Thomas F Nelson

Thomas F. Nelson, 88, passed away May 4, 2024. Born June 19,1935 in Gothenburg, Nebraska to Kathleen and Fred Nelson.
Thomas grew up in San Mateo, California. He graduated from Serra High School and University of San Francisco with a degree in History. Thomas finished out his education with a degree from the USF Law School. During his time as an undergraduate at USF, he was part of the two-time National Championship basketball team in 1955 and '56. Tom married the love of his life, Barbara McDowell-Nelson in 1960. He worked over 40 years as an attorney in his law firm, Nelson, Perlov and Lee in Los Altos, California. Thomas was a passionate sports fan, enjoying the 49'ers, Giants, Warriors, Stanford Football and the "Big Game". He was such a big 49'er fan that he was a faithful season ticket holder for 50+ years! Thomas had no shortage of friends from the Los Altos Golf & Country Club and work associates, for which he cherished. He was known by many as the "Big Kahuna". You would always see him cruising around Los Altos in his orange Datsun 240z. Some of his favorite trips and outings with friends and family include, Little River Inn, 9'er Liner tailgates, The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, the Teenie Weenies softball team and golf travels from Australia to Scottland. You would often find Tom in the yard, as he loved gardening as much as his love for his golf game.
Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara and sister, Janice Marie. Thomas is survived by three children, Gregory, Todd (wife Tiffany), Karen (husband Mark) and six grandchildren, Thomas, Nicolette, Cooper, Riley, Kelly and Ramonette.
A memorial celebration of Tom's life will be held on Tuesday, June 4 th, 2024, 1:30pm at St. Nicholas Church, 473 Lincoln Ave, Los Altos, CA 94022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children's Home Society, 7200 Bancroft Ave, Unit 123, Oakland, CA 94605. www.chs-ca.org/donate/online