Thomas Milton Gerst

Thomas “Tom” Milton Gerst, a resident of Cambria, CA, passed away on December 2, 2016 at the age of 88. Tom was born in Paso Robles, CA, on February 4, 1928 to Marjorie Derby Gerst and Edgar Gerst of the pioneer Gerst/Derby/Botts family who were among the early almond and walnut growers in the Adelaide district of Paso Robles. Tom graduated from Paso Robles High School and then attended Pasadena City College and San Luis Obispo Junior College. When the family sold the orchards in the early 1970’s, he joined Jim Evans, a friend from San Luis Obispo Junior College, in forming Evans & Gerst Antiques. After operating the antique business for thirty plus years in southern California, the partners returned to their central California roots and relocated the business to Cambria.

Tom was a kind and gentle soul who was loyal to friends and family and who always put others ahead of himself. He was respected by all who knew him and considered a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.

Tom was predeceased by his parents, his brother William M. Gerst (2002) and his sister-in-law, Mary Gerst (2008). He is survived by his cousin Jack Derby, several nephews and nieces and other extended family members, business partner Jim Evans and many close friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.