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BORN
1939
DIED
2022
Tom Bertrand Obituary
Tom was born 8-5-1939 passed away on 12-26-2022.
Tom was born to Stanley and Lillie Bertrand, August 5, 1939. He spent his career in the banking workd in Eureka California, startignw tih Humboldt National Bank one of the first independent banks in Eureka. His latest employment was with Coast Central Credit Union.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge #652 in Eureka and had many memories and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Carie Marie, his sister Mary Jean, His brother John, his parents Stanley and Lillie Bertrand.
Tom is surved by his sons Gerald of Reno NV and Mark of Fairfield, CA.
A Celebration of life will be held February 11, 2023 from 2-4pm at the Elks Lodge of Eureka, 445 Herrick Ave, Eureka, CA 95503.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tom Bertrand
Sponsored by Times-Standard.
6 Entries
Bob Bestor
December 18, 2024
Without Tom, I would not be married for 62 years to a wonderful woman and share with her our amazing life with three children and six grandchildren. Here's how it happened. I met Tom when my parents moved to Arcata CA in 1956. In early ´58 I joined the Navy. One Friday evening in early September of 1958, home on leave for a few days and on my way to submarine school in New London, CT, Tom and I were aimlessly driving around deciding what to do: go bowling, see a movie, find some pals for a poker game, etc. Tom then mentioned there was freshman dance at the Women's Gym on the campus Humboldt State, our local California State College. These days, as neither of us was a student there, Tom and I would not be allowed entrance to such an event, but that night we just walked in. For awhile we stood near the entrance and watched the dancers. A slender, smiling redhead caught my eye and I asked her to dance. She was open and friendly and without pretension. A few minutes later, I asked again and was further impressed by her openness and down-to-earth personality. (She did not, for example, mention that the college's main street was named after her great-grandfather who was a member of the party that discovered Humboldt Bay.) I talked about the Navy and she told me of her just completed summer train trip to meet relatives in New York.
Over the next few days we had a couple of movie dates before I left for sub school, but after that we stayed in touch via mail. Marriage didn't happen until June of 1962, the day after we both graduated from the University of Idaho.
To this day, whether she is chatting with the mayor of our town or the woman who cleans our house, Liz remains the same friendly, unassuming, and down-to-earth person I met that night.
Though I remember many good times with Tom - we talked sports and his family often welcomed me in their Arcata home near the Catholic Church - I break into a cold sweat when I think what my life might have been had he not suggested the freshman dance on that long-ago evening. RIP Tom.
Barbara Fields
December 18, 2024
Tom, just letting you know , we all think about you. Miss seeing you at the Friendly Corner. Ice and cherries are a biggie. Thanks for your friendship Tom.
Barbe, The other bookend.
Bob Bestor
July 12, 2024
I was home on a brief leave from the Navy, on my way to Submarine School in New London, CT. On a Friday evening, September 5, 1958, we were riding aimlessly around Eureka-Arcata. We had no plans and were trying to decide whether to see a movie, go bowling, get a hamburger, or find some buddies. Tom suddenly mentioned there was a freshman dance at the Women's Gym on the Humboldt State campus. What the hell...we went, just walked in, no problem. I don't remember what Tom the hour or so there, but I asked a red-headed 17-year-old to dance. We connected, stayed in touch during my Navy years, were married in June 1962 and now live in Ashland, Oregon. We have three children and six grandchildren. Tom suggestion of attending the dance is the easily the best thing that ever happened to me. More than that night, I have very fond memories of my friend Tom Bertrand, though I don't know that we were ever together again. Best wishes to Tom's family
Sharice
February 9, 2023
Awe Tom, Tomas, Tommy-tie. So many memories with you at Coast Central. You were the best. I'm so sorry I hadn't spoken to you recently. I know you're so happy to be with your bride, Carol. My sincere sympathy to your family. I'll always miss you.
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Barbara J Fields
February 9, 2023
My sincerest sympathy to the family. Such a sweet man. Tom will be missed. Barbe
Lois Dillon
February 8, 2023
Tom - so many fond memories of our elementary school and high school days. He was one of my best friends all throughout school. Lois Wagner Dillon
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