Lasting Memories

Thomas Frederick Randolph
Sept. 23, 1930-March 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Madeleine Zentner Randolph Haugan and Samuel William Randolph III. He grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Wilmette, Illinois and Santa Barbara. Tom and his older brother Sam loved spending each summer in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin at their grandparents’ cottage, where they were introduced to golf and became excellent sailors.

Tom met his future wife Mary Preuss in ninth grade, both graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1948 (Tom captained the basketball team). He attended Stanford University on a Navy ROTC scholarship - he joined Phi Kappa Sigma, making lifelong friends. He was Head Yell Leader and sand volleyball champion. Mary and Tom were married two weeks after college graduation on June 29, 1952.

Following graduation, Tom served during the Korean War as a Naval officer. Completing his military service in 1955, he began working for the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding in Los Angeles. In 1961, the family moved to Menlo Park for the opportunity to run the Dole Pineapple account. In 1968, he was promoted to run the SF office, in 1980 took the presidency of FCB/Honig West, and in 1985 became Chairman. Known for empathy and preparation, he guided the office well, receiving the Western States Advertising Agencies Association Leader of the Year award in 1988.

Tom’s passion, second only to his family, was golf. He played three or four times a week until his last year. An early member at Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, Tom’s skill on the golf course was admired - his dedication to exercise and practice allowed him to golf into his 90’s. His sharp mind, which gave him the nickname ZOG (Czar of all Games), was with him to the end.

After living 50 years in Menlo Park, Mary and Tom moved in 2012 to the Vi in Palo Alto, a retirement community.

Tom was predeceased by the love of his life Mary in 2020, and his daughter Kathryn Cook (George) in 2005. He leaves behind daughter Nancy Brandon (John) of Atherton and son Tom (Cindy) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; seven grandchildren Kristin Brandon Blaugrund (Kevin), James Brandon (Emily), Steven Cook (Courtney), Jennifer Brandon, Melissa Cook Leonsis (Zachary), Tom Randolph III and Jason Randolph; and eight great-grandchildren Jack and Kate Brandon, Abby and Ellie Blaugrund, Olivia and Kathryn Leonsis, Tommy Randolph IV, and Avery Cook. Tom also leaves brother Sam Randolph (Donna) of Santa Barbara.

A Celebration of Life will be in the Chapel at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto at 11:45am on Friday May 10th.