Thomas Needham

NEEDHAM, THOMAS
Passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 18, 2002. Born in San Francisco on February 24, 1915, Tom was student body president of Sequoia High School in Redwood City, earned his BA in Economics at Stanford University, and graduated from Stanford University Law School. Tom was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy during World War II and continued to serve as a reserve officer at Treasure Island. After serving his country, he enjoyed serving his community as an elected member of the San Mateo County School Board for nine years, as Commander of the American Legion post in San Francisco, and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Tom loved practicing law, intellectual challenges, and helping people. He practiced law in San Francisco until 1963, when he helped form Pacific Standard Life Insurance Company and served as its General Counsel; he worked with this company (and its successors) until he retired. He was known for both his legal knowledge and keen wit. Tom enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He loved to dance and belonged to Peninsula Assembly and the Davis Dance Group. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was renowned for his stories and jokes. He was often heard to say "This is a true story....' He also enjoyed belonging to several bridge groups. Tom was a wonderful and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife of fifty six years, Marilyn Needham, his son Steven Needham of Woodland, CA, and his daughters Nancy McDonough and Jeanne Brewer of El Macero, CA. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Ryan, Gwen, Erin, and Dylan Needham, Kelly and Ryan Brewer, and Katelyn and Megan McDonough, as well as his nieces Sue Thureson and Sally Cover of Houston, Texas. The Davis Funeral Chapel, 116 D Street in Davis, is handling the arrangements and will host the visitation from 12 noon to 5 pm on Friday, August 30th. A graveside service will be held at the Davis Cemetery, 820 Pole Line Road in Davis, at 10:30 am on Saturday, August 31st. Reception to follow.