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Thomas Beattie Obituary
Tom was a devoted and tireless public servant, who served more than thirty years as a prosecutor, for Placer County and the Attorney General. He always adhered to the highest standards in the careful and measured pursuit of justice. He was a remarkable endurance athlete, who at his best would work out three times a day with a swim, a run, a bike ride and an hour of weights. A hike or backpack trip with Tom would include a lesson on all wildflowers, birds, and trees as he powered on while others struggled to keep up. He was a true lover of all things outdoors, and a true environmentalist before the word was invented.
His sharp mind and keen sense of humor will be missed by all. Tom's rapier wit was displayed only when the comment was perfectly worded and timed. His family and friends are in awe of his indomitable spirit in the face of a 14 year health struggle of which few, if any, knew the depths. He died peacefully at his home of over 40 years on the evening of January 19th.
Thomas Beattie is survived by his wife Pam Harrison, sisters Annette Elder (Clay), Bonnie Zanin (Dave) and brother Jim Beattie. His nephew Patrick Ford(Brandy) was thoroughly indoctrinated by Tom in the love of the outdoors and his beloved Sierras.
We can best honor Tom by seizing all opportunities to get out in nature and take a walk, a hike, a ride or a run. He would always assure his siblings or fellow adventurers that the finish line was just around the bend...over the next hill (even though it seldom was). Tom reached his finish line and will be missed by all of us who loved him so deeply.
A Celebration of Tom's life will be held at the Ridge Golf Club in Auburn on February 16, 2024 at 2p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gary Fitzpatrick
February 3, 2024
Gary Fitzpatrick
I met Tom when I came to Auburn for my first Job as a Deputy D.A. he was with the public defenders office at the time. We became fast friends and he and his family tucked me under their wing helping me establish in Auburn. Both of us were young and single and became part of a social group of young people who tended to have a great time all the time. We worked together when he joined the DA's office and I remember those times as some of the most fun in my life. There are a lot of good things you could attribute to Tom the best of which is you can't attribute a bad thing to him. I don't know of nor have I heard of anyone who didn't like Tom, high praise indeed for anyone in the legal business. We lost touch when I moved to Montana which is a regret, but I will always remember him as having played a big role in my life and the life of his many friends and family. RIP Tom.
Candis Cohen
February 3, 2024
Dear Tom, I hope you will forgive my posting our picture from the 1968 Del Oro junior prom -- always a source of amusement to us, as we look so young and goofy.
You were true friend and a decent man. Many layers to you. A deep thinker, and funny! Appreciative and thoughtful to the end. I am so sad we have lost you, but now you are free...no more " tiger outside your gate."
Love,
Candi
Matt Block
January 30, 2024
Tom was a kind and decent man, a dedicated public servant, and a wonderful mentor to many new attorneys, including me. I will always value his friendship and the time we got to spend together. Rest well buddy.
Larry Gaddis
January 29, 2024
Tom took me under his wing as a brand new attorney in the Placer County DA´s office. He took me to court as a participant for the very first time and showed me that kindness and a good sense of humor are not inconsistent with dealing with the bad and good guys alike. He opened his home to me when I was in need. The camaraderie of our early days as prosecutors will always be one of my favorite memories. Although we lost touch in later years, I will always treasure the memories of our friends, our friendship and Tom, a truely wonderful human being. I truly miss him. Larry Gaddis, Judge, Retired.
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Don and Julie Pollock
January 29, 2024
We were sad to hear of Tom´s passing. He was one of a kind and a true legend in the district attorney´s office. Rest in peace, friend. Love and hugs to his family, during this difficult time
Judy Dugan
January 28, 2024
I'm sorry for your loss of Tom. He was a remarkable friend, athlete and co worker. Anyone who knew Tom knew he was a generous man. He will be missed.
Charlie & Marcia Painter
January 28, 2024
Marica and I would like to express our great sorrow at the death of Tom. He and I became very good friends at Del Oro, went on to Sierra College together and took classes together at UC Davis. Tom introduced us to hiking with a trek to one of his favorite spots, Castle Peak. Then one summer when we were in law school we hiked the Grand Cannon of the Tuolumne´s in Yosemite with his dad and my late brother. I am so glad Tom and I had a chance to talk on the phone on the 17th, one last time before he hiked to that Yosemite in heaven.
Tom was one the finest men I ever met, one of the loyalist friends I ever had and one of the best lawyers I ever knew.
Everyone who worked with him admired and respected him. Due to his work as a Deputy District Attorney and as an Assistant Attorney General, California is a better place. Tom lived and worked not only for his family but for the good of all. Rest in peace dear friend! Charlie and Marcia Painter
Joanie Maxwell
January 28, 2024
I loved Tom and will miss him. I have such wonderful memories of spending Thanksgiving in Fort Bragg with Tom and his family. He was a good friend who always checked in with us as we did with him. RIP Tom!
Cindy and Thom Carmichael
January 28, 2024
We are so terribly sad at the loss of your incredible Tom. Please know we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Place your precious memories of Tom, deep in your thoughts, and he will always be with you.
Jessica Bauchman
January 28, 2024
That Tommy spent so much time in his last few weeks supporting us (especially mom) as we grieved, says so much about who he was and how he lived - full of kindness, compassion and love. Though the circumstances were hard, I´m grateful for the last hugs and laughs. Sending so much love to you, Bonnie and Annette, knowing that losing your cherished brother is a pain like no other.
Nelson Sparks
January 28, 2024
Tom had all the extraordinary personal character and wonderful joy for life of our parents and grandparents. The warmth of his greeting was always a celebration of friendship. A great loss but we're all richer from knowing him.
Karen Essig
January 28, 2024
Tom was a good friend to all he crossed paths with. He always had a smile for everyone. Lonnie and I send our thoughts and prayers for Tom and his family. RIP Tom.
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