Thomas Lund Meriam

THOMAS LUND MERIAM

Thomas Lund "Tom" Meriam was born on his mother's birthday, Oct. 20, 1944, in Chico, Calif., to Theodore and Opal Meriam. He was educated in Chico schools. During high school, Tom was active in football, basketball, and student government.

He graduated from Chico Senior High school in 1962, where he served his senior year as student body president. Following two semesters at Chico State, Tom transferred to San Diego State where he earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

Tom wed Sharon Noble Thompson Aug. 26, 1967. The couple moved to Seattle, Wash., where Tom worked with the Boeing Corporation. During a brief return to Chico in 1969, Tom began a life-long career with Pacific Gas & Electric Company as a rate analyst, computer programmer, and computer support consultant. The Meriams moved to the Bay Area where they lived in Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Moraga, Concord, and most recently, Clayton. Tom retired from P.G. & E. in the spring of 2005, and the couple moved to Orangevale, Calif. In addition to his dedication to and affection for his family, Tom enjoyed collecting rare children's books and toy trains.

After a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer, Tom passed away on Nov. 25, 2006, at his home in Orangevale with family by his side.

Tom is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Sharon Meriam; son, Tom Meriam and wife Treena, of Concord; daughter, Heather Noguera and husband Elid of Roseville; daughter Elizabeth Schuttinger and husband Paul, of Orangevale; son, Ted Meriam of Redmond, Wash., and his grandchildren: Elitt, Tommy, and Emma. Tom is also survived by sister, Betsy Leverenz and brother, Charles Meriam, both of Chico.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kaiser Hospice, 2025 Morse Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95825. Arrangements have been made through Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.