Dr. Thomas Grant "Tom" Shock

1950 - 2018

Thomas Grant Shock, a recently retired Lodi podiatrist, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 1, 2018 at his home in Lodi. He was 67 years old. He was born in San Francisco, CA to James W. and Sarah G. Shock.

Tom grew up in San Rafael, CA and graduated from San Rafael High School. He then attended University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA where he met Nancy Pearson playing Frisbee on the lawn. The two started dating shortly after. Tom returned to his summer work at the American Licorice Factory in San Francisco. He transferred to the University of California Riverside in his third year of college and later graduated in 1972 with a degree in economics.

Tom and Nancy married in Cupertino, CA and settled in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Tom decided to go back to school part time to study for his pre-med classes and worked as a carpenter full time. Tom was accepted into the Masters program at the University of Pacific and moved to Stockton, CA with Nancy and their three-day-old son, Tracy. To help cover education costs, Tom and Nancy began fixing up and reselling houses in Stockton. After two years working and studying, Tom began studies at the California College of Podiatric Medicine in San Francisco. He commuted to school returning on the weekends while Nancy stayed behind and taught junior high school. Upon graduating, Tom moved to Anaheim to complete his surgical residency. Tom and Nancy welcomed their second child, Dustin, in Tom's final year of residency.

A dream came true in 1985, when Tom opened up Lodi Podiatry and moved his family to Lodi. The practice grew, adding Dr. Kevin Stroh in 1987. Tom and Nancy welcomed their daughter, Shelby, that summer. Tom and Kevin expanded their practice to include offices in Stockton and Jackson. That duo in combination with a loyal, hardworking staff made Lodi Podiatry bloom into something that provided Tom pride every day. Dr. Alex Curfman joined the team in September 2017 allowing Tom the opportunity to retire June 1, 2018.

Shock was active in Lodi Tokay Rotary Club from 1985 to 2009 and was club president during the 2005-06 year. He was an active supporter of Lodi House, Lodi Boys & Girls Club and Omega Nu. Tom encouraged Shelby to apply for a Rotary exchange program during the summer of 2003. Tom and Nancy took Shelby to Belgium to meet her host family and created a bond that lasted for years. The Belgian family refers to their relationship as a love story with the Shock family.

Tom was a regular at two gyms and an avid runner before turning to his love of cycling. He completed more than a dozen weeklong rides in Oregon, California, Colorado, and Virginia. He also completed many strenuous backpack trips in the mountains of the Western U.S. including Mt. Whitney.

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. His enthusiasm, infectious laugh and ready smile would lift the mood of all around him. He loved dressing up as Kris Kringle in his white Victorian costume and stopping at his friends' homes to visit the children at Christmas time. When not playing the jolly old elf, Tom could be counted on to wear the gaudiest sweaters to win Ugly Christmas Sweater contests. He wore colorful outrageous wigs and outfits as he cheered on the Belgian soccer team and sported royal blue to support his beloved Chicago Cubs.

His parents and his brothers Jeff and William preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Nancy, their children Tracy Shock and wife Janai, Dustin Shock and wife Karis and Shelby Tomek and husband Wyatt, and four grandchildren Preston, Mason, Lola, and Monroe Shock. He anxiously anticipated arrival of his fifth grandchild in October. Nancy's parents Joan and Lloyd Pearson, his sisters Jane Bowse and husband George, Stacey Powers and husband Bud and nieces and nephew Sarah Eddy and husband John, Samantha Powers and John Powers, his sister and brother in law Becky and Don Pearson also survive him. He was also ever so grateful for the loving supportive community that surrounds the place he chose to raise his family.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, August 10 at First Baptist Church, 267 N. Mills Ave, Lodi, CA. The Shock children will be leading a bicycling procession from First Baptist Church to the Celebration of Life. Join them in your Cubbies or biking gear if you feel so inclined. A Bike Lodi valet will watch bikes ridden to the service and bicyclists are encouraged to make the 3.8 mile ride from the church to the reception at the Manna Estate, 21372 N. May Rd., Acampo, CA. The reception will be from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Private committal will held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities: Lodi House (801 S. Washington St., Lodi, 95240); Lodi Boys and Girls Club (275 Popular Street, Lodi 95240); Rotary International (1560 Sherman Ave, Evanston, IL 60201) or the National Park Foundation (1110 Vermont Ave., NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20005).