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Tom Pierson Obituary

Tom Pierson

Passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Thursday February 20, 2014. Tom was the son of the late Ted and Laura Pierson of Norman,OK. Tom is survived by his wife, Elyse his children, Justin ,Tommy and Elizabeth and his sister, Patricia Neher, Maggie and many loving family members and his many friends.

Tom was recently awarded the Distinguished Public Service Medal for his service to NASA and the scientific community through his leadership of the SETI Institute for the past 30 years.

Tom was an avid baseball fan, golfer and cyclist. Tom will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 24, 2014 at 1:00 PM at St. Charles Church, 880 Tamarack Avenue, San Carlos.

Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association at their website.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Pierson

51 Entries

Brenda Simmons

March 25, 2019

Four years later, Tom still remains in my memory. A man of compassion, and passionate about the Institute. He did all that he did for the good of us all. And he had such a sense of humor about it all. We need more Tom Piersons in this world...
Elyse, you are not alone in missing his presence.

Tina Avelar

March 21, 2014

It is with a heavy heart that I write this message. I was Tom's physical therapist and just learned of his recent passing. He was such a positive light and gentle soul. My thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time. I hope that he is looking down upon us from a championship golf course or riding his bike to his heart's content in the hereafter. The Apex family will miss him dearly.

Teresa Faw Grimes

March 21, 2014

My sincere condolences. Tom was a kind, sweet soul and a true gentleman. An honor and a privilege to have worked with him during my years at NASA HQ. Tom's work and spirit will remain a shining light for all. Rest in Paradise, Tom.

Joseph Lazio

March 3, 2014

My condolences to the Pierson family.
I had known Tom through his efforts to advance SETI efforts, but I had not appreciated the depths of his involvement in the founding of the SETI Institute. Not only did his efforts have a profound effect on advancing SETI work and the search for life in the Universe, but they laid the foundation for much continuing work in the field of radio astronomy. His legacy will continue for decades hence, and his presence will be missed.

February 28, 2014

To the Pierson family:
Our sincere condolences. Tom was a wonderful, fine, brave, unique individual.
We will miss him.
Art and Esther Weber

Teresa Campisi

February 27, 2014

Dear Elyse, Tommy, and Elizabeth, I can't imagine the large hole left by Tom's early crossing over. I am so grateful for my recent visits with Tom. He always welcomed me with a warm heart and smile. He will be missed by many! Truly an honorable and caring human being with so much to offer. Rest in peace and no more pain, Tom.

David Johnson

February 27, 2014

Dear Tom, I will always remember the good times and discussions we had together on my visits to "the Institute". Rest in peace my dear friend.

Ed Erickson

February 26, 2014

Rarely is such a creative activity so humanely and effectively led, as did Tom Pierson for SETI. My deep condolences extend to his professional and to his personal families.

Jill Tarter

February 25, 2014

I have had the privilege to partner with Tom Pierson for more than 3 decades. Our journey has been more complex, and ultimately more bountiful, than either of us could have ever conceived. Today, the SETI Institute stands as an embodiment of Tom's vision and perseverance. It's impossible for me to envision how to move forward without Tom, but I believe that together we can all keep moving to accomplish the dreams and visions that he urged us to imagine. Funding is scarce, many of us stand on the edge of a precipice, but we couldn't be standing here and daring a better future without Tom's love and support. Let's make it so.

Alan Patrick

February 25, 2014

Words do not seem to adequately express the loss felt at the passing of such a wonderful person. Rather than fumble for words to express the sadness, I will spend time in reflection. Tom will be greatly missed.

Mike Holland

February 24, 2014

Tom and I grew up together in Norman, Oklahoma. We played endless hours of golf together at Twin Lakes CC and other courses around the state while on the Norman High golf team. We also worked together on the golf course two summers. Tom was one of my favorite friends growing up. We drifted apart after high school but reconnected in the last few years including a couple of golf "reunions". Tom was a wonderful person who radiated warmth and energy to everyone around him. I shall always treasure those early days he and I spent together, and will miss him.

Greg Schmidt

February 24, 2014

I feel so privileged to have had Tom as a friend and colleague for all these years. He was a strong leader with enormous integrity, who created the finest organization I've ever worked with. He was open and gave freely with his time, ideas and friendship. When astrobiology was dealt its biggest blow, it was Tom who sprang into action and gathered the luminaries who turned things around. When - yes, when - we find intelligent life beyond Earth, we'll have Tom to thank for helping lead the way. Thanks Elyse, Tommy and Elizabeth for sharing such a wonderful person with us and our hearts all go to you in this very tough time.
With warmth,
Greg Schmidt

Gerry Harp

February 24, 2014

Tom Pierson had a huge impact on my career and the careers of many scientists at the SETI Institute. Tom had unflagging faith in the dreams of every scientist here. He was both a mentor and patron. Patron in the sense of the artist's patron, who appreciates her art and devoted precious time from his life to support. Tom was above all a man who valued everyone's investment of time or more liquid assets. From supporting staff, to creative laborers (such as scientists), to that of all patrons, Tom had a sense of high value for everyone's contributions.

I continue to learn from lessons shared with me by Tom. I want to celebrate his life as a saint, a leader, and a friend. The world won't see another Tom for a very long time.

One more of Tom's legacies is the Allen Telescope Array (a radio telescope espcially for SETI). When describing the ATA leadership in 2006, I created the attached viewgraph.

February 24, 2014

Tom had a big impact on my personal and professional growth. Not only by his actions as CEO of the SETI Institute, where I worked for nine years, but also as a human being. I recall wearing a rather unique baseball cap one day that came from a friend of mine's business. Tom like it, because of the joke included in the business' tag line. I can't even recall what it was today, but I do recall Tom explaning to me that sometimes he needed a hat that was "neutral" when he was watching certain games (like the ones between teams he wasn't associated with). I was kind of surprised at the time because I hadn't really had much interaction with Tom personally (yet). I guess I expected a CEO to be kind of stand-offish with his "underlings" and not to be seen to enjoy things like a funny hat, or kids baseball games that he wasn't obligated to attend. But what I learned that day, and many times over in my experiences with Tom is that, like the truly good man I knew him to be, he had no "underlings." Everyone was just as valuable as everyone else. That's a trait that I notice is not as common as it should be in today's society.

February 24, 2014

Elyse,

My sincerest sympathies go out to you and your family. Please know my thoughts are with you, and I'm here if you need anything.

Sincerely,
Brenda Koehler

Sharon Duffy

February 24, 2014

Dear Elyse and family,

As one of the founding members of Team SETI I have known Tom for many years now and his passing has come far too soon. He was always such a kind soul with a sincere and compassionate vision not only for all of those who worked with him and at SETI Institute, but he was equally appreciative of those of us who participated with a real interest in pursuing and sharing in this vision from the outside in some small way. You all have so very much to be proud of!

I hope that his indisputable and unwavering belief in the progress for research work at SETI Institute lives on forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sadness.

Sharon Duffy

February 24, 2014

Elyse,

I'm so so sorry for the loss of your husband Tom. My most sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. I hope you know that all of us here in the Department are here for you.

Sincerely,
Maria Magana-Lopez

Nathalie Cabrol

February 24, 2014

Tom is leaving us much too soon, but he is leaving us with a path to follow and a vision. I will always cherish our chats about science or about the future of the Institute. He was always ready to listen. We will all miss his physical presence, beautiful smile, generosity, and firm hand check. Yet, he will be forever present through his visionary creation.

Ken Souza

February 24, 2014

Tom's creativity and positive attitude were evident at the start of SETI and remained unchanged throughout his career. He will be greatly missed by both the SETI and NASA communities.

Claire and Phil Oberhausen

February 24, 2014

Dear Elyse and family,
We are so saddened to hear about Tom's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Franck Marchis

February 24, 2014

Tom was a remarkable leader, he took upon himself the task of creating a place for our work which has no equivalent elsewhere. He was a brilliant and visionary leader who cares about this world, but also his colleagues, friends and family. It has been a privilege to know him. We will miss him, his sincere smile and rememberable strong handshake.

Danielle Futselaar

February 24, 2014

A wonderful and kind man. Alas we never got to meet in person, but i am glad and proud that we knew each other through the SETI Institute. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Kathy Rages

February 24, 2014

My deepest condolences to Tom's family. His enthusiasm for our work at SETI was an inspiration to the rest of us.

February 24, 2014

Dear Elyse, Elizabeth and Tommy,

Tom was one of the most important people in my life, his support and trust helped me to become who I am today. He will always be with me. Tom was the best leader, he let us find our way. I am saddened by his demise, but grateful that he was such a part of my life during my wonderful 20 years associated with SETI Institute. Even in my retirement, his guidance remains.
Brenda Simmons, Costa Rica

Mike Kubo

February 24, 2014

It can't be said any better than what Diane Richards said above. Tom was one of the most decent human beings I have ever met. I can't say that I worked closely with him at the Institute or that I knew him extremely well, but you would have never known that by the way he always knew who you were and treated you as though you were just one of the gang.

Tom, you will be dearly missed.

Farid Salama

February 24, 2014

I'm deeply saddened by the news of Tom's passing. Please accept my most sincere condolences.

Steve Fodor

February 24, 2014

Hi Tom,
I have never known you , never met you, and now on Planetary Landscapes I read about you and I am deeply grateful to you for SETI and all that beautiful material in pictures and info I have gathered the last few months there.
Now I wish I had met SETI long ago and I love to follow all that mindblowing information on the SETI site and Planetary Landscapes, so that's why you will never be forgotten by me and almost 300.000 followers on P.L.
and your family will always have our thanks for sharing you with us all.
Steve Fodor / Zoetermeer - Netherlands.

Diane Richards

February 24, 2014

Tom was an uncommonly decent human human being. I treasure my years at the SETI Institute in many way, but largely because while the organization searched for signs of intelligence on other worlds, we were led by someone who was kind, wise, and very real on ours.

Jean and Mike Davis

February 24, 2014

Tom created the SETI Institute, and was an active and gifted CEO, never one to let things stack up on his desk. Our personal experience was his call to us from the Amsterdam airport, inviting us to join the SETI Institute. Our six years there during the design and construction of the ATA were some of the best in our lives, and we thank him for that. Everyone has their own story to tell, but we all sound the same theme. Tom, you will be missed.

jack Boyd

February 24, 2014

A gaint on whose shoulders we stood .

Greg Klerkx

February 24, 2014

To me, Tom was the very definition of a good man. Kind and gentle yet strong and wise, he's always been an inspiration, and will continue to be.

Amahl Drake

February 24, 2014

Dear Elyse, Elizabeth and Tommy,

Our hearts are heavy and sad at Tom's passing. We still can't believe he's gone. We wanted him to live forever. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives, as a friend and colleague. We will miss him so much.

We send you our love and hugs,
Frank and Amahl

February 23, 2014

Two years ago to the day, February 23, 2012, at the memorial of our son Mino, who had died of brain tumor, Tom took to the podium and spoke lovingly about Mino's connection to SETI and so many memorable moments. Tom was so full of compassion and seemingly boundless energy - the same energy he had poured into the creation of SETI and upheld through so many storms that threatened SETI's course. I have known Tom ever since SETI came into being. I was always inspired talking to him and seeing him steer the ship through sometimes calm, sometimes treacherous seas. Tom was wonderful. I'll miss him
Friedemann

Sophie Essen

February 23, 2014

I was deeply saddened by the news of Tom's passing. Please accept my heart felt condolences.

Pascal Lee

February 23, 2014

Tom was a remarkable leader and visionary, and an outstanding human being. I particularly appreciated how he cared deeply about our research, always gave good advice, and stood behind all our projects. My thoughts are with him, his family, and his extended family at the SETI Institute.

Tom at the ATA Dedication (Photo by Andy Fraknoi)

February 23, 2014

Andy Fraknoi

February 23, 2014

Tom's boundless energy, his gentle smile, his deep loyalty to his staff, his probing curiosity, and his willingness to work hard for a cause he identified with, made him a shining star in our SETI galaxy. Remembering him is a joy and a privilege.

Tom with NASA Administrator Dan Goldin (Photo by Andy Fraknoi)

February 23, 2014

Carolyn Csongradi

February 23, 2014

I met Tom more than 15 years ago when I first worked on a curriculum project. His kindness, respect for others and enduring values drew me back after I retired from the classroom. SETI is like home and I will miss Tom as a member of this family.

Anu

February 23, 2014

My heart felt condolences to the family.

Chris Boome

February 23, 2014

Elyse,

I heard the news of Tom's passing at St. Charles this morning. Our prayers are with you and the kids.

Seth Shostak

February 23, 2014

Tom was the best boss I ever had. He simply WAS the Institute, and really, he always will be.

Barrie Caldwell

February 23, 2014

Dear Pierson Family,
You are all in my prayers. I will mess Tom. I work in the NASA Ames' Grant Office; SETI is one of our customers and great to work with. Tom has been responsive to my/our questions for years. His co-workers have continued his abilities to get the work done with integrity at the core of all efforts and aspects of the work. I will miss him at work and on Facebook; his humor will also be missed. Good luck Tom in your greatest venture yet. Sincerely, Barrie Anne Caldwell

Laurie & Tom Knapp

February 23, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elyse, Elizabeth and Tommy. Tom was such a kind, good man. He will be missed by everyone who ever met him.

Pierre Schwob

February 23, 2014

I will miss Tom. He was a gentle and wise man, and a visionary who expressed and inspired courage. I will cherish his memory.

Richard Freedman

February 23, 2014

I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the memorial service. Tom will be missed as his contributions to the institute were so crucial.

linda Bernardi

February 23, 2014

Tom: Your light will shine forever.

Linda Bernardi

February 23, 2014

Friends, I am sharing my last letter to Tom. Tom: You will be remembered forever.

Dear Tom,

Wanted to share some thoughts with you:

First off, my sincere congratulations on your receiving the NASA Public Service Award. Hugely well deserved. NASA has been very fortunate to have you.

John told me about the great event on the 29th of January. How wonderful to be able to celebrate your success and life with so many friends. How incredibly meaningful.

I met you about 13 years ago and from the first moment and onwards when I think of Tom Pierson, I think: Integrity, Honor, Dedication, Sincerity, Passion and much more.
No matter what circumstances we faced over the years, you have been and are a rock and a friend to everyone. How fortunate we are to know a man like you. Something to aspire to.

You have been the cornerstone of the SETI Institute and will continue to be the man behind the organization. You have left a mark that many dream to leave and will be there forever.
You have taught us all how to be better individuals and function collectively to improve what we do, vs. the mere pursuit of personal interest. What an amazing quality.
You are admired by your staff at the Institute, by Trustees and friends. That is huge my friend- Wow.

All in all, a total honor to know you Tom Pierson. Always in my mind and heart. Always remembered fondly. When I think of Tom Pierson: I think of your wonderful smile and great big hug.

Thank you for teaching us how to be better individuals, contributors and friends and how to focus on the more meaningful things in life.

And if all the above were not enough, over the last 2 years you demonstrated yet another amazing aspect of Tom Pierson: Your Courage. You handled this most difficult challenge with grace, courage and integrity. You don't cease to amaze us all. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and allowing us to be there with you.

All in all, you are an amazing human being. Words cannot do justice, but they serve the purpose to share the great joy of knowing Tom Pierson. Please share this note with your family. We love them all and hope to see them soon.

Your friend and proud Emeritus Board Member of the SETI Institute,
-L

Doug Vakoch

February 23, 2014

Tom always had a clear vision, strong leadership, and a generous, caring heart. He was my friend and mentor, and I miss him deeply. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

David Liddle

February 23, 2014

There won't be another Like Tom. We will all miss him.
David Liddle

Gabriel Alvarado-Marin

February 23, 2014

In the short few years that I knew you, you made a great impression on me.
You will be missed.

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