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Nathan Tom Obituary

Nathan S. Tom, DDS, MS

Dr. Nathan S. Tom passed away peacefully on January 4, 2019. He was 84. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Su Lee Tom, three children and their spouses, and six grandchildren.

A native San Franciscan, Nate had fond memories of his time at the Chinatown YMCA and Donaldina Cameron House, as well as Washington High School where he played on basketball and track championship teams, enjoyed drama and chorus, and orchestrated rambunctious cheers as head yell leader.

Nate opened his general dentistry practice in Newark, CA following his graduation from the College of Physicians and Surgeons (now Univ. of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry). Upon earning his orthodontic post-doctorate degree at the Univ. of Detroit, Nate established his orthodontic office in Fremont, CA. After 30 years of private practice, he joined the faculty at UOP where he was Director of the Pre-doctoral program of Orthodontics until his retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed all three phases of his career in dentistry.

He was an inducted member of the Academy of General Dentistry, President of the Southern Alameda County Dental Society, and founder and President of the Organization of Chinese Americans - Southern Alameda County. He was also involved in many other social and professional associations.

Nate's hobbies included gardening, snow skiing, and senior softball. He will be remembered by all who knew him as soft spoken, gentle and kind. Nate was a modest man with a dry sense of humor and always put others' needs before his own.

Donations may be sent to Cameron House, 920 Sacramento St., S.F. 94108 https://cameronhouse.org/give/donate/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 12 to Jan. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Wayne Quan

January 6, 2021

A life well lived is one where people who know you,
love and respect you. Nate exemplifies this. Remembering Nate on this day.

Janice Twibell

October 14, 2020

I loved working for Dr. Tom all those years ago. He was a true professional and so very kind. I miss those years and I miss his family.

Wayne Quan

January 13, 2019

To Sue Lee and family,
I am sorry to learn of Nathan's passing. I remember visiting Nathan in his Newark office when I was considering applying for dental school. When I opened my practice in El Cerrito he was the first to send me a card of congratulations. When I retired he introduced me to his softball team. I continued to play softball for the next 15 years. I respected him for his professional achievements and was glad to be
his friend in our retirement. He lived a life with a great example for others.
Wayne Quan,Pharmd,DDS

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