Thomas Padgett

1951 - 2025

Thomas Padgett
01/25/1951 - 08/01/2025
On August 1st, we lost our beloved Tom.
Since his childhood in Noblesville, Indiana, Thomas George Padgett had a love of learning, a contagious joie de vivre and an exceptional intellect. In high school, he was nominated for the Encore Award for his starring role as David in the school play, David and Lisa, won the state high school championships for both doubles and singles tennis, earned a National Merit Scholarship, and graduated as Salutatorian of the class of 1969.
At Cornell, Tom majored in physics and made the Dean's List. During summer breaks, he would hitchhike across Europe and the United States, sleeping under freeways and the homes of new friends met along the way. He always appreciated the small delights on these trips, such as enjoying tacos for the first time when he made it to Santa Monica.
While an exceptional student, Tom bristled at decorum. After college, he camped for days in Steep Ravine while he successfully interviewed at UCSF medical school. He took a year off to help Harold Vargas and Mike Bishop advance their research towards an eventual Noble Prize. During his residency, despite being repeatedly admonished for refusing to wear a tie on his rounds, Tom was appointed chief resident.
While working at the San Francisco VA, Tom met Terry, a smart redheaded nurse. This encounter would change the course of Tom's life forever. Terry became Tom's wife, life partner, and best friend for 47 years. After their wedding, Tom and Terry quit their jobs and traveled throughout Europe for six months. While dancing to a live band in Warsaw's Stalin Center, they found their song: Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say I Love You."
Upon return, Tom and Terry decided that their next adventure would be to start a family. In two years, their son Max was born, and their daughter Zoe soon followed. Tom was a unique and fascinating father, teaching his children about travel, food, music, literature, and the wonders of the natural environment.
After stints at Brookside and Novato Community Hospital, Tom got hired as an emergency physician at Kaiser San Francisco, where he spent over two decades. There, he ultimately became the chief of the emergency department and was a beloved colleague, mentor, and friend to his staff. Tom was renowned for his calm under pressure as well as his tender and caring demeanor with patients. It was no surprise to those who knew Tom that he earned the highest patient satisfaction rating in Northern California while working at Kaiser.
In retirement, Tom continued to pursue his passions and nurture his love of learning. He also developed new skills like learning piano, Italian, and cooking – all of which was mostly self-taught. He continued to have adventures with his beloved Terry. Together, they biked down the Danube, hiked through the Italian Alps, and welcomed four granddaughters.
Tom is survived by his wife Terry; his children Max (Natalie) and Zoe (Jake); his grandchildren Lily, Ray, Emma, and Ruby; and his sister Linda.
Tom will be deeply missed by his family and friends. All are welcome to his service on August 17th at the Homestead Valley Community Center from 10am-1pm. As Tom would have liked, please feel free to dress casually and in bright colors.