Thomas Jeffery Hauth, born to the late Rose and Douglas Hauth on May 3rd, 1953 in San Rafael California. Beloved father, husband, brother, uncle, mentor and friend. Survived by his great loves Melina, their daughter Elina, sons Tony and Joe as well as their mother Julia. His remaining family also includes his "Pops", many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Tom was a man with undiminished morals and love. An electrician by trade, Tom was also a true craftsman of all things tangible including his family. Both of which he did with love in his hands and heart. Tom was raised with a traditional style upbringing and was always eager to learn. This eagerness led him to enter trade school shortly after his finishing high school where he then pursued a lifetime career as a union electrician for CBF Electric in San Francisco where he was also able to gain life-long friends. Tom enjoyed lending his expertise to anyone who might have needed it. Always willing to help, Tom would change a light bulb for the next-door neighbor with one hand and help a friend re-roof his house with the other. Tom was true do-it-your-selfer, the last of a dying breed that didn't hire out for help when he could just as easily manage the task himself. Fixing it himself was just another way of learning for him. This was also a man that could not be easily defined. Some might have seen him as his favorite Disney character, Grumpy, but those who really knew him saw his love and understanding toward others that ran deeper than any ocean. When one thinks of Tom they automatically smile. There is no other reaction. A reassuring man, he was very good at making a person feel like everything would be alright in any situation.
Along with his love of spending time with his family, Tom also enjoyed tinkering on anything he could get his hands on. He spent his spare time riding his motorcycles, driving his cars or working on either. Anything to keep him in his favorite place, HIS GARAGE. He also enjoyed keeping up on Giants baseball, Niners football, Formula One racing and most forms of motorcycle racing. His favorite movies and TV shows included "A Christmas Story", "Perry Mason", "Bridge Over the River Kwai", "Little House on the Prairie", "Leave it to Beaver", anything on "The Hallmark Cannel" and all of his daughter Ellie's favorite shows too. However, there was hardly a time when he turned away from a good Western flick.
There are few people that knew Thomas J. Hauth that can say that he didn't leave a lasting impression on them in some way. He made sure he got his point across, whether it was a witty comment, a look down the line of his nose with one eyebrow squinted ever so slightly or a simple nod. People always knew his feeling about most things. A man with unwavering work ethic, Tom made it his mission in life to make sure that all around him would take away a bit of his teachings and knowledge on most any subject. A generous man, Tom was always willing to give, be it to help out with the bills, or just to be kind, this was a selfless man with a huge sense of giving that effected all around him. In addition to his generosity, Tom had a great sense of humor. Although borderline inappropriate at times, there was rarely an instance when he didn't have something funny to say that would put a smile on your face. Although Tom was not big on traveling, he did have significant interest in Alaska, Montana and parts of Europe with the main part of his interest in WWII Europe. His interest in history led to a fascination with World War II early on and Tom became a collector and restorer of things passed on by those that he and many others call "The Greatest Generation". In the eyes of those who knew him though, he was the greatest. It is difficult to put into words all that can be said about Tom, but truly great things are hard to explain.
Some called Tom "Old School", but in our family we called him ours. May the memory and spirit of Thomas Jeffery Hauth carry on in our hearts forever. You were our rock and you will be sorely missed.
Thomas Jeffery Hauth
May 3rd, 1953 - January 23rd 2014
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, Ca. The Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma, CA. Family and friends are also invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014 at 11:00 am at St. Vincent de Paul Church.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends are welcome to donate to the Thomas J. Hauth Memorial Fund for his daughter, Elina. Donations can be made via her website: ElinaHauth.com or contact Alyssa Mayne at Summit State Bank (707) 283-1123.