Carla and family, I just recently heard that Tom passed away and wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. He was such a great guy: honest, caring, moral, and it was wonderful to work with him.  Even though I hadn’t seen you or Tom for many years, I thought of you both often and this is sad news. The world isn’t as kind without Tom in it. 

Tom and I were students at Serra and USF.  We roomed in the dorm for the spring semester 1968.  Played poker at his folks home numerous times.  Tom was a fine student.  Loved history, especially World War 2.  A real gentleman who always did the right thing.


Condolences to the family, and prayers are being sent.  I will always remember the kindness, civility, respect and humanity he showed to all who entered his Courtroom.  He was missed on retirement and he will be missed forever.

Susan Medina

I wish I could have spent more time with this kind, funny, generous, and all around amazing person. He added a lightness and happiness to the room that will be missed by us all.
One of my favorite memories was when him, my brother, my grandma, and I were at Olympic Village. We went over to a nearby open field area, and we played softball. He gave great tips, and we laughed and played for hours.
I will miss this amazing person I am proud to call my grandpa.
Sydni


I regret that  I was not closer to visit my dearest niece   Carla and Tom while they were on a rare vacation and cane ti NIbtbab.   Now at 97   I regret even more the brie life of such a deserving public servant and loving family man as Justice Heslin who had just retired with plans of traveling at last. 
 Condolences to my beloved Carla   to whom I can only  offer a long distance hug  at such a sad time.,
Aunt Selma

























cArlas's visit to us in 

Judge Heslin was a very kind and gentle soul.  He was a great judge willing to listen to all arguments however outrageous they may have been.  Well liked and respected.  It was a sad day for us when he retired and now it is even a sadder day.  God Bless you until we meet again.   

Tom, thanks for your many kind gestures. Like taking time out of your busy life to visit me at the rehab hospital - that truly lifted my spirits.

So now you’ve embarked on the journey to Byzantium, as your fellow Irishman, Wm. B. Yeats, put it. Like it or not, this has become no country for old men (and especially for us septuagenarians!).

Somewhere you are walking (during the lunch hour) where the road rises to meet you, with sunshine on your face, and the wind to your back, held safe for the day we’ll all meet again in the hold of God’s hand.

My condolences to your family.

When Judge Heslin came to the bench I was his first... trial. This was a topic of constant banter between he and I. This trial went on for 6 days.  What I remember most about it was that when we started it was the Spring and he loved to have the windows open behind him.  Only problem is that the trains would come blaring through their, laying on their horns for a solid 5 miles!  Well, everyone would freeze, mid sentence, whatever, and wait for the train to go by.  Then we would pick up like there had been no interruptions.  There were sometimes 20 trains during a session! Nothing like having a Judge, a court reporter, counsel and witness freeze in place, over and over.   I think it honestly almost became a game! We all found it quite funny!
He and I would have long conversations about his wife's hat work as well.  He was always so very proud of her work and the hats she got for him.  There was always a sparkle in his eye when speaking about her.
I am truly heartbroken that such a kind and generous man has left this world.  The world is just a bit less bright now.  Rest in peace Sir!  Much love to his wife, family and friends.

I remember law school and cutting civil pro to go to the Fog and Grog. Several cigar-clouded poker games. Riding horses at Tahoe. Moving to Fresno and reconnecting. Many shared Grizzlies games, and meals with and without our wives. You were always kind and humble, even when you had reason not to be so. Always an honor, personally and professionally.

You were one of the first judges I had an appearance and I remember your wise and fair rulings and your gentle demeanor. It was always a pleasure to share hearings and trials with you. You will always be remembered  Judge Heslin and your Alaskan hammer. 

I t was a sad day, the day you retired from, the bench,  even sadder now. 

Your kindness, your institutional knowledge, and your steady hand kept justice moving in the right direction.

The world will certainly be the worse for your loss.

Rest in Peace

Your honor, 

Receiving a notice of hearing and seeing that you were the assigned judge to my case always made me smile because that you were both knowledgeable and fair.  I will forever remember the way your conducted your courtroom with class, dignity and kindness.  It was always a joy to talk to you. 

My condolences to the Heslin family 

Your honor 

I enjoyed appearing in your court room all of these years.  Nothing but profound respect  for your presence.  

My condolences, to the Heslin family.   

OBITUARY

Thomas John Heslin

October 27, 1949 – July 31, 2021

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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