Born and raised in the Bay area, Tom was a retired electrician for the City of San Francisco Water Department. He was a man of many talents, including woodworking, sailing, horseback riding, fishing and hunting. A student of history, he took pride in his travels across the United States, diving deeper into the history of the nation. A tenacious intellectual, Tom never stopped asking questions, deeply enjoying debates about history, philosophy and politics. A mentor to many, he did not tell people what to think, but rather encouraged them how to think. 

Tom was the youngest son to John and Florence Flower and brother to Jim, Jack and his wife, Joann Flower.  His surviving family include his daughter, Tonica (Flower) Firth, her mother Helen Ramirez, granddaughters Kaileena Swan and Danielle Swan, his nieces Kim Flower and Krystle Flower, and Lynda Rapp and Joshua Rapp who he loved dearly. 

Tom was charming, thoughtful, generous and kind. He was a good friend to many and a beloved father and god-father. Tonica and Josh both feel fortunate to have been loved, taught and mentored by him. He will be dearly missed.