Thomas Green

THOMAS A. GREEN

(July 29, 1941-April 9, 2025)

On April 9, 2025, Thomas Alan Green passed away peacefully in his sleep. The cause was complications from colon cancer. He was 83.

Tom was my father. He was also a friend and mentor to many, who are invited to share their thoughts and memories here.

The sun has set on an extraordinary life.

The second-oldest of five brothers, Tom was born in St. Louis, Missouri. His father died when he was eleven. This led Tom to appreciate hard work. He had no choice. To pay for college, he bagged groceries and sold encyclopedias door to door.

Tom possessed an innate sense of curiosity and adventure that drove the rest of his life. It was his greatest gift to me.

After attending Notre Dame for his master's degree in electrical engineering in the 1960s, Tom was determined to see the world. He went to China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Borneo, Yugoslavia, Bolivia, Kenya, Vietnam, and Russia. To name a few. By 2016, he had visited 45 countries.



This does not include America's national parks. With boyish enthusiasm, my father would tell you all about the rocks and minerals, the flora and fauna. Even if you didn't ask.

A business trip to Santa Monica led Tom to California in 1972. He then lived in various parts of Orange County, most recently in Coto de Caza.

In 1980, Tom met the love of his life, Pamela Ardell, and they married in 1991. She had family ties to Julian. There, they became part of the local mountain community.

Tom's keen intellect and stoic nature masked a strong affection for his family and friends. I have discovered many notes and mementoes, dating back decades, reflecting the value he placed on those relationships. Tom was sentimental, with an open and kind heart. He was not a perfect man, but he never claimed to be. Appreciating we are all flawed in our own way, he was non-judgmental of others.

In his forties, Tom stopped drinking and became active in Alcoholics Anonymous. This spawned many enduring friendships. When he left us, his cell phone listed hundreds of contacts.

Tom was a doting grandfather to my children. They adored "Pops." The time we spent together, often by his pool with takeout from El Pollo Loco, was what family is all about.



What will I remember most? My father was always there when I needed him. He understood unconditional love. And, because of him, my children and I love the desert.

Kevin Green