Tom was born in Slaton, Texas and grew up in Brownsville. He graduated from the University of Texas, Austin and the University of Texas School of Law. He moved from Texas to San Francisco in 1984. Thirty years later he gave away most of his possessions (except his golf clubs) to friends and moved to Hawaii.
His legal career was dedicated to helping people who were experiencing poverty and injustice. He worked in legal aid programs in Bastrop, Texas and the San Francisco Bay Area and served as managing attorney at Legal Assistance to the Elderly in San Francisco and the Santa Clara office of Bay Area Legal Aid. He also spent time working with legal aid programs in Nevada and Fresno, California. Most recently, he represented claimants in social security disability appeals.
Tom was an avid golfer and proud member of the Lincoln Park Golf Club in San Francisco. He was often accompanied by his dog Pepper who was thoroughly trained in golf course etiquette (and co-parented by Russ Richeda and his family.) He played softball with the famed Self-Righteous Brothers in Austin and Los de Abajo in San Francisco and enjoyed long bicycle rides with his friend Loren Warboys. Once golf and biking became less feasible, Tom switched to a stationary bike and took a new interest in gardening.
He was an excellent cook, entertaining friends with dishes like shrimp étouffée and casseolet as well as his signature fish tacos. He knew a bit about wine, occasionally engaging in a contest with his father-in-law to determine who could come up with most entertaining descriptions of taste and bouquet.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Bussiere; his father, Frank Weathered; his sister, Cindy Schiffgens; his brother-in-law, John Anzelc and several nieces and nephews.
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