Thomas Allen Palmer

Thomas Allen Palmer Aug. 4, 1942 ~ Dec. 19, 2010 Resident of Concord Tom passed away at John Muir Hospital, Concord, after a brief stay. His four sons Kent, Joel, Nick and Alex were with him at the time of his death. Tom is also survived by his former wife Helen; his brother Dan and spouse Patty; his sister Nancy; his daughter-in-law Carmen; grandsons Nathaniel and Emil; his brother-in-law Jim and spouse Mary; his nieces Kim, Elena and Erin; and his nephews Michael, Stephen, John, Ben and Erick. Tom taught graphics, drivers education, leadership and photography at Ygnacio Valley High School for 37 years, inspiring thousands of students with his enthusiasm and effort to make his classroom a welcoming and fun place, as much as an educational one. After two decades at YVHS, he took over as activity director of the school, coordinating the school's pep rallies, student elections and events. Tom kept in touch with many of his former students right up to his final days. Tom was also a Navy veteran, serving for three years as Navigator on the ammunition ship USS Pyro during the Vietnam War and then spending over 17 years in the Naval reserve, finishing as a Commander. He was a graduate of California State University, Long Beach, where he was a founding brother of the school's chapter of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He loved fishing and camping, spending many of his summers boating at Brannan Island, pulling his sons and students around the lake on water skis. He was very involved with his boys' activities, including The Antioch Performing Arts Guild, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and especially Forest Park Swim Club. Tom was a born storyteller and owned any room he walked into with his sense of humor, youthful energy and optimistic attitude. He was an enthusiastic member of the California Activity Directors Association (CADA) both before and after he retired. He also joined Post 171 of the American Legion in order to help keep the Boys State Program alive in the high schools. Despite his debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, Tom did not let health issues slow him down. He continued to visit with family, friends and former students through his final months. This year, Christmas will be a lot quieter for his family, who all miss him terribly. A memorial for Tom will be announced early in 2011.

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