October 16, 1924 �" January 9, 2014
A resident of San Francisco since the 1950s and an original member of San Francisco FrontRunners running club, Tom Pait passed away January 9, 2014 after several years of declining health. He was 89.
Born in Kalamazoo Michigan, Tom ventured west as a teenager and came to San Francisco. He worked in the food service industry before his retirement in 1993. He was an original member of the Lavender Runners when the group adopted its present name San Francisco FrontRunners in 1979.
Tom was an avid marathoner, completing 60 marathons and winning several medals during his running years. Tom was awarded the Apex Award in 1990 for his achievements. He also participated in the first four Gay Games �" two in San Francisco in 1982 and 1986, one in Vancouver in 1990, and one in New York in 1994. He brought home a silver medal in the marathon in his age group from these competitions. Tom ran well into his 80s, however, he eventually stopped running due to declining health. Although soft spoken, Tom loved being in the mix of his friends. He was loved like a brother by many, including longtime FrontRunner Jon Borset. Tom welcomed all to the club and the sport. His essence will be greatly missed by the club and the community. A celebration of life service took place January 26 at the Noe Valley home of his friends Bob Callori and Christopher Goodwin. City Supervisor Scott Wiener attended the service and adjourned a Board of Supervisors meeting in Tom's honor.