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THOMAS MCDONALD Obituary
59, of Redwood Shores, California, died October 7, 2012 of cardiac arrest while bicycling, one of his most favorite pursuits. Tom was born in Texas City, Texas and moved to the St. Louis area at 13. He graduated from Horton Watkins High School in Ladue, Missouri ('71), Harvard College ('76) and University of California San Francisco Medical School ('80). In 1993 he completed a Postgraduate Fellowship in Health Services Research at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Tom is survived by his wife, Linda, Adler of Palo Alto, California, daughters Sarah and Kyla, brothers Mason, Dan (his twin) and David, and his parents Nell and Bill.
A member of the Internal Medicine Department at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for the past 13 years, Tom served in a variety of roles in addition to his clinical practice, including Head of the Internal Medicine Department and Medical Director for Clinical Analytics. Not only was Tom a talented clinician, he was insightful, dedicated and had a tender heart.
Earlier in his career, Tom was an Internist at The Permanente Medical Group, Redwood Medical Clinic and Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, where he completed his residency and internship. Tom pursued his interest in health analytics at Eclipsys Corporation, Transition Systems, Caresoft and Stanford University Hospital. Most recently, Tom was very proud to serve on the Advisory Board of the Global Health Research Foundation.
He traveled extensively and found great joy on his mountain expeditions, making five trips to trek through the Himalayas and bringing back many beautiful photographs. He also selflessly devoted himself to the care of others in and out of the clinic. Tom went to Haiti after the earthquake and to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina to provide aid. In 2010, while trekking in Bhutan, he helped save an expedition member suffering from altitude sickness.
A celebration of Tom's life will be at 11 AM on October 13, at the Alta Mesa Memorial Chapel, 695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory can be made to the Global Health Research Foundation (www.ghrf.org) or to a fund established in his name at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (www.pamf.org/giving).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for THOMAS MCDONALD
Sponsored by His Loving Family.
Ray Renati
October 6, 2024
He was my doctor for many years. I always trusted him and he always was so caring and real. I still think about him Tom often.
Marc Kitsis
October 31, 2014
I'm very sorry to read of Tom's passing. I was a neighbor of Tom's when he lived on Cedar Crest in STL. I was a friend of his brother David. I always enjoyed Tom's company.
October 26, 2013
Dr. McDonald helped me in so many ways over the years, but 9 years ago in a time of crisis, his diagnosis, a key prescription, and a referral to another brilliant doctor - an old friend of his - truly changed my life.
It's so sad that such a gifted man who helped so many in their time of need passed so young. My heart goes out to all his loved ones.
Appa Rayavarapu
September 9, 2013
I am shocked to hear this news.
Dr. McDonald was a kind, compassionate, and sensitive gentleman.
He sincerely cared for me in my hour of need.
Brilliant at his work.
My deepest condolences are with his family.
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Leslie Lovell
May 22, 2013
As a float nurse, I had the pleasure of working with him many times and was always impressed with his willingness to "buck the system" in favor of his patients. He was one of the good guys, showing great integrity and compassion, despite the overwhelming odds against such approaches in todays medical climate.
Clare Steffen, Ed.D.
April 26, 2013
I was terribly sad to hear this news. My heart goes out to your family, as I know you must be experiencing a great void.
Pat McCrory
November 2, 2012
To the family of Dr ‘Moss' McDonald:
My mother was a patient of Dr McDonald's. I got to know your father/brother/son after she had her first stroke and I began to accompany her to medical appointments. A remarkable man as well as a gifted physician. My mom adored him and is having difficulty accepting that he's gone. One short story: when Dr McDonald was getting in shape for his most recent Nepal trek, he used to ride his bicycle up the hill to my mother's house -- both for the exercise and to check on her. Such generosity and care. He won't be forgotten.
October 27, 2012
Tom was a college classmate, a neighbor briefly in Portola Valley, and was my wife's and my doctor. Tom possessed a rare combination of great intelligence, thoughtfulness, and a wonderful gentleness that I admire tremendously. We are all poorer without this extraordinary man.
MARILA WESTON
October 25, 2012
QUERIDO MASE, AL LEER EL OBITUARIO DE TU HERMANO THOMAS SIENTO MUCHA TRISTEZA Y SALEN LAGRIMAS DE MIS OJOS. SOMOS AMIGOS TU Y YO, MI SENTIMIENTO DE SOLIDARIDAD CONTIGO Y TU FAMILIA. YO SE QUE TU HERMANO ESTA JUNTO A DIOS, GOZANDO DE LA PAZ Y LA ETERNIDAD. UN ABRAZO MUY FUERTE PARA TI, DE VERDAD LO SIENTO MUCHO. QUE DIOS TE DE FUERZA EN ESTOS MOMENTOS TRISTES. ME ACUERDO DEL APOYO QUE ME DISTE POR E-MAIL CUANDO MI MAMI ESTABA CON CANCER Y LUEGO MURIO, MUCHAS GRACIAS POR SER UN BUEN Y QUERIDO AMIGO. DIOS BENDIGA A TI , TUS PADRES Y A TODA TU FAMILIA.
CON MUCHO CARIÑO
MARILA WESTON. IQUITOS. PERÚ.
Randall Rutz
October 24, 2012
Dr. Tom,
May the Lord hold you until
your loved ones meet you again. Thank you for caring
for me as a patient, and forgive me for trying to get
you to laugh at my remarks.
You asked tests for me which
helped me assess my state of
health, and I am so grateful
to you for making sure I was
taken care of so well.
Thank you for your concern
for the people you put your-
self out for; it always is the thing to do.
Peter Pinsky
October 24, 2012
It was with great sadness that I just learned of the death of Dr. Tom McDonald. Dr. McDonald was my primary care physician for many years. A doctor with exceptional knowledge and extraordinary skill, Dr. McDonald inspired complete confidence and gave me that very precious sense that I was always in good and special hands. In our meetings, Dr. McDonald greeted and treated me as a friend. We had so many warm conversations about both of our lives – and always his gentle kindness, generosity and humanity shone through. His zeal for sharing science or the best hiking and running trails (from the days when he did run) and much more, will be dearly missed. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a great doctor and a great man.
Keith Evans
October 23, 2012
To my McDonald cousins.....Even though it has been many years since we have seen one another, I was very deeply saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I have many fond memories of visiting my cousins in Texas City. I haven't kept in touch which is my loss. I have read the many tributes here and the one thing that stands out from those who knew Tom was how kind he was. I can remember that kindness from 40+ years ago when Tom was a teenager. Tom and his entire family were and are incredible people. My heartfelt sympathy goes to Nell, Bill, Mason, Dan and David. God bless and comfort all of you.
October 23, 2012
Please accept my belated sympathies, we just heard today that Tom had passed on. He was my PCP at PAMF. He brought a warmth and a level of personal caring to his work that I deeply appreciated; I considered myself lucky to have him as my physician.
-- Gerry Piaget, Portola Valley CA
Clive Henrick
October 22, 2012
Tom was our doctor for over 10 years and we liked him very much. We were so dismayed to hear of his premature death. He was the best doctor we have ever known and a good friend. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family.
Clive and Soli Henrick
Melva & Stuart McDonald
October 22, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dr. McDonald's passing. He cared about his patients and tried to connect with them. I will sorely miss him. He will be hard to replace as primary care doctor.
Ron Grubman
October 21, 2012
Dear Linda:
Dr T was my physician for many years. I am very indebted to him and his guidance in keeping me not only alive but very actively participating in life. I am so saddened by your loss, which is my loss also.
Joann Watkins and family
October 20, 2012
Thank for your amazing care and kindness over the last 13 years. You were so kind to my mother and eased her suffering until the end. The visit you made to her home gave her comfort and she always said you were the best ! Thank you for your impeccable clinical skills. I am so sad that you have gone, I will think of you on your bike riding the hills .
My deepest sympathies to your family
Lisa Burns
October 17, 2012
I am very sad to hear of Dr. McDonald's passing. He got me through two different health crises. He will be sorely missed.
October 15, 2012
Tom has been our Doctor for the past ten years and has helped us through so many difficult medical problems. We are so very sad to lose our dear kind friend. Please accept
our thoughts and prayers for such a fine doctor and
caring person. Marcia and Richard Campbell
Stuart Oremland
October 15, 2012
It is with great sadness and shock that I read of the passing of Dr McDonald. He has been my primary care physician for the past 13 years. I feel very privleged to have known him. Besides delivering excellent medical care it was always a treat to hear him talk about his trekking adventures. I am not at all surprised to now read about his impeccable credentials and his generous support of the people of Haiti and New Orleans. I will remember him as an excellent man who left a very positive mark on theis earth.
Ford Goodman
October 15, 2012
Tom was my doctor and a most generous and considerate man. I always marveled at how most of a visit was discussing rather than testing my condition. Funny, empathetic, warm, I cannot say enough great things about him. I am deeply saddened and offer our family's thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Carolyn Strange
October 15, 2012
Dear Doc McD --
Peter and I are so sorry we couldn't be at your memorial service, but we've been thinking about you a lot since we heard the news. It's a sobering mathematical fact that, by definition, about half of all doctors are below average. We were always comforted knowing that you were clearly high in the top half. We've been pretty healthy, fortunately, so we didn't see you very often. But when issues arose, we knew that you always had our backs--as well as our sides, innards and fronts! We knew we were in good hands. Thank you. Frankly, we feel slightly lost. And our hearts go out to your loved ones.
Carolyn Strange & Peter Alley
Philip Friedly
October 14, 2012
Tom McDonald was my primary care physician for many years. I always looked forward to my medical visits with Tom because I knew they'd be engaging, funny and insightful. I came for his high skill and expertise, I stayed for his empathy and genuine caring. I'll miss and remember Tom always.
William (Buddy) Chuoke, D.D.S.
October 14, 2012
I only knew Tom as a kid, both of us born and raised in Texas City and attending elementary and junior high school together. He was a brilliant student back then liked by everyone. I can still remember the sadness we felt when he told us his family was moving to St Louis. Since he left in 1966, I would think of him from time to time and wonder what path he took as he matured and became an adult. In reading his obituary in the Galveston,Texas News, and in reading the words of his friends and patients of California in the Guest Book, it is clear that he fulfilled all of the potential as a man, father, and physician that I thought he would. God bless, and my bike ride today will be in memory of you.
Kevin MacDonald
October 14, 2012
Dear Linda and the McDonald Family:
I was shocked to hear of the passing of Dr. McDonald. He had been my physician for the past 11 years and has always taken initiative with my care and provided guidance in maintaining a healthy life style. Few physicians have the heart Dr. McDonald had and I was lucky to have had him looking out for my wellbeing. My condolences to you and your family as he had touched many lives in such a positive way.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie Senko
October 13, 2012
Dr. McDonald has been my Primary Care Physician the past 13 years. I will miss many things about him, but especially that he truly listened to me as a person--not just a patient--AND he remembered details from those conversations in later visits. My prayers and heartfelt sympathies go out to his family, colleagues, friends, and other patients.
Milica Gurney
October 13, 2012
Dear, dear, dear, Dr. McDonald - you - so kind, caring, inteligent,gentle, exceptional in every way - why, and why so soon...
We feel as we lost a family member - after thirtheen years of gentle, kind, personal, loving care that we will never, ever find again.
Somewhere in the heights and clouds of your beloved Himalayas, somewhere in the prayers of the sherpas, somewhere high, above and beyond - we know you will live forever...
Our deepest, most sencere condolencies to your family.
Milica Gurney and Miomir Trmcic
Elaine Lambert, MD
October 13, 2012
To Tom's family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Tom's untimely death.
Tom was one of the first people that I met in the Bay Area as he interviewed me for a residency position at SCVMC where I finished my internal medicine residency. We also worked together at Stanford.
Tom was a model physician- a "doctor's doctor". He always went the extra mile for his patients. It was a privilege to share patients and refer to him for primary care as I knew that he would deliver the best of care to each of them.
My prayers are with you all.
Lauren De La Rosa
October 13, 2012
Mr. McDonald,
Your compassion went beyond the care of my father's health; your concern and compassion was for the entire family! I can't believe you have left us here on earth, but I know your spirit will live within myself and others. May your family feel the warmth and energy of others during this time and will continue into the future. My prayers to all those who are feeling this enormous loss and with heavy hearts.
Vincent Xie
October 13, 2012
We will always remember Dr. McDonald's smile and kindness.
October 13, 2012
We grieve Dr McDonalds too soon death. He was a great source of comfort and care during the many years of our medical treatment. He was the essence of compassionate care and will be sorely missed. Our condolences to his family. Gilbert and Gretchen Zaballos
Craig Hoffman
October 12, 2012
For the loved ones of Tom I offer my heartfelt sympathy. I heard of Tom's death while cycling earlier this week. Hoping each night, as I checked online each night for more information, that this was perhaps a different Thomas McDonald than the internist I worked with at Kaiser Permanente in RWC. Tom always had a quick wit and insightful comments about almost any topic which came his way. Aside from the many medical topics we discussed, or should I say he spoke and I learned, he also taught me about business, that wisely KP was incorporated which his former defunct group RWC Medical had failed because it was not, and topography with the picture he had on his office wall of the Himalayas' innumerable peaks packed seemingly tightly together were about 100 miles apart from each other in that massive range. I miss Tom, his teachings and his always present asymmetric corner grin.
Lori Burns
October 12, 2012
Mom and Dad always trusted Dr. McDonald. He made me feel like he cared -- about them and about me as I tried to care for them. He will be missed.
Maren Pedersen
October 12, 2012
I have known Tom since we were Medical Residents together many years ago. He was also my doctor for the past decade. As others have said, he was a brilliant clinician, a kind man, and a great teacher. We shared a passion for bicycling and trekking.
He left us too soon.
Blessings to his family.
Jessica Wu
October 12, 2012
Dear Dr. McDonald and Family,
When I found out of your sudden passing, I was shocked, devasted, and heartbroken. I just sat and cried at my desk. You were the first doctor I worked with here at PAMF almost 9 years ago, and I will always remember you as a generous, caring, and devoted doctor to your patients. As well a great friend, colleague, and doctor to me. You took such great care of me when I almost died, and you always showed concern for my family. I will miss our talks in the hallways, and your amazing stories of your travels and family. Your passing is a great loss to everyone! And I will truly miss you and your kindness! May your next journey bring you great joy as you have always brought joy to us all. May your family find peace as the days pass, remembering all the wonderful memories of you.
With a heavy heart and great love,
Jessica
Jim Sattler
October 12, 2012
To Tom McDonald's family and associates - the shocking and saddening news arrived here in the Philippines on our Saturday morning. Tom was my US primary care physician for many years and was a superb diagnostician and care giver. We had excellent rapport and chatted about many personal things during my visits. He was a sensitive and thoughtful man, qualities which I will always remember and miss. Sincerest condolences to you all.
Janet Gingold
October 12, 2012
Doctor McDonald made the world a better place by the good care he provided for my parents. Our heartfelt sympathy to all those who feel the loss of this good man.
Michael Kronstadt
October 12, 2012
Tom was my doctor for the past 10 years, and a wise and caring physician. A great loss.
David Andrysiak
October 12, 2012
In addition to being a fine doctor, Tom was a wonderful human being. As one of his patients I feel honored that I was a recipient of his care all of these years.
Kevin Hays
October 12, 2012
For Tom -
In this life you were a compassionate, intelligent, caring individual with countless accomplishments, friends and colleagues.
May you continue the journey as your spirit soars over the tallest of peaks, through the sunlit trees with a gentle breeze at your back.
God Bless
Monique Frisz
October 12, 2012
Dr. McDonald,
It's not the same here in Internal Medicine with you gone, I have been your nurse the last two years and learned so many things from you. I will miss our talks in the hallway regarding all of our patient's. I just want to send my love and prayers to your daughters and family. In loving memory of a wonderful person and doctor. We will miss you always, your PAMF family.
Mary Baldanzi
October 12, 2012
To Linda and the Mc Donald Family, I was Dr. McDonalds MA at Redwood Medical Clinic. I was so saddened tohear of his sudden passing. He taught me so much as I worked along with him in my first real medical job. He taught me how to truly care for people and listen to them. I have carried his lessons with me throughout the years. My thoughts are with you.
Sherri Alavi
October 12, 2012
We are so saddened by the shocking news of Dr. McDonald's passing. He was my doctor for the past last 10 years. He was always so caring and kind and really trying to make you feel better. We will truly miss him.
Our deepest sympathies are with his family.
Rest in peace dear Dr. McDonald.
Robert Arko
October 12, 2012
Tom exemplified the term "care provider" with his personal approach to his practice. I will truly miss him. He will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Kris Geiger
October 12, 2012
Tom was my husband's primary care doctor for many years until my husband passed away in January of 2011. I was so touched by his kindness to me during that time. He called me at home the night my husband died and accepted me as his patient soon afterwards even though he had a full schedule. He simply touched me with his quiet humor and big, big heart. I will miss him.
Margaret Brandeau
October 12, 2012
Tom was a wonderful doctor and a real inspiration. Just a week or two ago when I took my 86-year-old mother in to see him, I met him in the hallway going down to Radiology personally to set up my mom's appointment because they did not answer the phone when he rang them. Tom, we will miss your wonderful care and your warm heart.
Lad Gilchrist
October 12, 2012
Dr. McDonald's presence was 90% of the cure. We all lost a great care taker.
Robert Eckols
October 12, 2012
Tom was my primary care physician for 10 years. He was a great listener as well as a physician. I will miss having him as my doctor.
Ray Renati
October 11, 2012
Dr. McDonald has been my doctor for 13 years. I could always count on him for the best care and steadfast patience. I am so saddened by the news of this. My thoughts and prayers go to his family, friends and patients.
John Hiss
October 11, 2012
I'm shocked and sad. Tom was a fantastic primary care Doc to me and, at the same time, a friend. I'm miss him beyond words. Best to his family and friends.
Djuna Woods
October 11, 2012
I am so sad and shocked. Dr. McDonald will be truly missed. He went above and beyond to provide great medical care and was always kind and compassionate.
Karen Schreiber
October 11, 2012
Dr McDonald,
Words can not express how smart, kind, and compassionate you were. You will never be forgotten.
David Sabes
October 11, 2012
Dr. McDonald was a great family man, and doctor. I trusted him with my health, and he gave me comfort, help, compassion, and a few laughs along the way. Myself, my wife, my father, and step mother all were privileged to have him as our physician. He will be missed, and remembered forever.
Mark Nicolls
October 11, 2012
Wonderful physician.
Guy & Christine De La Rosa
October 11, 2012
My husband and I just learned of this great loss and are beyond words to express our sadness. Dr. McDonald became my husbands physician after we were involved in a terrible accident 4 years ago. Dr. McDonald's care and compassion were heartfelt and we looked forward to seeing him to hear about his adventures. Our sincerest sympathies to his family.
Jerry Leugers
October 11, 2012
Tom and I would talk about his trekking and my sea kayaking trips every year at my annual physical. We both loved to ride. He will not be forgotten.
Bob and Piera and Angela Baggetta
October 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie Vicencio
October 11, 2012
My deepest sympathies on Dr. McDonald's passing. He has been a wonderfully caring primary physician to me and my husband for more than 10 years. I pray for him as I pray for his family to be given the strength and fortitude to cope with your irreplaceable loss. God Bless!
Lee Bonds
October 11, 2012
To Dr. McDonald's family -- I am so saddened to hear that he has passed away. I loved to talk with him about his hiking and expeditions -- and all the while he was coaching me quietly to use trekking poles and preserve my knees for future hiking and skiing. Always thoughtful, very insightful -- I will miss his advice and care. Please know how much we appreciated him.
Robert Spadarella
October 11, 2012
Dr. McDonald. I will always remember and always be very grateful for the care you showed my son and myself,your compassion was genuine.I will cherish the memories of your stories from your various journeys. God Bless
Patty Harris
October 11, 2012
I am shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden passing. My prayers go out his loved ones.
Karla Peandos
October 11, 2012
Dr. McDonald, My family and I can't thank you enough for the wonderful care you provided to my Nana Cecilia Ochoa. You were a wonderful, caring, compassionate human being and an amazing doctor. Your patients and their families were blessed beyond words to have you as their physician. You will forever be missed, but never forgotten.
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