Mr. Thomas William Crowell

Tom was born on April 7, 1946 at Hayward Hospital in Hayward, California. His parents were Velva Jean Hensley and John Harry Crowell. He had a brother, Don and a sister, June. Tom was raised in Oakland and San Lorenzo California. As a child Tom had the ability to make great friends. Even in his final days, Tom had childhood friends of over 50 years visit him.

All of Tom's playful good humor carried over into his childhood. He had an easy going personality and an enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Tom experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited him very well. He took part in wrestling and track & field. He was a Sea Cadet. In his spare time he liked fishing and sports. Thomas' memorable achievements included excelling in sports.

Though Tom was shy in high school, he was very fun loving. Experience was Tom's best teacher. He graduated from Arroyo High School in 1964. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Silverman.

Upon graduating high school, Tom exchanged wedding vows with Rachel Castillo at St. Leanders Church of San Leandro, California on April 17 1966. He loving referred to his wife Rachel as “Rock”.

Perhaps the reason Tom related so well to children was the fact that he was a kid at heart. Tom and Rachel had 3 children, one son, Jim and two daughters, Elena and Julie. They were also blessed with 2 grandkids, Melissa Lucarelli, Riley Gillies. Tom loved his kids and grandkids dearly. He would do anything for them. When Tom learned of his illness, one of the first things he did was to take Melissa his first grandchild fishing. He also bought her first set of golf clubs.

At work, Tom was an adaptable realist, using his common sense and trusting his experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Tom's talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around him to see Tom as an excellent problem solver. He was the proud owner of his own business for 33 years.

Tom enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were golf, fishing, and hunting. He was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, college basketball, and golf. Tom was an active member of the Hollister Gun Club (home of the quack shack), Ducks Unlimited, and The Monarch Bay Golf Club.

He loved to travel and favorite vacations included Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, Alaska and Canada, especially if the vacation had a fishing pole, golf club or shot gun involved. He cherished his two hunting dogs, Willie and Pepper. They were part of the family for 12 and 14 years respectively many of them hunting.

Tom’s courageous battle with cancer began in 2005; forcing him to slow down at work but never retire. Tom’s love for life was never more evident than his fight with his illness. He planned his hunting trips around his medical treatments and surgery.

Tom passed away on September 29, 2008 at home. Tom fought a brave battle against cancer. He is survived by his wife Rachel, his children Jim, Elena, and Julie; his grandchildren Melissa and Riley. Services were held at Guerrero Mortuary. Thomas was laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Thomas brought joy to all of those around him. He was a kind man. He loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. He loved to share his energy, wit, and his zest for all of his activities with his friends and family. Mr. Thomas William Crowell lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be remembered with a smile.