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Tom Brodie Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Tom Brodie announce his passing in May of 2021.
Tom was a third-generation San Franciscan. His great-grandfather Thomas Brodie started a San Francisco plumbing and heating company "Brodie's" in approximately 1890.
Tom married in 1989 and the couple moved to Fremont in 1992 to purchase a home. However, in keeping with the Brodie tradition, Tom's son was born at UCSF, making grandpa proud that his grandson was a fourth-generation San Franciscan.
Tom graduated Cum Laude from San Francisco State University where he also obtained a technical writing certificate. He worked as a technical writer for Sun Microsystems, Tesla Motors, and Citrix Systems.
Tom's passion for cars was well-known, and each year he looked forward to the San Francisco Auto Show. He was an early driver when at the age of five he climbed into the parked car of a houseguest who had neglected to engage the emergency brake.
Tom's passion for cars was rivaled by his love for dogs. His family's first dog was a St. Bernard (Bobo), a gentle giant. Tom developed character personalities for the family dogs and "spoke" on their behalf, his family often needing to remind themselves that the dogs didn't truly speak. When their beloved breeder dog from Guide Dogs for the Blind developed a medical issue and the family was mourning her loss, Tom and his wife fostered a puppy from Furry Friends Rescue. When their son met the puppy during a college break, the two quickly bonded and Sonic became a permanent part of the pack.
Tom will be remembered for his humor, compassion, generosity, and love for his family.
Tom is survived by his wife, Terrie Brodie; his son Jonathan Brodie; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Bruce and Tricia Brodie and Doug and Elizabeth Brodie; his brothers-in-law, Steve Bialostok and Joe Lozoya, as well as nephews, a niece, and cousins.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, if anyone is so inclined, donations be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind or Furry Friends Rescue. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Brodie
2 Entries
Michael Bowen
May 30, 2021
Tom with his PPE before going into clinicals (January, 2021).
Michael Bowen
May 30, 2021
My deepest condolences go out to you, Tom’s family and friends. I share in your sadness as Tom was like a brother, a dear and trusted friend.
I loved this guy. I loved our conversations, his openness, and the strength of his vulnerability. I loved his writing, his self-reflection, his sarcasm and wit. I loved his heartfelt compassion, his modesty, his desire to love and accept himself so that he could love others more fully.
In his own words (on his whiteboard), Tom wanted his life to exemplify “humor, blessing, love, fun, gratitude, joy” with a goal to love his fellow humans.
Tom had so much to offer, so much love to give. I’m so sorry his time was cut short.
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