Thomas Charles Boone

Tom Boone, born on August 6, 1954, in Orange, California, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, in Newbury Park, California, with his wife, Caroline, with whom he shared 21 years of love and companionship, by his side.

Tom grew up in Glendora, California, where he developed a love for sports, the outdoors, and animals, especially his family’s Labradors. After graduating from Glendora High School, he pursued his passion for science by studying Genetics at UC Davis. He initially began graduate studies in Microbiology at UCLA, but his commitment to environmental stewardship led him to complete an MS in Soil Science back at UC Davis.

Tom’s interest in plants began during his time working at Laguna Hills Nursery, sparking a lifelong enthusiasm for gardening and landscaping. He also discovered Ultimate Frisbee at UC Davis, a sport he embraced and introduced to friends and communities throughout his life. Tom also enjoyed playing guitar, dancing and song writing.

Tom had a monumental impact at Amgen during his 28 years of tenure. In the early years, his work on life saving products like Neupogen, Neulasta, and Nplate set the foundation for scientific excellence, and innovations for Amgen. As the head of the newly created Protein Science department Tom led the department to new heights, delivering on technology platforms and products for multiple indications. Protein Science expanded across multiple sites under his leadership and enriched Amgen’s pipeline with a number of transformational, innovative therapeutic molecules. Several of these molecules have received FDA approval. His teams contributed to the discovery and development of Denosumab (a groundbreaking osteoporosis treatment), Vectibix (a drug for oncology), Repatha (a key therapy in lowering cholesterol), Evenity, and Aimovig( a first in class drug for migraine).

Tom was a visionary leader who had an incredible intuition for identifying promising ideas and nurturing them into experimental successes. Scientists under Tom’s leadership thrived because he was with them to explore bold ideas, and build these into transformative data. This environment led to advancements in numerous technology platforms and therapeutic approaches, including peptibodies, bispecifics, fusion molecules, half-life extension technologies, enhanced effector functions, intracellular delivery, and expression technologies—all crucial advancements that continue to be applied in the discovery of new molecules. He helped several start-ups to get off the ground. His passion for science and his positive energy was felt by everyone around him.

Beyond his remarkable achievements at Amgen, Tom became a beacon of inspiration and guidance to countless biotech companies nationwide. Tom’s impact on drug development and protein engineering has been profound, benefiting numerous companies both directly and indirectly through his dedicated work and unwavering commitment to the field. After retiring in 2009, Tom offered his expertise to numerous biotech startups, where he played a vital role in their success. As a trusted advisor, he helped shape their scientific vision, establish strong research foundations, and navigate the complexities of biotechnology. His strategic insights and mentorship were invaluable, enabling these companies to thrive in a highly competitive industry. Many projects at companies he consulted for, often acknowledged that without Tom’s scientific tenacity and expertise, their products—or even their very existence—would not have been possible. His legacy will live on in many of the patients who will reap the benefits of his brilliance.

Throughout his life, Tom was admired for his intellect, athleticism, and warmth. Known for his kindness and patience, he mentored colleagues and friends, inspiring them in both their careers and personal lives.

Tom was a loving husband. He was a devoted father to his three children and a joyful, and doting grandfather to his five grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife, Caroline Boone; his children, Carl Boone (Rachel Paterno-Mahler), Alexandra Miser (Michael Miser), and Allan Boone; his five grandchildren: Charles, Kendra, Andrew, Stephen, and Christopher; his sister, Nancy Boone; and his first wife, Barbara Karplus.

Tom’s passion, kindness, and legacy will be cherished by all who knew him.

A gathering to commemorate the life of Tom Boone will be held on November 23, 2024, at the Creekside Pavilion in Conejo Creek Park North. The venue is located at 1379 E Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. Lunch will be served from 12:00 -1:30pm and the service will commence at 1:30 PM and conclude at 3:00 PM. The lunch menu includes Brussels sprout kale caesar salad, Mac N Cheese, lobster roll, wagyu beef roll, gourmet tacos(gluten free, vegan and vegetarian) organic pollo “chipotle lime”, all natural pork “adobo” and braised organic mushrooms with soy-rizo. Those who wish to attend in person are kindly requested to RSVP

https://pp.events/rememberingtomboone

For those who are unable to attend in person, the event will be live streamed here

https://www.youtube.com/@TomBooneinMemoriam

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Tom Boone may be made in the following ways:

1. To The Ultimate Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides funding for programs supporting Ultimate players, coaches, and organizers. The donation can be made online at https://theultimatefoundation.org/. In the donation comment box, please indicate that the contribution is in memory of Tom Boone.

2. To Conejo Valley Park District. We are donating Frisbee golf course baskets and will install a plaque with Tom’s name at the Frisbee court. Please make any donations to the Tom Boone Memorial Fund. You may send your checks to the Ventura County Community Foundation (4001 Mission Oaks Blvd Suite A, Camarillo, CA 93012.) VCCF Charitable Tax ID is 77-0165029.