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BORN
1947
DIED
2020
Thomas Untermann Obituary
Thomas E. Untermann passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 27th 2020, while enjoying one of his favorite things, a walk with his wife Merrie in Lake Tahoe. Tom was born May 23rd, 1947 to Anne and Karl Untermann. He lived his whole life in San Rafael and was a proud San Rafael High School Bulldog, class of '65. He went on to attend UC Davis where he majored in Ag Econ and played power forward on the basketball team, winning two conference championships along the way. It was there that he met his wife Merrie, with whom he had recently celebrated 51 years of marriage.
Tom was a third-generation owner of the West End Nursery in San Rafael, where he loved helping customers and sharing his vast knowledge of plants. He was one of the few people that loved going to work and would usually come home whistling one of his favorite oldies, or much to his families chagrin, Jingle Bells in the middle of July.
Tom had an incredible work ethic and lived his life to help others. Whether it was moving mountains (literally) to put in a batting cage for his kids, or donating plants to a local organization in need, Tom was there to help. Tom could seemingly take on any project, and while his work might not always have been up to code, he did things his way and with his own two hands.
Much of Tom's life revolved around sports. From his successful playing days, to his years spent coaching youth sports, Tom could usually be found on a basketball court or athletic field. He would shag balls or throw batting practice all day if his kids asked. Tom also took pride in making sure local kids had top notch athletic facilities to use, and embarked on many improvement projects over the years including the complete transformation of the San Rafael High baseball field. He was inducted into the Marin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007 and the San Rafael High School Hall of Honor in 2016.
Tom is survived by wife Merrie, sons Chris and Kurt, daughters-in-law Barbara and Elizabeth, grandchildren Walker, Wade, Waylen, Tanner, Hudson and Emilia and siblings Richard, Dennis and Jeanne. Family was everything to Tom. He was an amazing father and husband, and would do anything to ensure his family's happiness. His real pride and joy were his grandchildren, there was nothing he liked more than watching their games, swimming with them in the pool and taking them for a ride on his tractor. Treasured moments will always be the family vacations to Hawaii where you could find Tom enjoying an ocean swim and the countless trips to the Tahoe cabin he poured his heart into.
Those who wish to express sympathy, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Tom's honor to the Marin County Athletic Foundation. Due to Covid, a celebration of life party will be held at a later date.
We love you so much Tom, you will forever be missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Untermann
Lloyd Kirchner
October 25, 2024
Lloyd Kirchner
Deborah Spivey
October 27, 2023
Merrie,Chris and Kurt, we know your hearts are still in pain over Tom´ s passing. We thought highly of Tom and we will always cherish his memory. Prayers for you, Deborah and Michael
Colton Judy
October 26, 2023
We are grateful to have known such a warm, caring and benevolent man!
Judy & Brad Colton
Margo & Ron DeCook
October 26, 2022
We all continue to remember and miss Tom very much. His memory continues to live on Forever
Cheri and Ken Taber
October 25, 2022
Remembering Tom...
Judy and Brad Colton
October 25, 2022
We continue to miss his smile and the warm greeting that always awaited us, and others, upon arrival at West End. Tom was one of a kind and will continue to live on in our hearts.
Colton Judy and Brad
October 25, 2021
We continue to remember Tom. He truly was a fine, caring and well respected man, who was a friend to so many! Continue to RIP.
Barb Curtice
March 6, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the Untermann family, friends, staff and the Marin community that loved and supported West End and were drawn in by Tom's wonderful ways and knowledge of plants. I live in Novato and travel down for special purchases and just to hear from Tom on plant life. He was always so welcoming. He helped me last in the late summer of 2020 when I was looking for a tree. Tom and I had a good chuckle when I was leaving a voice message saying I kept missing the revised nursery hours and he unexpectedly picked up after hours and said "Hey Barb...we can only work behind these masks for so many hours!" One knew they were always getting the real deal and truth with Tom. I will miss him and seeing him when I come by. He made the store a special place and I am sure by his example it has been left in the most caring and capable hands. And thanks Patti Jo for taking time today to share the news of Tom during our call. You could have easily answered my camellia question and hung up.
Rest in Paradise Tom. WestEnd continues to serve others as you did. I will come by soon for plants for my memory garden and will plant them in honor of Tom. I will continue to support the garden center and share forward the values of community that Tom so beautifully embodied.
God Bless!
Barb Curtice
March 5, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to the Untermann family, friends, staff and the Marin community that loved and supported West End and were drawn in by Tom's wonderful ways and knowledge of plants. I live in Novato and travel down for special purchases and just to hear from Tom on plant life. He was always so welcoming. He helped me last in the late summer of 2020 when I was looking for a tree. Tom and I had a good chuckle when I was leaving a voice message saying I kept missing the revised nursery hours and he unexpectedly picked up after hours and said "Hey Barb...we can only work behind these masks for so many hours!" One knew they were always getting the real deal and truth with Tom. I will miss him and seeing him when I come by. He made the store a special place and I am sure by his example it has been left in the most caring and capable hands. And thanks Patti Jo for taking time today to share the news of Tom during our call. You could have easily answered my camellia question and hung up.
Rest in Paradise Tom. WestEnd continues to serve others as you did. I will come by soon for plants for my memory garden and will plant them in honor of Tom. I will continue to support the garden center and share forward the values of community that Tom so beautifully embodied.
God Bless!
Cheri and Ken Taber
November 21, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Margo & Ron DeCook
November 21, 2020
We are so terribly sad and very sorry to hear of Tom's passing and we offer our deepest sympathy to all of his family, friends and loved ones. Tom was always so very helpful everytime when we shopped at West End Nursery and he will be be missed by many. Tom's Legacy will certainly live on forever and we offer many prayers, love and support to his family.
Dana
November 11, 2020
I have been a regular customer at West End for many years. The last time I was in Tom and I had the most wonderful conversation about our joy in growing plants. We agreed that the up side to the pandemic has been that so many people were discovering gardening. He told me how much he loved his time in his own garden. What a loss to our community.
Dave Royston
November 10, 2020
Tom and I spent a lot of time in the stands watching little league baseball and CYO basketball. His enthusiasm was unmatched (remember the “crowd technical anyone”?). He was also a great neighbor. I will miss chatting over the fence at the nursery and watching the kids play ball. Tom was a good one!
Jim McKinley
November 10, 2020
A hard working man.
martha domont
November 9, 2020
I am just heartbroken to read the shocking news of Tom’s passing, way too young. He has been a stalwart member of our community, always had an ear and advice for our planting dreams and realities. He will be sorely missed forever. A trusted man of the earth is a rare gem. Thank you to his family and devoted staff for sharing him with us all.
Roberta Wright
November 9, 2020
I am so sorry to hear that Tom passed away. I always enjoyed seeing him and seeking his advice at the nursery. My heartfelt wishes to the family.
Anne Rosenthal
November 9, 2020
I have lived in San Rafael in the same house since 1983, and Tom was a person of kind help and information at the nursery, where our best plants originated. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all his family and co-workers. He wouldn’t know my name, but would know my face, and he will be missed. A person like Tom really makes a place. Thanks, Tom, for years of good cheer and making Marin more beautiful.
Nancy Hilty
November 7, 2020
What a loss to the community, his family, and to the joy and pleasure of gardening in Marin County. I wandered in to West End probably 40 years go after a difficult two years living in Africa. and have seldom used another nursery. It has always been peaceful and welcoming--I used to go there just to look at that beautiful espaliered apple--or was it a pear? tree on the side fence, and was so disappointed to find it gone after a 10 year stint of living in Seattle. It's so rare to find a business like that, where the cheerfulness and positive energy of an owner like Tom suffuses the entire place. He wouldn't have known me other than as a customer, but it seemed tht all the staff took a page from his book and radiated his good will. I lost a husband suddenly too, and wish peace especially to his wife and family. He will be so missed.
Janet Garvin
November 6, 2020
Tom's was the smiling face that we saw often at West End. We are so sorry for his family, for West End, and for our entire community. Blessings, Tom. Janet Garvin and Bob Shumaker
Rocky Shone
November 6, 2020
I’m shocked and saddened by Tom’s sudden passing.
I have wonderful memories of all the kids who loved sports meeting up at Tom’s house on I (Eye) street every afternoon after West End School got out and playing whatever sport was in season. Tom of course loved and always excelled at basketball but no matter the sport if you really wanted to win you wanted Tom on your team.
Tom led a wonderful life and gave so much back to his community and leaves so many friends. He will be deeply missed. My heartfelt sympathies to the entire family.
Anna Mullins
November 6, 2020
Tom always welcomed you with a smile at West End Nursery. He was so helpful & treated everyone with respect. He made such a difference at the nursery & in this world & will be sorely missed. Blessings & prayers for his family. He truly made a difference in this world.
Peta Sanderson
November 6, 2020
I met Tom once, probably 2 decades ago and still remember what a deeply kind yet effective man he was. Also he made me laugh quite a bit.
Peta Sanderson
Elizabeth DeRuff
November 6, 2020
I loved going to West End and chatting with Tom. We talked about the ancient pear tree on the grounds of West End which was grafted from an original pear tree planted at Mission San Rafael.
Cristine Welisch
November 6, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was the reason I shopped at The Nursery. He was always gracious, enthusiastic and fun to talk with. His presence will be missed. He is part of what has made San Rafael a great community to live in. Peace..
Karen & Walt Holleran
November 6, 2020
A long time customer, I share the
shock and sadness ofTom’s passing. What a generous and rich human being that brought so much to the world around him. Deepest condolences to the family on your loss. His warmth and generous smile will be in our memories.
Gladly make a donation in his memory to Marin Athletic
k davis jones
November 6, 2020
Deepest condolences from our family to yours... The Davis-Jones'
Katie Fradelizio Vergara
November 6, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear this. He was always so friendly & there to answer any gardening questions! Sending love to the entire Untermann family!
Katie Fradelizio Vergara
November 6, 2020
I’m so sorry to hear this. He was always so friendly & there to answer any gardening questions- sending love to the entire Untermann family!
Suzi
November 5, 2020
It is Incredibly sad to hear this news! What a loss of a wonderful human being. To his beautiful family, Dennis & Cheryl and other friends, my heartfelt love & condolences goes out to you. Rest In Peace dear Tom.
Mary MacGabhann
November 5, 2020
Thanks for being such a lovely, happy presence at West End. I'll think of you on my many future visits. May you live on in all those that were close.
Nicole archibald
November 5, 2020
Much love and prayers to the family . Such a wonderful , and kind , and funny man! Such a loss. Much love to you all
Howard Foster
November 5, 2020
RIP Tom
BB Stenson
November 4, 2020
I am heartbroken. For many of West End's customers, Tom loomed large. He was the smile that greeted you and the smile that said, 'Thanks & see you next time' He knew everything about our plantings. The holiday store was always an amazing highlight & he was always there with his amazing smile. I am so, so sad & sorry for your loss.
Jim Barcewski
November 4, 2020
Thomas I have been a customer of his nursery for over 30 years.The best thing I enjoyed the most was his friendly face,He almost always
was smiling and always happy to answer question.West End Nursery
will not be the same without him.Merrie I am sorry for his death in front of you.I used to watch you two on TV at the San Rafael planning commission. After I told Thomas that I watch 2 two on TV.He was so proud and walked me to a area where he show where you two live.
The world will not be the same now that he is gone
Jim Barcewski
Nick Lituanio
November 4, 2020
My memories of Tom will always hold a special place in my heart. I got to know Tom through the nursery. The many plants Tom suggested around our home will be a reminder of his smile and playful sense of humor.
Katie Young
November 4, 2020
What an amazing, kind and generous man Mr. Untermann was. We are truly sadden with his passing and send all of our love, thoughts and prayers to the entire family! May your memories remain strong in your hearts and you be surrounded by love and family. Love, Matt and Katie Young
Lawrence Margetich
November 3, 2020
One of my favorite places to shop-West End Nursery-to see Tom always greeting his customers and providing answers to all who asked for his advice. It was a shock to hear of his passing and I will always think of him especially when I visit the nursery. God bless you Tom and your wonderful family.
Judy
November 3, 2020
Tom was a true gem who was respected, admired and loved by so many. He gave, unconditionally, of his time and expertise to make sustainable improvements to San Rafael High and the greater community. We always felt special when working with Tom, and our home garden was spectacular thanks to West End Nursery and Tom's guidance. We extend our deepest sympathy to the Untermann family. Tom will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending love and hugs,
Judy and Brad Colton
Eli Coffino
November 3, 2020
I will never forget the improvements that Tom made to the San Rafael High School baseball field. That meant a lot to me. I played there often and still see it every time I visit my parents' house in San Rafael. Much love from my family to yours.
Suzanne Zeno
November 2, 2020
tom was an absolutely lovely man. Such a great person. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He will be missed by everyone. The last time I spoke with him he told me what a wonderful vacation he and his wife had had driving through the Southwest. My deepest sympathy to his family. My thoughts are with you.
Delta Bluegrass Co.
November 2, 2020
Your Delta Bluegrass Family is incredibly sorry to hear this sad news. Tom was always a pleasure to work with and we will miss his infectious positive attitude! We have made a donation to the Marin Athletic Club in his honor. Sending our love to his family.
The Thornhill Family
November 2, 2020
We were heartbroken to hear of Tom's passing. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with the Untermann family during this very difficult time.
Barbara and Clark Cramer
November 1, 2020
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on your loss. You, his family, said it so well . Tom was one of the good guys. As long time customers, my husband and I always loved Tom's advice on planting our garden. More importantly, we shared his humor , love of sports, and pride in family.
We will be honored to make a contribution in Tom's name to the Marin
County Athletic Foundation.
Barbara and Clark Cramer
all his love of family. We will miss him. We are grateful to see that Chris Westend Nursery.
Ralph, Mae, Greg and Jeff Mihan
November 1, 2020
What a tremendous loss to his family, his friends, his home town of San Rafael and the residents of Marin County.
The Mihan family has lost long and dear friend.
Deborah and Michael Spivey
November 1, 2020
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man who will be missed by so many. We are blessed to have had Tom as part of our lives for many years. Tom, you will live on in our hearts forever. Love you, Deborah and Michael
janet digiovanna
November 1, 2020
This announcement was a very BIG Shock to me. I was just shopping at the nursery for which I've been a customer for the past 20 years or so.
From here forward every time I plant something from West End in my garden it will be in remembrance of Tom. Love to his family and to all of us who've know and loved Tom over the years.
Laura Euphrat
November 1, 2020
We adored Tom so much and his work ethic and his core values as a human being. The Euphrat family sends love to the Untermann family.
Kathy Hart
October 31, 2020
Dear Untermann Family, Both Dennis & I & the entire Hart Family are in Unbelievable shock. I wish Merrie we had know you all were at Tahoe, we were there that same week, we could have been there to give you some support. Our hearts & prayers go out to each of you. I do not know what I’ll do when I go to the nursery & not see that great smiling man or hear his wonderful voice. I know West End will carry on because you have such a great staff of employees, you are all like family & Chris, I know your will do your Dad proud & carry on the tradition of West End Nursery that has passed on down thru all these years. Please remember as you adjust to this new way of life that not only are the Harts thinking of each of you but so are all of your many friends. With our deepest sympathy, Kathy, Dennis & the entire Hart Family
Sonny (Lloyd) Kirchner
October 31, 2020
Love and Prayers for all the family.
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