William Tom

Tom, William March 8, 1923 - October 31, 2012 William Tom lived a richly diverse life. He was born in San Francisco, California, March 8, 1923. He was a man of many talents. He served four years in the U.S. Air Force from 1940 to 1944. He was trained as a flight navigator for the B-24 bomber airplane. After his military service he earned a BA Degree in Physical Education at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. He later earned his Masters Degree at California State University Los Angeles. He was a Physical Education teacher and coach for 42 years. In 1956 he qualified and was a member of the 1956 United States Olympic Gymnastics Team which competed in Melbourne, Australia. He was later inducted into the U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Bill was also inducted into the U.S. Badminton Hall of Fame, competing for decades in the sport that he played and loved until he was 89 years young. He passed away peacefully at age 89 on October 31, 2012, in his home of more than 30 years in Eagle Rock, California. He was surrounded by his immediate family and close friends. Bill leaves behind an ex-wife Nancie, their son, two daughters, six grandchildren, his older sister, Mari and older brother, George. A private gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life will be held on December 1, 2012.