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Thomas Williams Obituary
June 20, 1941 - January 26, 2017
Monterey
On Thursday, January 26, 2017, Thomas Donald Williams passed away peacefully in his Monterey home. Tom is survived by his loving wife Jane Williams; his younger sister Kay Terry who lives in Citrus Heights, California; his son Brian Williams (wife Amy) who lives in Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter Sasha Brown (husband Clint) who lives in Dallas, Texas; his stepson Jimmy Lieder who lives in Wonder Valley, California; and two stepdaughters, Jamie Lieder who lives in Shelter Cove, California and Kristi Lieder-Beck (husband Garrett) who lives in Fresno, California. Much to his delight, he lived to enjoy three grandchildren and five step grandchildren.
Tom was born in Oakland, California, to Everett and Lillian Williams. A theme throughout Tom's young life was his love of dogs and horses. He was attending University of California at Davis with a major in dentistry when a friend gave him life-changing career counseling when saying, "Pick your profession from your avocation and you will be happy for the rest of your life. Pick it for the money you will make and you will be bored in five years." Tom changed his major to veterinary medicine in his sophomore year. He wrote, "One must love animals, have a passion for treating them and giving them the gift of health. He must have an ability to work with his hands, and determination and drive softened by gentleness." When his studies were completed at UC Davis Tom received a call from Uncle Sam. He had been chosen to go into biological research with the United States Army at Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland.
Tom went into private practice when he opened Aguajito Veterinary Hospital in 1978 where he practiced veterinary medicine from then to the present day. His curiosity about animals, both domestic and wild, was deepened by a thirst for conducting research. He participated in research on elk in Yellowstone National Park and on wild horses in Nevada by tagging and collecting DNA samples. He was contracted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and became its first veterinarian, tending to marine animals before the doors opened in 1984. Tom developed a world-class sea otter rescue and research program and saved oil drenched otters following the tragic Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska. While at the Aquarium he succeeded in keeping stranded otter pups alive, overseeing them in his bathtub at home. He developed a formula for orphaned pups which nourished them in the absence of their mothers' milk and used water beds to keep orphaned otter pups from becoming overheated, a key to success in their survival. Sea otters in almost every aquarium and zoo across North America are there today as a result of Tom's pioneering work at the Aquarium.
He also worked with the Tuna Research and the Conservation Center of Stanford University and with the Monterey Bay Aquarium where he was again a pioneer. He developed the surgical techniques for placing "archival" tags in tuna to record their trans-oceanic sojourns in stunning detail. Tom trained two generations of Stanford students in at-sea surgical techniques and traveled on expeditions that took him across the globe tagging giant blue fin tuna. Remarkably Tom conducted all of his research while still maintaining a steadfast commitment to his Aguajito Veterinary practice.
Tom was active in the Monterey community as well. As a longtime member of the Monterey Rotary Club, he championed programs to expand music education in Monterey Peninsula Schools and supported programs to eradicate polio worldwide.
The motto by which Tom lived was, "The more you know, the more you know you don't know." He graced us all with a rare combination of humility, intuition, skill, generosity, humor and playfulness that left a legacy of gratitude and inspired lifelong friendships from far and wide. He was a bright, funny, warm considerate and caring man, a gentle spirit and a true healer. He will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Carmel Valley at 11am on Saturday, February 18, 2017. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, 1698 Elkhorn Road, Watsonville, CA 95076 or to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940. To leave condolences for the family please visit www.thepaulmortuary.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Williams
Sponsored by Monterey Herald.
Heather Norman (Bow Wow Coastal)
March 11, 2017
Dr. Tom will be missed so very much in the animal community by myself and so many of my clients. I could see how much he loved animals; such a kind and generous man. My sincere condolences.
Trent and daughter Eliana
Trent Meyer
February 19, 2017
Dear Jan,
I'm shocked! I went to the internet to get the address of the clinic....
It is 4-pm Sunday and just read the life of this wonderful man and see the celebration of his life was yesterday. Oh my, I am so sorry I missed this.
To you, Brian, Sasha and the family,
You have lost one of the most wonderful people I have even known, he knew me before I was born, came to our house in 1955 riding his horse to be saved from the flood. I was not quite two, but I will tell you, he like his parents were the best people and great friends with my parents and were very lucky to have been able to share time with them all.
We last saw Tom and Jan in July.
I am so very sorry for your loss and terribly sorry I was not aware of the services. My thoughts are will you all and may each of you share the wonderful memories and hold each other close to get through these difficult times ahead.
Brian and Sasha: may the days ahead be with family and know you are in my thoughts. Please forgive me for not being with you yesterday, I would have done anything to there, so sorry.
With love to each of you.
Trent Meyer
160 Middleton Way, Sac. CA, 95864
[email protected]/5304000865
Dennis Allion
February 18, 2017
Tom was a delightful and caring doctor to 4 of our pets. It was my pleasure to play a few rounds of golf with him. His attitude on life was wonderful.
February 16, 2017
Dr. Tom was loved my me and my
German Shepherd/Boarder Collie Timber. I am so grateful that during a recent illness when I thought I would have to put Timber to sleep, Dr. Tom hugged me and told me trust him......and today Timber is doing fine. I am so glad I "trusted him" he was the best and we miss him terribly....I would have loved see all the animals waiting at the Rainbow Bridge for him!
Barbara and Timber Thomas
Richard Pagnillo
February 15, 2017
Tom was a long time friend who did a major service for me. While I was caring for a blinded war veteran Tom cared for his seeing eye dog for free for many years. He treated the dog and the veteran with the utmost respect.
So much so that I did not mind spending all the time it took to look for his lost balls when we were on the golf course.
Pag
Chuck Cech
February 15, 2017
Tom and I where in Indian Guides with our boys and we had been friends ever since. Tom was also a very close to our dog,Lakota, Tom would always sit on the floor in the examination room when Lakota came for his exam, and Tom would always give Lakota a kiss on his long nose when he was finished with the examination..Tom will be missed very much by the entire the entire family. Chuck Cech..
Pam Tuomi
February 14, 2017
I first met Tom when I was delivering a box of supplies for him to take from Anchorage to the Exxon Sea Otter Rescue facility in Valdez AK. I had no problem identifying him in the crowded airport as he animatedly discuss planning with his travel companions and followed that introduction with several weeks of mentoring as he taught me all that he know about sea otter medicine. He was a real pioneer, passionate, inventive and willing to share his experiences with all of us.
Howard and Michele Morton
February 13, 2017
Dr, Tom was a steadfast friend of our entire family. His kindness, compassion, and skill kept his patients well and happy.and alleviated much anxiety on the part of their pet parents. His warmth and friendliness will be missed by all that knew him. Our deepest condolences go to the Williams family at this most difficult of times.
Eric Johnsen
February 13, 2017
Tom was a dear man and I will miss him greatly. All of his great testimonies regarding his career and his wonderful giving attitude were exemplified in his friendships and every day with me in every encounter we had. Tom was genuine, honest and extremely humble and enjoyed a big hug. My prayers to the family and trust Tom is in the heavenlies with the Lord. Rest In Peace Tom. You impacted more lives than you know. God's grace and peace to the family.
Sharon & Peter Armbrust
February 13, 2017
Tom was a dear and longtime friend to us from almost our first days in Monterey. He always had a funny story to share and a kind word. We will miss him.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Susan Dauphine
February 13, 2017
Tom was an absolutely awesome human being. We send our deep sympathy.
Richard and Susan Dauphine
Tom DiMaggio
February 11, 2017
Although I knew that Dr. Tom was ill, I was no less shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. My sincere condolences to all his family.
I don't think they make too many like him anymore; at once an innovative professional and yet a great "country doctor" who got things done without a lot of muss or fuss. Case in point. When my Beagle Sally had a growth under her gum, another Vet went on about biopsies and possible jaw surgery etc. Dr. Tom removed the growth in 10 minutes during her dental cleaning with a special tool he used for uterine cysts. Great common sense combined with professional ability and EXPERIENCE. Hard to beat!
Having learned of all his marine animal work, I'm going to make a suggestion to the Monterey Aquarium to post a tribute to him in the building.
Possibly a plaque or such on or near the otter exhibit would be appropriate so others can know of his valuable work as our very own "Otter Doc".
He will definitely be missed!
Tuck Family
February 10, 2017
Very sorry to hear about Tom's passing. My condolences go out to his family. He took care our all our Border Collies since the mid 90's. He is a great vet and will be deeply missed. I enjoyed his sense of humor and approach as a vet. I will miss him.
Frank and Carol Verga
February 10, 2017
Thank you Dr Williams for all your work with animals, both wild and domestic. You helped my wife and I and our pets through good times and bad. My condolences to your family and caring staff members.
February 10, 2017
Our dear friend Dr.Tom was the Doctor of all our furry children
from 1978 to recently. He will be missed very much. Nels & Jill Wiegand
Paul,Kerri & Gabe Compagno
February 10, 2017
We are so sorry for your loss.
Dan Coombs D.V.M.
February 9, 2017
Tom was a great classmate, veterinarian and friend who always saw the bright and positive side of things. He used the amazing knowledge we all gained at U.C. Davis to the maximum benefit of a very wide range of animals. Jane and I will miss tom very much. Our sincere sympathies go out to all his family members and legion his legion of friends and associates. Truly a great veterinarian and individual. Dan and Jane Coombs
Tom Schubert
February 9, 2017
Tom not only taught Stanford students concerning Marine Mammals but he had a tremendous impact on young veterinarians working for/with him. As one of those fresh young vets I marveled at the comfort Tom had with doing canine and feline surgeries. Knowing that Tom was in the hospital gave me the confidence to do more complicated surgeries. Tom was a mentor but most of all a role model. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Mel & Felicia Ming
February 8, 2017
We are shocked and deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Williams. He was always kind and caring when our furry baby, Waldo, was diagnosed with cancer and then when we added two more furry babies, Taz and Max to our family when Waldo passed. Dr. Williams will be tremendously missed and our thoughts and prayers go to his loving family...
Shelby
Susan Young
February 8, 2017
My condolences to the family of Dr. Tom. For all of his esteemed scientific work with sea otters and tuna, those of us who entrusted him with the care of our beloved pets relied on his expertise and benefitted by his kind and compassionate heart. He always got down on the floor to examine our big dogs, laying his caring hands on them and soothing them with his gentle voice and kind words. He will be missed, but remembered with fondness and respect.
Del and Carol Brown
February 7, 2017
We were shocked and very saddened to hear of Dr. Williams passing. He has been our vet since the early 80's and had shared lots of laughs and a few tears over the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Jane, and to your family during this most difficult time. May the light shine over you and help ease the pain of this incredible loss. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
February 6, 2017
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's passing.
He was a fine man and a great Vet.
Hang in there Jane.
With sympathy, Frank and Charlotte Gregory + Stella and Duke
Dr. Debi Watanabe DVM
February 6, 2017
Sending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Williams. He will be missed....
Bob & Sherri Peters
February 6, 2017
Tom will be remembered for his love and kindness for animals and people alike. We lovingly reflect on his forty years of skillful caring and compassion for our family of pets-- we are so thankful.
Our prayers are that God will be a comfort to Tom's family and loved ones.
~Bob and Sherri
The Peters Family
Pat McBride
February 6, 2017
My heart felt condolences to Jane and Toms family. Always a gentlemen and the consummate professional. Always took time to share what he knew and open to learning something new. Just a great guy with a real handshake.
God bless you and your family.
February 6, 2017
My memories of Tom are ingrained with his grace and humility. Only had the opportunity of his company three times. The first was when he came with my sister to Simi Valley to meet "the family" where my wife and I were visiting from Texas several years ago. The second was when he and Jane (then his wife) made a trek to Bakersfield in July 2015 to participate in a short family re-union. Tom made that trip even though (I believe) he was already beginning preliminary treatments - because he wanted to be a part of the celebration. That is just the type of human being he was. We had a wonderful "family" visit and enjoyed his company immensely. He displayed a generosity and sincerity of heart that many do not realize! The last time my wife and I saw him was during a very short trip to their home in Monterey this past October. I am so very glad we had the opportunity to visit with him that day. Tom was a gentle giant who decried any pomp and circumstance about who he was and what he had achieved to that point in his life. In many ways we were on the "same sheet of music." Our sincerest condolences go out to Jane and all of his family. He was a Winner!
Dr. Rock Stanley and Wife Karen
gloria elber
February 5, 2017
Tom was a great Vet. I have been with since the beginning. He will be greatly missed by all who have known him.
Margaret & Harrison Robinson
February 5, 2017
Tom was our vet for many years and a truly lovely and gentle man. He will be missed by many. Our deepest condolences to his wife, who we know brought him great joy and happiness as did his family.
February 5, 2017
We loved Tom as the doctor for all of our animals over all the years that he practiced
. He became a friend and will surely be missed
February 4, 2017
Dr. Williams was an inspiration to many veterinary community members. A rare and wonderful sense of humor and great sense of honor in serving the community in any way that he could.
Dr. Merrianne Burtch, DVM, DACVIM
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