomas Macdonald Paterson

September 3, 1924 - August 20, 2017

Thomas Paterson, 92, peacefully passed away on Sunday, August 20 in Oakland, Ca. Tom was a one-of-a-kind individual who loved life, family and friends, traveling the world, especially on ocean cruises, and giving service to the community. He was born and raised in Alameda, Ca. where he attended elementary school and graduated from Alameda High. He was a member of the Boy Scouts and ultimately became an Eagle Scout.
He was a graduate of UCLA where he was a yell leader and member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. At about this time, he joined the Navy and remained in the Naval Reserve until his retirement as Commander. He was also an active member of the U.S. Naval Order. Tom worked in the insurance industry for over 40 years, retiring as President of the Clark, Paterson, and Rizzo insurance firm.
Tom enjoyed being an active member of his community and provided leadership and support to various organizations: he co-sponsored the Piedmont Community Pool; was on the Piedmont Board of Education; served in the vestry at St. Peter's Episcopal Church; was former president of the Oakland Association of Insurance Agents; and was a member of numerous organizations including the East Oakland Rotary Club, the East Bay Chapter of the National Safety Council, the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club, the Oakland University Club, the Athenian Nile Club, and a member and Trustee Emeritus of the Oakland Zoo.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas, of Brisbane, Australia, mother Alla of Oakland, Ca., sister Alla of Napa Ca., and wonderful wives, Rosemary Coleman (the mother of his children), Julene Brown, and Rena Baker. He is survived by his children, Thomas Macdonald Paterson III, James Scott Paterson, Mary Alla Paterson-Bright, and Daniel Farnsworth Paterson, daughters in law, a son in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous step-children and step-grandchildren, who all shared the unique experience of being in Tom's world.
Always Mr. Positive, one of his many oft-repeated sayings was, "I've never had a bad day." Perhaps naïve but he believed it and truly did his best to make it so. Tom will be remembered for his humor, community service, and living life to the fullest. He was buried in a private service and rests at the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, Ca. In lieu of flowers, take someone to lunch who makes you smile.