Memorials › Thomas Richard “Tom” Johnston
Thomas Richard “Tom” Johnston
15 Apr 1950 – 27 Dec 2017
| Birth | 15 Apr 1950 |
| Death | 27 Dec 2017 |
| Added by | Larry Tally on 30 Dec 2017 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/186222127 |
Bio
Tom passed away at his home in Modesto on December 27th. He was born in Oakland, CA, to Leslie and Ruth Johnston in 1950. During the early years, the family, including older brother Dennis, lived in Richmond and later moved to Tracy. Tom graduated from Tracy High School in 1968, and went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco in 1973. After college, Tom worked for the Federal Court in San Francisco for a few years, and then started a construction company with his brother. He retired in 2010. While Tom and his wife Jane, the love of his life, grew up on the same street together in Tracy, it was at a golf class where they connected and fell in love. They were married on September 10, 1972, and were together for nearly 40 years, until Jane passed five years ago. They raised their two daughters, Jill and Laurie, in Modesto and the family spent time together every year camping in Yosemite, swimming, playing games, and traveling to Hawaii and Europe. Faith and family were Tom's priorities and passion, followed closely by his obsession for the game of golf and love of all things sports related. A devout Christian, Tom was an active member at Modesto Covenant Church, where he volunteered his time and talents. His strong, unwavering faith was evident in the way he lived his life and the impact he had on those around him. He had a generosity of spirit beyond measure. Tom was an amazing Dad to his girls and was famous for making special treats that he brought along on his highly anticipated, and ever so popular, "visits." Tom was "Papa," to five grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy and purpose, and with whom he spent as much time with as possible. He was a total "hands on" Papa, who was often found playing games on the floor, tossing a basketball outside, or quietly reading a bedtime story. When not chasing grandchildren, Tom could often be found enjoying a game of golf at Spring Creed Country Club. He liked to travel and played courses around the U.S. and in Europe whenever he could. He loved watching sports, and was known as a "serious competitor" when it came to family board games. Selfless, generous, and always supportive to his family and friends, he will be forever treasured and deeply missed by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his daughters, Jill and her husband, Peter Krimmel, of Orinda, and Laurie and her husband, Jonathan Hansen, of Carlsbad; grandchildren Cole, Stella and Kai Krimmel, and Logan and Lucas Hansen; brother Dennis and his wife Linda Johnston; as sell as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Tom's life is planned for Thursday, January 4, at 2 p.m., at Modesto Covenant Church. A reception will follow at the church. Donations in his memory can be sent to Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave, Modesto, CA, 95350. The above published in the Modesto Bee newspaper on December 30, 2017 A story: This story is meant to demonstrate the kind of person that Tom was and to also show what we have lost with his passing. In 2007 we had gathered in Tracy for a family day at the home of Toms mother-in-law. As the day came to an end, Tom and Jane left on their way home a few minutes prior to my wife and I. We all live in Modesto. We had just exited I-5 onto the Hwy 120 (Manteca) bypass when we came upon slow traffic. Up ahead on the left side was a chevy van in the median that had rolled over and was upside down. This had just happened. People were still in the van which had not stopped rocking at this point. A few cars had stopped and everyone was slowing. We traveled through when on the right shoulder I saw a man swiftly walking back towards the accident. Tom. He had pulled over just ahead and was on his way to help. He did not know these folks but that did not matter to Tom. Someone needed help and he was going to find out if he could help. As we passed their car on the shoulder, Jane was in the passenger seat reading a magazine. I have never shared this story prior to this writing. Tom was the type of individual who did not do things for notoriety. He tried to make things a little better for everyone around him: including strangers. We have lost an exceptional human being. Not often do we come across an individual who possesses the character and moral compass that Tom has. The way in which Tom lived his life is the ultimate example of which we as a society should work to achieve. God bless you Tom. Say hi to Jane and the rest of the family.
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