In Memory

Thomas Pate Bryce - Class Of 1937

Thomas Pate Bryce

Thomas Pate Bryce, lifelong resident of South Pasadena, passed away January 7, 2003 at the age of 83.

Born September 25, 1919, Tom moved to 911 Adeline Street at the age of nine months. When he was three, his family purchased a new home on El Centro Street. Tom attended Lincoln Park Elementary School, the Junior High and South Pasadena/San Marino High School.

He met Mary Deniston at the beach during Easter vacation only to discover she lived right around the corner from him. They became high school sweethearts and married in 1941 in Las Vegas.

Tom served three years in the US Coast Guard on a troop transport during World War II. After graduating from the Sawyer School of Business, he worked for several oil companies including Kern Oil Company, Associated Oil Company, Getty Tidewater, and Phillips 66. After the service, Tom and Mary built their house on Bank Street. Their son, Brad, was born in 1950 and attended South Pasadena schools.

As a child, Tom enjoyed the idyllic setting of South Pasadena:  riding the ostriches at Cawston's Ostrich Farm, 10 cent movies at the Rialto, and catching tadpoles and crawfish in the Arroyo Seco. Tom was an avid bicylist who rode over 60 miles a week well into his seventies. He also remained extremely active in the South Pasadena community throughout his life. He proudly served as chair of the South Pasadena High School Alumni Association Scholarship Awards Committee, was a member of the Oneonta Club, and was very active in the South Pasadena United Methodist Church.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary '38; his son, Brad '68; three step-grandchildren; a brother, Jack '35; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends who will miss him deeply.

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Tom was a lifelong resident of South Pasadena.  He attended Lincoln Elementary School, South Pasadena Junior and Senior High Schools.

Tom was Grand Marshal in the South Pasadena Fourth of July Parade one year and also was the designated "King" of the 2002 Grand Reunion III.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary (Deniston) Bryce '38, son Brad Bryce '68, Brad's wife, Claudia, and step-grandchildren, Dior Chase '86, Marko Chase '88, and Marko's wife, Erin Wardlow Chase '89.

Tom served as a dedicated member of the Alumni Association and was Chairman of the Scholarship Committee for several years.  He was very proud of the number of scholarships that were awarded each year to deserving graduating high school seniors.

Tom will be greatly missed by all of us on the SPHSAA Board and by all who knew him.