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Thomas Dutton Stoddard

  Thomas Dutton Stoddard, born in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1927; died June 8, 2012, at the age of 85.

  He is survived by wife, Marilyn, of 56 years; son Tom (Siobhan); and grandchildren, Rory and Aileen, of San Rafael; brother, Donald; and sister, Shirley, of Michigan; and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by parents, Susie and Sam Stoddard; and brothers, William and Art Stoddard.

  Tom served in the 796th MP Battalion, Radio Patrol in the Russian zone of occupied Vienna, Austria, from 1945-46. He graduated from Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, where he played football for the legendary coach George Allen.  His first job was as the head football coach at Dexter High School in Michigan, where his team was undefeated for his three seasons there. Job opportunities led him to Europe where he served as chief of athletics for USAF in Europe, in Wiesbaden Germany, where he met his wife, Marilyn. Tom served as athletic director and coach in the U.S. Dependent School System in Wiesbaden, Morocco and England from 1955-65, and their son, Tom Jr. was born in England.

  The Stoddards returned to California, resided in Novato, and Tom finished getting his MA degree at San Francisco State. He worked in education administration and athletics in Sonoma County until he retired. After retirement he worked as a real estate agent in Novato. He moved to Sonoma where he lived for 23 years. He enjoyed woodworking and home remodeling projects, always taking pride in good craftsmanship.

  The Stoddard family would like to thank London House in Sonoma for the excellent care and compassion that they showed to Tom in his final year. Also thank you to Dr. Walter Prehn for his care.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to, Hospice By The Bay, or your favorite charity.  A memorial gathering will be held at a later date, contact TDSJR200@yahoo.com.