Thomas Edward Hess

Tom was a much-loved husband, father, brother and uncle who will be remembered by family and friends for his unending optimism, uplifting attitude and enduring spirit.

Tom was born December 16, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with an engineering degree in 1967, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He earned his MBA from UC as well. Tom began his career with General Electric, followed by sales and marketing positions with Raychem in Chicago and San Francisco. In 1977 he started and owned a successful business in industrial sales.

Tom was not defined by his career but rather by his passions and family. An ardent sports fan, Tom was a devoted supporter of the Giants and Forty Niners. He loved playing golf and was a member of Lake Merced Golf Club for a number of years.

Tom's greatest love, though, was his family. He married Susan Kay Hempstead in 1982 and enjoyed a 31 year marriage filled with adventure and laughter. In 1987 they welcomed their only son, Andrew. Tom loved spending time with his family above all else--whether it was traveling around the world to exotic places, catching ball games, teaching his son the game of golf and baseball, or simply enjoying a home cooked meal, he was happiest when surrounded by those he loved most.

Tom is survived by his wife, Susan, son Andrew and his sister Nancy Klein (Tom) as well as countless other family and friends. Tom's zest for life, eternal hopefulness and ceaseless support of his family will most assuredly serve as guiding lights for those left behind.

We love you and we will miss you.

Memorial gifts may be made to Cathedral School for Boys, 1275 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94108. The Alan Venook, MD Oncology Research Foundation at UCSF, "Venook Research Fund (B0683) in memory of Tom Hess" c/o Sarah Krumholz, P.O. Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145-0339. Or the First Tee of San Francisco, 99 Harding RD, San Francisco, CA 94132