Tom started his life in Texas in 1929, the eldest of Phyllis and Thomas Cates’ five children, but California was his home. He came of age during tough times, proud to earn a man’s wage at 14 at his grandfather’s saw mill. He completed his BA at La Sierra College in 1953 then left the state to serve in the Army 1954-56. In San Francisco, he met and married his wife Mary Lou in 1959. Soon afterward they returned to southern California, where their eldest children were born and Tom completed his physical therapy degree at Loma Linda University in 1963.
Over the years, Tom worked as a physical therapist, welcomed another child, and with Mary Lou, created a happy, loving home. He played catch, rode bikes, investigated tide pools, flew kites, read bed-time stories, planted roses and fruit trees and gifted many pounds of marzipan. Tom and Mary Lou returned to Loma Linda in 1986 and soon began welcoming grand-daughters, in whom he delighted.
Never choosing the limelight, Tom could find or make a connection anywhere. He consistently served his church, steadfast in his faith in God and hope in the resurrection. Within this community, he built close friendships that would endure until the end of his life.
Tom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lou; their children Denise (Leonard) Cates-Darnell, Mark (Karman) Cates and Melissa (Gregory) Gerdes; grand-daughters Adrianne Darnell, Megan and Emma Cates; his sisters “Millie” Carlson, Katherine Lambert, and Patricia Bailey and his brother Robert Cates and extended family and friends.
Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a dear friend who expressed his love through quiet service, gentle smiles, hugs and helping hands (and peanut butter and onion sandwiches.) His kindness and generosity seasoned with just a hint of mischief.
Tom will be interred at Riverside National Cemetery in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given in his name to Maranatha International at maranatha.org
