Tom Carson was perhaps best known around Richmond for his community volunteer activities, particularly those with WCCUSD students. He introduced and created a robotics class as a volunteer for the West Contra Costa Unified School District for which he received the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award in 2005. Earlier this year, he organized dozens of volunteers to provide Junior Achievement programs for Washington school students. Following is his obituary.

To those friends of his who  wish to attend the Memorial Celebration of Tom's life, we will gather at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club on October 7, 2007  from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. The address is 700 West Cutting Blvd, Point Richmond, California 94807 (This is not point san Pablo Yacht Harbor). Light refreshments will be served. RSVP 510.236.6737 messages OK.

 CARSON, Thomas Claude

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Thomas Claude Carson January 21, 1949 - September 17, 2007 Tom Carson left us suddenly and tragically last Mon. evening, Sept. 17, 2007. Tom was an outdoorsman who enjoyed flying, skydiving, kayaking, fishing, scuba diving, motorcycle and car racing and golf. He also had a spiritual and contemplative side that showed in his passion for gardening, playing bridge and reading. Tom was an enthusiastic and dedicated contributor to his community. He was active in many nonprofit associations, including the Berkeley Breakfast Club for 21 years, Berkeley Board of Realtors, Point Richmond Business Association, Point Richmond Neighborhood Association and Neighborhood Watch Group, the referral group, BNI, and Berkeley Lions Club where he was a past president. Tom received his baccalaureate degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1972. His university education included studying engineering and automating lighthouses in the work study program. After graduation he worked in real estate sales and appraised residential and commercial property for Security Pacific Bank. In 1976 he became a licensed real estate broker and two years later he received an MBA from Cal. Tom strongly believed in teaching, supporting, encouraging and challenging our youth. To that end he introduced and created a robotics class as a volunteer for the West Contra Costa Unified School District for which he received the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award in 2005. He was involved in and promoted the Point Richmond Music Festival. He also was a key contributor to and president of the Washington School Many Hands Project in Point Richmond. Most recently Tom founded and owned a business involved in smart homes and security cameras. He was a visionary entrepreneur who created and operated several businesses over the years, where he met many of his wonderful friends. He will always be fondly remembered as a loyal, insightful person who cared about his community and treasured his family and his friends. Tom was predeceased by his sister Katherine Carson; and leaves behind his brother John Carson of San Diego, CA; his sister Gayle Rimmer, of Annandale, VA; and his parents Katherine and Albert 'Kit' Carson who reside in Arlington, VA. Tom also leaves behind his loving and beloved companion of 17 years, Elena Crotte. A community memorial event will be held to celebrate Tom's life on Sunday, October 7. Please e-mail ecrotte@ hotmail.com for information. Donations benefiting the students, teachers and staff at Washington Elementary School may be made to Washington School Many Hands/Ed Fund, c/c DeWitt, PO BOX 70280, Point Richmond, CA 94087-0280.

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