DePamphilis, Jr., Walter Thomas

Walter Thomas DePamphilis, Jr. - age: 74
(May 19, 1940 to November 06, 2014 )
Resident of Potter Valley, California

Obituary:
Walter Thomas “Tom” DePamphilis, Jr. died peacefully at home on November 6, 2014 in Potter Valley, California after a short illness. He was 74 years old. Tom is survived by his children, Laura (Lori) Clark of Potter Valley, Lisa Meisels of Raymond, California, and Mercedes Bate of Kula, Hawaii, and his grandchildren Sylvia Clark, Sarah Small, Amanda Clark and Elizabeth Kleinknecht, and 7 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents Walter Thomas and Ruth DePamphilis of Ukiah, and sister Andree Quick. Tom was born on May 19, 1940 in Glendale, California. He graduated from Glendale High School in 1958. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1959 and was stationed at Keflavik, Iceland for 11 months, where, among other things, he completed a course in photography. Over the course of his stay, he took many beautiful pictures of scenic Iceland. He was transferred to Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. He was proud of being an instructor at that base; upon discharge he received a good conduct medal. In 1960, he married Barbara Ann Pope and in 1962, Lori was born. After moving to Lomita, California, Tom began working for Pacific Bell as a lineman. Lisa was born in 1964. The family moved to Escondido, California, where they lived until around 1981. Tom had put in for a transfer out of the southern California area. After scouting possibilities, Tom and Barbara chose to relocate in Potter Valley, and Tom began work for the phone company in Ukiah, where he worked as an engineer. He was very proud of his work, especially for the planning of the installation of fiber optic cable from Ukiah to the coast. Tom and Barbara divorced and after some years he remarried and adopted his third daughter, Mercedes. Tom was a man of many talents. He spent time reading, woodworking, welding, gardening, working on cars and tractors and working with electricity. He could do anything, and enjoyed teaching others. He was a generous and witty individual who loved all things scientific, especially about our universe. Tom passed on his love of science and of learning, to his children. He was passionate in expressing his opinions. His children remember him as a very wise, calm, patient, and supportive father who was always willing to help anyone. All who knew Tom well feel blessed to have had such a loving man in their lives. A family gathering will be scheduled during Thanksgiving week, since they had all planned to spend the holiday together at Tom’s house. Friends will be invited to drop by to share a story and celebrate Tom’s life. Condolences can be sent to: 12851 Powerhouse Road Potter Valley, California 95469 The family would like to thank Potter Valley Volunteer Fire Department for their response and effort.