Tom was born in 1953 in the small farm town of Chatham Ontario, Canada. His father became the Chief of Police for that town and his mother, who was always Tom’s confidant, was a homemaker to the family of 5 children. From an early age, Tom attended church with his family and was inspired by his Father’s work ethic and his Mother’s love.
Tom met his wife, Janice at the University of Waterloo where they both attended. Tom graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Engineering and Mathematics. He began his career with Bell Canada in Toronto where he became a sought after speaker of the bells and whistles of the latest release of IBM systems software.
From this exposure he was enticed to join Bank of America in San Francisco. He was brought in to get their first ATM network (money machines) running. He became a mentor, teacher and friend to many of his employees.
Tom went on to start his own business called Innovative Design Inc This company developed re monitoring software to maximize the efficiency of mainframe computers at Fortune 500 companies. In 1989 he and his wife moved to the Napa Valley, where their two fine sons were born.
Tom took on the job of being a Father like he took on any pursuit with much research, dedication and vigor. Tom worked hard to teach his sons the value of money, the art of being a gentleman, home and car maintenance skills and most of all the value of hard work. In the year 2,000 Tom sold his company.
He never retired; as soon as he had sold his property he dedicated himself to other pursuits. He purchased a vineyard; he was an active trader on the stock market, he wrote extensive software for his smart home system and kept the property in pristine condition always striving for perfection. Tom took pride in hands on repairs and enhancements to his home.
His two sons have followed in their father’s footsteps both involved in computer software in Silicon Valley. Tom had a passionate love of music, Formula One racing, NASCAR, football, skiing, and dozens of science documentaries. He was a lifelong learner, a day did not go by where he did not research and learn something new.
Tom collected sports cars and spent many hours restoring and maintaining them. Tom was a charitable man; he gave generously to the remodel of the Lincoln Theater at the Veteran’s Home, the Napa Valley Wine Auction, and a new UCSF Medical Center organization “That Man May See”. Tom is survived by his parents Tom and Stella Bird, His wife Jan MacDonald Bird, his sons Tom and Christopher, his brothers Robert and Brian, and his sister Kathie.
Predeceased by his sister Dorothy. Tom was a loving, caring, thoughtful man who will be dearly missed. Tom’s service will be held at Grace Church of Napa, 3765 Solano Ave, Napa on June 9th at noon.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the intensive care unit at Queen of the Valley Hospital.
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