Thomas Arthur McCready

1940 - 2021

THOMAS MCCREADY Thomas Arthur McCready was born September 1, 1940, in Pueblo, Colorado. His family moved to Monte Vista, Colorado and then moved to Custer, South Dakota, where they remained briefly before moving to Sonora, California. Tom met his future wife, Kathy at the Colombia Presbyterian Church. Kathy was 8 and Tom was 12. They started dating when Kathy was 19 and Tom was 23. Tom graduated from Sonora Union High School and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from UC Berkely in 1962. He graduated top of his class and received the University Medal, which is awarded annually to the most distinguished graduating senior on the UC Berkeley campus. He went on to receive his PhD from Stanford University in Mathematics in 1968. Tom and Kathy fell in love and were married in 1965. He accepted a job at IBM and they moved to San Jose, CA. Their son David was born in 1967. Tom then accepted a position as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at CSU, Chico in 1968. Their daughter Coralie was born in 1969. Tom LOVED teaching and told all of his students that "There's no such thing as a stupid question". He served as Department Chair for two terms and taught many different math courses, but his favorite was teaching students who were studying to become elementary school teachers. Tom taught Mathematics at CSU, Chico for 43 years and fully retired in 2011. Tom also served as an adjunct faculty member at Butte College for many years. Tom was a voracious reader and lifelong learner. He also enjoyed camping trips with his family, serving as a Boy Scout Leader, and classical music. He actively participated in Aldersgate Methodist Church in the choir, teaching Sunday School, and acting as Camp Director for many years. Tom died on October 19, 2021, at Enloe Hospital surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Kathy, son David (Lori) McCready of Chico, daughter Coralie (Steve) Wegner of Lincoln, granddaughter Marissa (Joey) Perry of Chico, grandson Austin Van Alstyne of Chico, grandson Colton Van Alstyne of Sacramento, granddaughter Mariah McCready of Chico, and grandson Liam Van Alstyne of Lincoln. He is also survived by his sister Cathie (Jere) Guernsey of Chico and his brother Mike (Sarah) McCready of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Tom's funeral will be held on Saturday, November 6th at 11:00 am at Newton-Bracewell Funeral Home. Donations may be made in Tom's name to the Sierra Club. Send condolences online at NewtonBracewell.com.