COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 9, 2015
Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague Mr.
LaMalfa to pay tribute to the life of Thomas ``Tom'' Birmingham, who
passed away on January 8, 2015 at the age of 93. Tom was an
extraordinary person, and he will always be remembered as a man who
lived his life with purpose and great dedication to his students,
family, friends and community.
Tom was born on March 21, 1922 to Thomas and Nell Birmingham in Red
Bluff, California. He spent much of his childhood living in various
northern California towns, as his father's career as a Highway
Patrolman required. It was while living with his family in Westwood,
California that Tom developed many life-long friendships and his
happiest childhood memories. He graduated from Clarksburg High School
in Clarksburg, California, now called Delta High School, in 1940.
World War II interrupted Tom's first attempt at attending college. He
left school to join the United States Navy. In the Navy, Tom was
assigned to Bombing Squadron Nineteen which flew off of the USS
Lexington. Mr. Birmingham proudly served our country as an aviator, and
was awarded an Air Medal and a Distinguished Flying Cross for his
actions on October 25, 1944 during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Tom was
extremely proud of his service and of the men with whom he served on
board the Lexington.
Mr. Birmingham continued his education after the War. He enrolled at
San Jose State College and graduated in 1950. While at university, Tom
competed in numerous track events including the high hurdle and the
triple jump, known at the time as the ``hop, skip, jump.'' A talented,
athletic individual, Mr. Birmingham garnered the reputation of a world
class athlete. In addition to his skills on the track field, Tom was an
avid skier, becoming one of the first instructors at the Mt. Shasta
Herald Ski School.
It was while Tom studied at San Jose State College that he met the
love of his life, Lulu Archer. Tom and Lulu were married in 1951 and
stayed in the bay area for another year while Tom completed his
teaching credential. Lulu truly was Tom's one and only. Later the same
year, Tom and Lulu moved to Yreka, California where they grew their
family with the addition of three children, Kate, Thomas, and John.
In Yreka, Mr. Birmingham accepted a teaching and coaching position at
Yreka High School. As a teacher of art and history, Mr. Birmingham was
able to motivate students and develop an excitement in them for
learning and personal development. Additionally, coaching track and
basketball allowed Tom to form lasting bonds with his students, many of
whom he kept in contact throughout his life.
Following a distinguished 31 years at Yreka High School, Mr.
Birmingham retired in 1983. Upon his retirement, Tom and Lulu made it a
priority to travel together. He also accepted the responsibility of
taking care of his wife in the latter stages of her illness. Several
years after her passing in 1987, Tom chose to relocate to Redding,
California to be closer to family, specifically his beloved
grandchildren. Throughout his life, his hobbies included hunting,
fishing, and, in retirement, restoring old cars.
Tom's friendliness and honest nature built many lasting friendships
during his lifetime. His long and remarkable life is fondly remembered
by colleagues, students, friends and family. Tom leaves behind his
three children; Kate, Thomas, John, their spouses, and his
grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the
House of Representatives to join Mr. LaMalfa and me in saying farewell
to a man from the greatest generation, Mr. Thomas W. Birmingham. His
genuine character and his loving commitment to his family and community
will be greatly missed.
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