Thomas Paulson II

1930 - 2015

Thomas Glenn Paulson, II

March 5, 1930 - May 20, 2015

Thomas Glenn Paulson, II was born March 5, 1930 in Modesto, California, the only child of Thomas Glenn Paulson and Maxine Marion Davies.

His early years were spent in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, and California as his father Glenn Paulson would act as a turn around manager for the JC Penney Company, redirecting stores that were under performing. As a result, Tom attended nine different grammar schools as the family didn't stay in one place for long. After spending his freshman year at Stockton High in Stockton, CA, where he was the only freshman to letter in swimming, Tom transferred to New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico for the remainder of his high school career where he played on the football team, the swimming team, and rode his favorite horse, Aki.

Upon graduation from NMMI, Tom enrolled at Stanford University where he played freshman football on the undefeated team coached by Chuck Taylor in 1947. The next year, Tom transferred to the University of California at Berkeley where he met the love of his life, Patricia Sumner. That same year he joined the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity where he became Chapter President. Tom was a member of the varsity water polo and swimming teams for the remainder of his career at Cal. He graduated with a degree in Political Science and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army in 1951. He later became a long time member and President of the Big C Society.

Tom and Patricia were married on August 12, 1951 at the Presidio Chapel in San Francisco, and were well on their way to their 64th wedding anniversary this year when Tom passed away at home in his sleep on May 20th at the age of 85.

Tom was stationed in Augusta, Georgia for one year where he was in charge of perimeter security when President Eisenhower played golf at Augusta National. He then was placed on active duty for one year in Korea during the Korean War, in charge of railroad security in a mountainous region. A company commander at the age of 22, he often said his time in the army was the most maturing experience of his life.

Tom continued his association and love of Kappa Alpha Order for the remainder of his life, serving on the national Executive Council for 30 years. He was elected to the highest position within the national fraternity, Knight Commander from 1993-1997. Of his many accomplishments, none pleased him more than the honor of leading a magnificent fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order.

In 1953, Tom joined the real estate investment business started by his father Glenn in 1943 in Richmond, CA. He was elected President of the West Contra Costa Board of Realtors in 1964. Tom relocated Paulson Investments to Orinda in 1972 following the passing of his father.

Tom was a great lover of books, as evidenced by the dedication of the Paulson Room at the Orinda Library. Joining the Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis Club in Orinda in 1958, Tom was the longtime starter for many, many swim meets throughout the years. To this day the club presents the Paulson Spirit Award to the most inspirational member of the Sleepy Hollow Legends Swim Team in his honor. One of his greatest passions was fly fishing. He often pursued the wily trout in the Sierra as well as in Argentina and Alaska.

In the last year of his life, Tom forged a strong bond with his grandson Michael as they drove to the office together and enjoyed many convivial lunches. He was a great comfort to his grandfather in the waning months of his life.

Tom is survived by his wife Patricia, their four children, Christopher (Susan), Marion Jamison, Susan Douglass (Timothy - deceased), and Peter (Catrina). Also survived by his grandchildren, Nicole Paulson Holden (Bradley), Christine Paulson Cox (Matthew), Michael Thomas Paulson, Thomas Clark Jamison, Patrick Marion Jamison, Sara Patricia Douglass, Logan Thomas Douglass, Brit Elizabeth Paulson, Annika Claire Paulson, and Elle Sumner Paulson. He lived to know his first great grandchild Cameron Michael Cox.

Above all, Tom's life was devoted to his beloved wife Patricia and his family. He will be remembered by his family and many friends for his eternal optimism, wonderful sense of humor, and booming laugh.

Friends are invited to join the family in a celebration of Tom's life at Orinda Country Club on Thursday, June 25th from Noon to 3pm.