In memory of
Thomas Ivey “Tom” Harris, Sr
6.26.1930 - 1.16.2021
Bill Douglas
First Baptist Church of Pasadena has been blessed through the years by saints that have served and shaped who we are today. Although there are moments when we struggle to define and redefine God's call, the one constant has been steady and true leadership. Tom Harris was one of those leaders. I have always admired his calm and insightful approach. He served FBCP faithfully for many years through service in various committees, and as Moderator of the Board of Trustees. The ability of Tom to lead others becomes very personal. Tom has mentored me; maybe he didn't know it (maybe he did), but he showed me not only how to be of service to FBCP, but more importantly how to be a leader...period! You don't need a lot of noise to be effective. You can speak the hard truth and remain in love. You can serve through word and DEED! It is OK to allow Christ to serve as Arbiter in your personal life and in business. As Tom grew older and I served as moderator, he would always grab my hand and encourage me in the role. I loved him for that...I needed that. The last lesson that Tom taught me is that we are to serve, as we can, with whatever means we can, for as long as we can. I intend to abide by this enduring lesson...Blessings to his wonderful family who has shared him with me and so many others...
Cindy Fong-Wong
Tom Harris was such a gentle soul. Charles and I first met him when we joined the Crusaders Bible Study Group on Sunday mornings. He and Marcie were long-time members. Tom was such a comfort. He was always soft-spoken, but his words carried weight. It was evident that wisdom and thoughtfulness were contained in every utterance. Through time, I came to know what a Christian model he was: in his financial largesse, his commitment to the health of FBCP, of the unstinting energy he gave to the church. At that time, Marcie was already showing signs of dementia. Tom's love and care were fully displayed in the grace and gentleness he showered upon her. His devotion was such a testimony to love. In the intervening years. I saw Tom age gently, always committed to God, despite a weakening body. What dedication to God!
Christopher Sun
I thank Tom for his advice to me when I became a new member of FBCP.
David Tong
He and I were fairly good friends back in the early 1990s. I do remember that he had an optics company but didn't know he had made it into an ESOP to share his knowledge and build the company into quite a large concern. I hope that his widow, Marcie, who I also knew and was a sweetheart, knows that Tom is in Heaven and to not be in despair, but in Joy for all of us that knew them both.
Steve Hasper
While it may sound trite, I cannot think of a more honest way to begin than this: words cannot express my respect, appreciation, and love for Tom Harris. It was my joy to count him as a friend and wise counselor for almost twenty years.
I was riding my bike in 2002 with my friend, Dr. Ross Chenot, who at that time was helping FBCP in its search for a pastor. I was seeking God’s will about changes in my life and I recall saying to Ross, perhaps on Little Tujunga Canyon Road, I am interested in applying to the church. That led to my meeting Tom. He was, for the second time in his life, leading the pastoral search team as they looked for a new pastor. About twenty-five years earlier he had led the search committee when Dr. Lane was hired. Now he was again stepping up to the task at hand. Included in that experience was Tom driving to our home in Porter Ranch and spending more than two hours talking with me. He surprised Joyce by still being there when she came home from work. Looking back at that now, perhaps that was not an accident as Tom always acted according to a very thoughtful plan.
Goodness, this could get long. My memories are multitude. As I began my ministry at FBCP, Tom shared with me a bit of his history and especially of his meeting, dating, and marrying Marcie, the love of his life. He also told me of her early stages of Alzheimers. A part of his tender care for her was that he and Marcie would come in every Friday afternoon to fold bulletins for the Sunday morning service. In later years when they no longer could live together he would take an IPod with him every afternoon and together they would sit and listen to Marcie’s favorite music and hymns. His long caring for her is such an outstanding example of unending love.
Here was this man, both humbly folding bulletins yet, as one new PhD employee at Tom’s company said to Joyce, “You know Tom Harris? He is a legend.” Tom truly was legendary in his field of optical software, but I’d add he was and is a legend in his spirit of generosity and substance of Christian faith. He is the most generous soul to the work of God that I know; and a generosity that always desired to be unnoticed. Humility was a hallmark of Tom.
In my tenure at the church I tried never to make a major decision without first consulting Tom. He would graciously come by the office, or in later years I would drop in at Atherton to see him. I’d try to succinctly share what was on my mind, a church challenge, personal issue, or change that needed to be realized. He would listen carefully, ask questions, and always in the most warm, gracious manner, express words of wisdom. And, I always knew when it was time to leave. In his warm way, Tom would say, “Steve thank you for coming.” That was my clue for a prayer and departure.
These last years for Tom were difficult as his hearing lessened and aging took its toll. Our final communication was this December as we exchanged Christmas letters. I often think of, and occasionally referred to Tom, as Saint Tom, and he was, truly, a saint. Wisdom, kindness, and generosity are the trinity of words flooding my mind as I thank God for Tom Harris. I think it fitting to conclude with these words of Saint Paul that were lived out by Tom. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22
Linda Allsbury
Beginning way back in the 1980's, Tom and Marcie Harris were a great blessing from God in our lives. We were young marrieds who joined First Baptist Church, and as the Lord would have it, we were asked to join a weekly evening bible study with Tom and Marcie, the Lanes, the Phelps and others. The evenings spent together were always so warm and engaging. I remember these times as sweet treasures as John and I strived to grow in our knowledge of Jesus and to watch and experience what true, vital and sacrificial Christian marriage looked like in action. Tom was always open to sharing and listening as we went through the ups and downs of life. Their stories of how they met and the blessings of their family and their lives together helped me to set an awesome goal for what I would work towards for my life as I kept my eyes on the Lord and His leading. As our children grew, Tom was interested in how they were doing and encouraging them when they would have time together. Our son Andrew had a video production company in high school and he would love to talk to Tom about lenses and aspects of his trade. Tom was a brilliant, but humble man, which made him so easy to talk to.
Tom was such a special blessing to us and after we moved to Idaho in 2005, I always looked forward to seeing him at church when we would come for a visit. He would make every effort to be there when we came, even when I know he wasn't feeling the best. Our last visit, January 2020, he was there waiting for us. Tom never lost his joyful engaging smile and that laughter that would light up anyone's heart. I am so grateful to Jesus that we got to have Tom in our lives and we will so miss him until we meet again in eternity. And what a great reunion that will be!
John Allsbury
Tom was an inspiration to me all of my christian life. Upon our arrival at First Baptist Church Linda and I were included in a life group with Tom and Marcy. As a young married couple we soon learned by example what a Godly marriage and family walk was supposed to look like. For me especially the example of a humble Christ like man was apparent in Tom's example. In later years we would once again join another life group that included Tom and Marcy. Although my walk had matured in some ways I always received new insight from Tom's wisdom and love of the Lord. I received so many lessons of inspiration through my many years of friendship with Tom. He was truly a dear friend who genuinely loved me and was always there for me through the hard times and the blessed times. After we moved out of state Tom still stayed in faithful contact. Anytime we returned on visits Tom would be there to greet us, even when health issues required a true effort to make that time. His ever present smile and genuine warmth radiated always. As I fondly remember my times with him I look forward to the day that we will be reunited for eternity. I am convinced that if ever a heavenly greeting applies, the words ``Well done my good and faithful servant" was the first thing our dear friend Tom received as he arrived home for eternity.
Mark Norwood
I am grateful to have met Tom. When I was homeless and living at Union Station, I began volunteering here at FBCP on Sunday mornings at the help desk when I met Tom. He would arrive here early so we had time to chat. I would get him a cup of coffee with 2 creamers then he and I would chat for a little while before I would assist him into the Sanctuary. Tom was understanding about my homeless situation, and encouraging about my other concerns. I will miss seeing Tom when he would attend Services and seeing him to say hello and to have him tell me, "That I told you all things work out.”
Jeannette Scholer
In years later on my occasional visits to Atherton, I witnessed Tom's devotion to Marcie. In our conversations he told me of the joy of spending afternoons with her as he played recordings of hymns to which she could sing along even when other memory was fading. It was clear that he was with her all the way.
I was elected to the board of trustees of the Foundation in what turned out to be Tom's final year on that board, only one of the many significant offices he had held over the years of faithful service to our church even during what I'm sure were highly pressured and productive professional years. When the Foundation board decided to name Tom to the position of honorary life trustee, I was given the task of preparing a letter of appreciation for Tom to be read at the annual meeting of the church in 2009. In that letter based on the observations of my fellow trustees who had served with Tom for many years, he was commended as "a model of faithfulness and generosity, a diplomat who helped to provide conciliation when needed, and a reliable voice of reason and level-headedness in decision making" and, among many other attributes, for his "always professional manner, many good ideas, his modesty and humility." As I continued in my service on the Foundation board and had a number of occasions to interact with Tom, those descriptors proved to be accurate, and I was always grateful that I could turn to him for wise counsel and support in my responsibilities.
Over time I learned a little of Tom's significance in the world of optics, but not from him. Rather, I will remember and am grateful to God for having known and been touched by the life of this gentle, good-hearted, wise, generous and encouraging man who sought to walk faithfully with God in service to others.
Carolyn Demcak
I am saddened not to be able to visit Tom Harris at Atherton anymore as he was such a delight to be with. His love of family, curious mind and great imagination enriched him to the end of his life here. My husband, Frank and I as well as Tom and Marcie moved to California early in 1960 from neighboring states. We came from Minnesota and the Harris' from Wisconsin and then joined the church about the same time. We all were active members of the Crusader Sunday School Class and enjoyed the family picnics and activities. Each of our two sons were in the same Sunday School classes growing up and
enjoyed each other. Tom and Frank were often in leadership together on Boards, committees and Men's Fellowship while Marcie and I were together
in ABW Ministries and Child-care. Both Tom and Frank worked with Optics at their jobs and were interested in each other's progress and
findings. The similarities in our families pulled us together in great friendship. I am sure that Tom, Marcie and Frank are enjoying each
other now and I look forward to joining them someday.
Mary Winchell
Tom Harris is a person I only had to think about to remember that God is good. My life is much richer for having known him. He always made me feel special and loved, and that is a gift I will always treasure. Tom had such a twinkle in his eyes and a marvelous sense of humor. His gentle manner made Jesus seem very real. I am so thankful to have walked the earth with Tom Harris. I wish I could hug him one more time and remind him that I love him very much.
Dave Winchell
Tom was a humble man who had so many earthly reasons to not be humble. Inventor, entrepreneur, successful businessman are just three reasons. In the early 1990s, I served with Tom on a search committee with other members of FBC for more than 12 months. It was a long and often frustrating time as we went from hope to despair. On this journey, however, Tom provided calm, wisdom, and understanding while I was often full of angst and worry. Tom led with such fairness and patience eventually leading to the calling a Senior Pastor. Within a few short years, another search committee was formed. Tom was again selected to join but my son, Craig served as a member from the church’s youth. Throughout the course of the search, Tom would seek me out on Sundays and tell me how important Craig was to the group, and how valuable his input, opinions, and participation was. And Craig, counts that time as a special season in his life, and appreciated Tom’s feedback and leadership. Tom taught me many things, but my most important lesson was he saw the best and brightest in others. He was fair, unassuming, modest, but a fiery lover of Christ. His wisdom was both modest and intense. He was a wonderful example of a man who knew he was loved by Christ and I’m filled with joy as he has now received his reward.
Myrna D. Funtecha, Ph.D.
Mr. Tom Harris was a committed Christian and an efficient Church leader. I know this for a fact because we were members of various committees of First Baptist Church (FBC) of Pasadena for some decades – Board of Deacons, Board of Diaconate, Church Moderators, Pastoral Search Committee, Pastoral Advisory Committee, FBC Foundation Inc. , and many others. He was often elected, leader. He also reflected positive attitude toward the Full Spectrum innovation at FBC introduced by Pastor Dr. Harold Lane when there was a growing number of ethnic groups at FBC in the 90’s. Tom was one of the proponents of a Third Moderator for the ethnic groups. I served as Third Moderator for some time. During meetings of different committees, Tom would often be the first one to arrive and among the last ones to leave.
In later years, during our health challenging years at Atherton Baptist Homes, Tom still had sharp memory and sense of humor. One time he spotted the late Linda Lesh, Ann Cann and myself eating together in the Dining Room for Independent Residents at Atherton. He came over to our table and said, “You have a quorum for the Scholarship Committee of FBC Foundation. You can go ahead with your meeting.” He was referring to the time when the late Linda Lesh, Ann Cann and myself were members of the FBC Foundation’s Scholarship Committee with four members, years ago. We all had a good laugh.
Tom was a true Christian friend. We will always remember him as one of the strong committed pillars of FBC.
Dave and Cindie Ekstrand
The first thing that we remember about Tom is his love for his wife. Many times he would recite the story of their meeting and look over at Marcie with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. He was a faithful and loving husband to the end. As Marcie was confined in the Alzheimer section of Atherton, he would spend time with her daily.
He was an intelligent man and highly respected in his field of optics. A few years ago we had a visitor at Church, a young man, who, when he found out that Tom was in the Morning Service, expressed the awe of hero worship that he was able to meet Tom. His company and the computer program they created were quite successful. Yet you would never know that was the case because he was very humble and unassuming. He was always quite generous with his resources. Knowing that he was getting on in age, Tom set up a fund with the Foundation that will continue to benefit FBCP for years to come.
He was a fine man and will be sorely missed.
Kathleen Cann Victory
A few years ago, I applied for a mini-grant to obtain an iPad for my adult transition class in the Alhambra Unified School District. Part of the grant process involved obtaining votes for my proposal. I handed out a flyer that highlighted the grant competition, and gave a copy to many individuals - one of them being Tom Harris.
Besides supporting my proposal through the electronic voting process, Tom regularly checked in with me to see how the competition was going. I was so touched by his thoughtfulness and support. It almost seemed as though his desire for my class to win surpassed my own aspirations.
Tom Harris . . . kind, wise, faithful . . . a solid individual from whom we have learned much.