Thomas Robinson Obituary

Thomas William Robinson

Thomas William Robinson, affectionately known as "Tom," was born on July 4, 1967, to Lynne and John "Jay" Robinson in Pasadena, California. He passed away peacefully at home in Davis, California, on December 18, 2024, after a courageous battle with ALS. Tom was surrounded by family during his final moments.

Tom spent his formative years in Rancho Bernardo and attended Mount Carmel High School, where he excelled in soccer and baseball while also enjoying skateboarding and surfing. Summers were often spent working at the Wild Animal Park, where he cultivated a love for nature and adventure. He later attended UC San Diego, earning a degree in Biochemistry. During his time there, he worked in Dr. Rapaport's hematology lab, where he met Kim, who would become the love of his life.

After graduating from UC San Diego, Tom joined the Peace Corps and embarked on a life-changing journey to the Kingdom of Tonga. There, he supported local communities in education and technology, unknowingly following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bob's visit to the islands during World War II. This experience left a lasting impact on Tom and reflected his deep commitment to service and connection with others.

In 1994, Tom settled in Davis, California, where he began an extraordinary 31-year career at UC Davis. His work spanned Babesia research in Dr. Conrad's lab to modernizing Vet Med Central Services and excelling in Finance, Operations, and Administration. Throughout his career, Tom earned numerous accolades and the admiration of colleagues and customers alike for his dedication and innovative contributions.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Kim; their children Joshua and Kayla; his parents Lynne and Jay; his sister Tanya (Ron); his brother Dan (Shannon) and their children Pierce and Nicole; as well as countless friends, co-workers, and former players whose lives he touched deeply.

A devoted father, Tom was actively involved in his children's lives, volunteering extensively at their schools and coaching soccer, baseball, and softball teams. He took great pride in reconnecting with former players around town and celebrating their successes. In his free time, Tom found joy in fly fishing with the Fly Fishers of Davis, hunting trips that connected him with nature, and more recently playing pickleball with friends-a testament to his enduring enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures.

Even as ALS presented profound physical challenges, Tom's spirit remained resilient and vibrant. He embraced life's small joys-cherished connections with loved ones, acts of kindness, gratitude-and found strength in the unwavering support of friends and family throughout his journey. His courage and positivity inspired all who knew him to live with purpose and compassion.

In honor of Tom's legacy, donations can be made to organizations supporting those affected by ALS or promoting youth fly fishing initiatives such as Putah Creek Trout or Casting for Recovery. May his memory serve as a beacon of love, resilience, and generosity for all who were fortunate enough to know him.