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Thomas Stern Obituary
Oct. 4, 1945 - July 15, 2017
Thomas K. Stern, M.D., 71 years, died unexpectedly on July 15, 2017. The incident preceding Tom's death, which led to a catastrophic brain bleed, occurred the day before, on Tom and his beloved wife's 32nd wedding anniversary. As the Lord's Prayer was being said, Tom took his final breath. Tom died in the presence of his wife Yolanda, his son Tom, daughter in law Kenia and his two daughters Jordan and Lindsey.Dr. Stern was born October 4th, 1945 in Clinton, Minnesota. He was the son of Richard O. Stern and Genevieve J. (Dalseth) Stern and oldest brother of Mark Stern, Rick Stern and Robin Jarvis. The son of a U.S. Navy Corpsman, Tom lived all across the United States, eventually arriving in the Central Valley of California. He worked as a newspaper boy during the school year and during the summers he would pick fruit with the migrant farmworkers. A fall in a lake while still a boy caused Tom to learn to swim very quickly. Swimming won him a scholarship to Stanford University where he joined Chi Psi Fraternity and graduated with a degree in Psychology, Class of 1967.
While in college, Tom worked nights as a brakeman for the Southern Pacific Railroad. After Stanford, he went on to study medicine at The University of British Colombia, Faculty of Medicine, Class of 1972. Tom took his medical degree and moved to Berkeley, California, where he opened Berkeley Family Practice Medical Group; which served more than 50,000 patients over 30 years; some of those patients he was still serving at his concierge medical practice at the time of his death. Associating himself with the Interplast organization, he provided reconstructive surgery to hundreds of needy children in Southeast Asia. Upon his wife Yolanda's encouragement, he formed his own NGO: One World Institute (OWI). OWI focused on provision of medical assistance, disaster relief, and economic support to those in need. Tom furthered his geo-political focus while serving as Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institute, Stanford University, and Fellow at the Potomac Foundation. In 2011, Tom was honored to be awarded the Gusi Peace Prize for his work In Service of Humanity.
Yet, after all of his accomplishments, Tom was still always so unsatisfied with his music CD sales; which are of course still available on Amazon for sale as well as all seven of his published Action/Adventure/Romance novels. In lieu of flowers, please go online to Amazon and purchase one of his music CDs or novels ... it would make him so happy. Proceeds will go to his Non Profit, OWI.
Tom is survived by: Wife, Yolanda O. Stern of Berkeley; Daughter, Jordan Adair Stephens and her husband, William Bradford Stephens of San Francisco; Daughter, Lindsey Gavarnie-Stern Beallo and her husband Jack Beallo of Oakland; Son, Thomas M. Ortega-Stern and his wife Kenia Duarte Stern of Berkeley; Stepdaughter, Marjorie Yokota. He's also survived by his deeply loved grandchildren, Scarlett Adair Stephens, Vanessa Adair Stephens of San Francisco, Jesse Robert Wade Beallo, and Aurora Nadine Fern Beallo of Oakland. Tom is survived as well by his 95-year-old beloved mother, Genevieve Dalseth Stern and all of his adored siblings.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 5th, 2017 at 10:00am in St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2390 Bush Street, San Francisco followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. There will be a reception immediately following the burial at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.
GENEROUS AND BRAVE MEN LEAD THE BEST LIVES. THEY HAVE FEW REGRETS.
Grant Miller-John Cox
Mortuary FD171
grantmillerchapel.com
510-451-6434
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Stern
Sponsored by Grant Miller-John Cox Mortuary.
Charles West
August 17, 2021
So often we fail to recognize professionals such as
Dr. Stern that have surpassed people such as me with the highest intensity of medical professionalism and excellent patient care. I will always extend my sincere appreciation for his loving outstanding caring service. A real true friend forever.
Charles West
J. Herrera McCree
August 14, 2021
So very sorry and shocked to learn of Dr Stern's passing. What a great man and a great doctopr; so kind and compassionate. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He accurately diagnosed me of a condition prior to testing; this was many years ago. God used this doctor in a profound way to help others. Dr. Stern is very much missed.
Beth Samuelson
December 4, 2020
I am shocked to find that we have lost Dr. Stern. I was just planning on reconnecting this wonderful doctor, who treated me for many years and found the obituary. What a class act he was- the essence of kindness with a beside manner that all doctors should emulate. I can see by the comments here that many others feel the same as I do and I'm not surprised. He was unfailingly supportive, enormously wise and experienced and compassionate beyond words. I always loved that he took extra time (as much as needed) to spend in appointments. I felt that he really cared about me and I looked forward to his advice. It's not easy to find doctors like Thomas Stern any longer. He was one of a kind and I will miss him forever. His family should know that he's left an amazing legacy.
Allen Bendit
November 18, 2020
He was my doctor since 1991 two present when he passed away. I really got to know him over the years , he was the only doctor I ever had that really listened to me. If it hadn't been for him I probably would have been gone a long time ago. I had worked on his jaguar in the past . He loves that car I did everything I could to keep it running it was getting old but in good shape. It was so unexpected that I had just seen him two days before this happened . I will miss his great personality and his deep compassion to ease suffering.
June 15, 2018
As the year Anniversary is upon us of the passing of The Great Dr. Stern. I find myself really missing the only Doctor that could cure my needs.. Rest well my Friend, thank you for so much
Charles West, Berkeley CA
Taylor Corydon
June 14, 2018
Dr. Stern was by far the best doctor I have had the privilege to see. When I moved to California, I had an urgent issue and found it difficult to find a practice taking new patients. Stern's office accepted me immediately and saw me that next day, before my new health insurance kicked in. Dr. Stern told me not to worry about the health insurance or billing right then and truly prioritized my problem and getting that resolved. It was the first time in awhile that someone in medical made me feel more than a number or bill. Dr. Stern always listened, provided reasonable and understandable advice, and always had great wisdom to share. He truly cared, about his patients and about giving back to the community. I am devastated to hear about his passing and hope his family knows the comfort, laughs, and positive light he shared with me, and I have no doubt many, many others.
Richard Stanaro
April 4, 2018
Like many that have expressed this here, I just learned of Dr. Stern's death. He has been my physician for a few years, and the best I've ever had. What a charming, talented and kind man. Though i did not know him well, there is no doubt in my mind that the phrase 'true success' was used among his friends and family remembering him. God bless you Dr. Stern- will say a prayer for your soul and for comfort to your wife and family.
Sofia Ahmad
March 5, 2018
I learned of Dr. Stern's passing today and was so terribly sorry to hear the news. He was my GP for the last several years and I echo everything everyone else has said. He was kind, knowledgeable without being self-important, took time with you, explained things clearly and thoroughly, and genuinely seemed to care. I also liked hearing a bit about his family and other interests in our appointments and was so impressed by his volunteering efforts abroad. He was a remarkable man. My deep condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and patients.
Aimee Kalnoskas
February 8, 2018
I just found out about Dr. Stern's passing when I went to get a refill prescription. I'm staring at my computer with tears blurring the obituary. He was my primary physician since I moved to California almost five years ago. He reminded me of the doctor of my youth who would come directly to the house. He was kind, caring, never rushed, always clear in his communications (he drew excellent explanatory pictures for me!). Thanks to him, I ended years of chronic back pain with the right surgeon (he walked me over to the surgeon's office himself and set up the appointment. But he did everything before surgery to help alleviate the pain until one day I came in with so much pain that he said I had reach the point past quality of living. He was holistic in his treatments and made me feel like I was the only patient he had. My sincerest condolences to his family but please know that he was a doctor who made a difference to the human beings he treatedwho he treated like human beings.
Nancy Bronstein
December 7, 2017
I accidentally just found out about the passing of Dr. Stern, while on the phone with a pharmacy who called his office to ask for additional refills on one of my prescriptions. I'm actually still shaking, it's such a shock to hear that way and, of course, to hear such unexpected and sad news in any way. I had only recently found Dr. Stern and seen him for just over a year. After being without an internist for almost a year (as getting into a practice is so hard), I have to say he was the finest doctor I'd ever worked with. He was a true gift as a doctor, talking easily with all his patients, treating us as his equals in all ways. What a loss this is for all of his patients, his beloved family and friends. He was really just in the middle of his life, planning trips abroad for his medical charities, growing his practice, making musical CDs, and so devoted to his patients The medical community here and abroad has lost a most special man.
jacob
November 21, 2017
Dr Stern was only my Dr for a few months, but he was very kind and caring. He was the first GP doctor I'd seen since becoming and adult and he diagnosed an issue that would have become serious and put me on the path to recovery. I was supposed to see him today for a check up and was very saddened to find out what happened. I'm thankful he was part of my life and that he helped me.
Brett Unger
November 10, 2017
Dr Stern was my primary care physician for three years. He was without question the best Dr I have ever had. He was so kindly and affable in manner. I felt very lucky to have such a doctor. we talked about blues music, and he have me one of his CDs called "love and the blues" Is a very sad day for the world to loose such a man. Hes not replacebale.
Kathryn Day
November 2, 2017
I was so saddened to hear today that Dr. Stern had passed this summer. He was my doctor for four or five years and was the most intelligent, compassionate, and holistic doctor I have ever known. He loved to talk about the many pies he had his fingers in as a musician, author, swimmer, and philanthropic practitioner. They broke the mold when they made him, truly. Rest in peace Dr. Stern. You worked right til the end, which I think was what you wanted -- but now at last you have to rest. A lovely, lovely man.
Marge Essel
October 26, 2017
He was an absolutely wonderful, talented & generous person. Tom & I first met in the mid-1970's when he first opened his practice in Berkeley. He had auburn hair & a beard. Tom was the best doctor I knew .He could diagnose a condition just by looking at you. His ability for this was remarkable . He was also a lover of the arts
and music. His C. D.s were lovely and books were wonderful. He was a patron of the arts as well. He supported
other artists in the community. He made it possible for me to show my art work in his office and he purchased
one of my pieces. He was very proud of his children & his grand children . On my visits to his office we would
discuss the whole family. I can not say enough about him or pay him the tributes that he truly deserves.
Even at the age of 71 , life had so much more in store for Tom. He should have gone on for 2 more decades.
Some people are just missed but Tom Stern will be TRULY MISSED by anyone that he came in contact with.
My sympathy to his family , you are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Jaden Deveza
October 17, 2017
Dr. Thomas Stern was the "absolute best" primary care I've ever had. Generosity and philanthropy aside, I have yet to meet another doctor like him who genuinely cared about the overall well-being of his patients. I thought scuba diving and the love of outdoor adventure in general was the only thing we had in common. Well that and the 70's music. He is truly a man of many talents with the kindest heart. How many doctors out there could really brighten up your day on top of providing the best primary care. Hats off, love and respect.
sophie maher
October 12, 2017
I was a patient of Dr. Sterns for about 2 years only. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. He always made me feel so comfortable, listened to, and was so interesting to speak to. I send his family and loved ones my thoughts... if only there were more incredible doctors like him...
Dan Machanik
October 3, 2017
I was a patient of Dr. Stern's for ap. 3 Years and aside from a great Doctor he was also a kind and generous man who went way beyond the call of duty in looking after those who entrusted themselves to his care. He will be greatly missed.
Elie Dworkin
September 25, 2017
I just found out about Dr. Stern's passing. My fiance and I both saw Dr. Stern and we loved him. He was the finest doctor and provided us with great care. I'm sure his wife and children know what an amazing person he was. I hope they read these comments, I'm sorry I wasn't able to be at the funeral. Really one of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever met. May he rest in peace.
Stephen Feinberg
September 19, 2017
Very sorry to hear for Dr. Stern's passing. I had only recently become a patient of his, but in that brief time he showed so much care and support whenever I came for an appointment. After learning that I was a music fan, he even gave me one of his CD's! It's bittersweet to read the tributes of so many that held Dr. Stern in such high esteem. He'll be missed.
Joy Atkinson
August 30, 2017
Just found out about Dr. Stern's passing. I am heartbroken. I had finally found an old fashioned Doctor, who was caring and generous with his time. He will be greatly missed.
Nick Cihak
August 24, 2017
I am deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Stern's passing. His warm presence and caring attitude was unlike any doctor in my adult life. He listened and cared. I respected him and felt comforted by him. Deepest condolences to his family.
John Krop
August 23, 2017
My heart deeply aches, Dr. Stern was hands down the best doctor I've ever had. I actually looked forward to seeing him, and was looking forward to my next appointment in October. Such a huge loss. I'm so sorry for his family. I even have one of his CD's. He was wise, kind, compassionate and I always left his office feeling better not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. He was a true healer.
Charles Angle
August 23, 2017
Dr. Stern was a really fantastic individual. He was warm and quite funny! I was really fortunate to have known him! My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. I will miss him! Charles Angle.
August 17, 2017
I just learned of Dr. Stern's passing this morning. I am so saddened by this news. He has only been my doctor for about a year and half and I saw him a handful of times. I have never had a more compassionate doctor, he made me feel nostalgia for a time when you really felt listened to and cared for by a physician. He gave great advice, always had my best interest at heart, and earned my trust very quickly. I have such deep respect for him and appreciation of his genuine kindness. I feel like I've lost a family member or a friend. This shows the impact a kind and compassionate person can have on this world. Thank you, Dr. Stern. May you rest in love and peace..
Michael
August 15, 2017
I just learned of Dr. Stern's passing after thinking to myself this morning, "I need to see Dr. Stern" and going to call his practice. He was my doctor for five years and always lent his compassionate ear, wisdom and expertise to my physical and mental health issues, which had caused me so much pain through the years. If I was ever in a tight spot I knew I could rely on him. He was a truly holistic practitioner with a kind heart and affable demeanor that put me at ease in stressful times, and he could simplify complex situations into manageable cases far better than most specialists I've ever seen--he was so good, in fact, that I didn't need to go to them. Thank you for helping me, Dr. Stern, and may you rest in peace.
Richard Wingart
August 14, 2017
Dear Dr.Stern, you help me through many physical and mental issue. First Dr that actually walked with me too Dr.chen office next door to your office .recommending a hip replacement. I will truly miss you as you were so compassionate and empathize with people . The medical profession lost a great icon. RIP Dr.Stern very sincerely Richard j wingart
Beverly Ahmann
August 7, 2017
Tom is my first cousin, whom I first met when my Uncle Dick and Aunt Gen brought him to our home in mpls. for a visit. Tom was about 3 yrs. old, I was 12 and thought he was the smartest, cutest child I had ever seen. An absolute love. Then about 50 yrs. passed without seeing him and was so happy to re-unite a friendship when we were in CA. He remembered being with us that many yrs. ago, and spoke of our snappy little cocker spaniel, whom he gave a little nip to while under my mother's buffet. We laughed about that memory. I never knew such a kind, giving, loving person, and is missed so much. We enjoy his CDs and loved reading some of his novels. We were communicating about our Stern family roots lately, and wish I had that time back My condolences to his family. Cousin Beverly Thornton, CO
charna ball
August 7, 2017
Dear Yolanda, I was shocked and saddened to learn of Tom's passing just now. "Baruch dayan ha'emet". May his memory be a blessing. Love, Charna
Charito/Romy Benipayo
August 4, 2017
Dear Yolanda and Family,
Sharing your grief. We pray for you and family- peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Tina & Tom Hannon
August 4, 2017
Sometime in the early 90's, when we opened up a provider directory to search of a new primary care physician, little did we anticipate that Thomas K. Stern, M.D. would become such a warm part of our lives all these many years later. Always the thoughtful listener, his compassion was ever present, his gentleness always reassuring, and his sound medical advice always rang true. With a heavy heart, we say that we will miss you, Tom, but we know that we have been blessed by having Thomas K. Stern, M.D. in our lives. Our warmest condolences to all in the Stern family.
Lance Montauk
August 4, 2017
I met Tom about 2014 after returning from six years overseas working as a physician for the Department of State's Foreign Service. For a year or so, I worked in his office and visited his nursing home patients. After that, we ran into each other occasionally at Alta Bates Medical Education Tuesday lunches. He was a calm, warm gentleman with wide interests. I am glad to know that many will hold him dear in their memory.
John Carrigg
August 4, 2017
Tom was a very good friend of mine. We played music together, we discussed many subjects together and generally had a fine time always for 40 years. In addition he was a most respected colleague. I am truly devastated by his loss as I know the family is. I send my condolences to all survivors including all of his patients that have been so well served.
Charles West
August 3, 2017
It is with great sadness and emotions to say farewell to the world Best Doctor the Community is at a Great Loss, My sincere condolences to the Family
Words cannot express the sincere thanks for the excellent medical treatment and advise I have received from Dr. Stern for over 28 years. We are compelled to convey the sound management of medical service principles demonstrated by his wonderful practice.
So often we fail to recognize professionals such as Dr. Stern that have surpassed people such as me with the highest intensity of medical professionalism and excellent patient care. I will always extend my sincere appreciation for his loving outstanding caring service. A real true friend forever.
stephanie caloia
August 3, 2017
I only met Dr Stern once, but I know he was a stellar man. I am deeply saddened for his loss and for his family. A terrible shock for his beloved patients as I am hearing from some of them. May his memory be eternal.
Stephanie Caloia, Secretary for Dr. Carrigg
James Borton
August 2, 2017
Tom Stern was many things to many people: father, husband, humanitarian, musician, swimmer, novelist and friend. He was my friend. He may have missed running with the bulls in Pamplona but little else. His was a rich and deep life. He was my friend. We celebrated life and the publication of his novel, Gold Fever in Hong Kong and along the way in Wan Chai ate and drank our way back to Victoria Harbor. He looked at me and said, " Lord Jim are you ready to swim across Victoria Harbor"? We both exercised good judgment and settled for a ferry ride. He was my friend and I miss him.
Robert Madera
August 2, 2017
Tom Stern was my personal physician from the mid-1970's until, sadly, today, when I learned of his untimely passing. When Tom first retired from practice, I was so disappointed. Then I heard he'd returned to practice, and immediately returned to his care and counsel. He was much more than a tender to my physical needs, he was a friend and confidant. I will miss the times I spent talking with him, often about subjects unrelated to the business at hand. He never let you feel like he was in a hurry, that he didn't have time to speak with you. Politics, writing, music, his beloved Philippines. I have copies of his work that he just gave to me. This was a man of many talents, and great kindness. I remember the first time I saw the photos of his work overseas repairing the faces of youngsters, and thinking what a great thing he was doing, just out of the goodness of his heart. The last time I saw him, early in July, we spoke about how he'd injured his leg, and how slow it was to heal. I reminded him that we were old men now, and things heal a lot slower. So my last words to him was some medical advice. I have lost much more than a physician, I've lost a good friend. My condolences to his wife Yolanda, whose portrait I have gazed upon many a time, and the rest of his family and friends. This was a fine man, a husband and father that you can justifiably be very proud of. Be well.
Thomas Corr
July 31, 2017
The first time I met Dr. Tom was in 1980. I needed a physical for a new job, and he was referred to me by a friend. During the examination, he asked me about my tobacco use. I replied that I smoked, and braced myself for the stock lecture about the dangers of tobacco. Instead, he said something like this: "You know, I can't wait 'til I turn 80 so I can start smoking again." I was completely charmed by this. In one brief sentence, he refused to shame me, he acknowledged that there is an element of pleasure in smoking, and wrapped it in a preposterously implausible and humorous statement. Years later, I reminded him of this remark, and he said that he was going to have to modify that quip, because his mother had already lived past 90, and he didn't want her to start taking up smoking.
Malou Babilonia
July 31, 2017
Yolanda, you and Tom will forever remain the most beautiful couple in my memories. I'm so sorry for your unimaginable loss. All love to you and your family, from Mother and me.
Jean Lesmeister
July 30, 2017
yolanda and famiy,please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Tom. The memory of a well spent life is eternal.may the God who calms the seas calm the storm in your lives and grant you peace.jean Dalseth Lesmeister
Shayla Silver-Balbus
July 27, 2017
I only recently met Dr. Stern as a patient at his Berkeley practice. I was so touched by the time and care he took with me, and so impressed by his skill as a physician, that I raved about him to everyone I knew. I finally had a doctor I could trust! And I actually looked forward to my appointments because we'd have such lively discussions--Dr. Stern would tell me about a recent trip, or inquire genuinely about how my work was going. In my very brief time knowing him it was clear he was an extraordinary man. I'm so terribly sorry for this tragic loss. I wish his family and friends peace and healing during this trying time. (As a side note, if there is a way to provide more information on how to find his CDs and books on Amazon, that would be greatly appreciated. I tried to order some but couldn't easily find them.)
Corey Porter
July 25, 2017
Deepest condolences. Wonderful doctor, human. Extremely thankful
for his care, kindness and being the best doctor a patient could ever ask for.
Thank you for the second lease on life.
Sincerely
Corey Allen Porter
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