In Loving Memory of Tom Bjornson, May 2, 1945 – July 18, 2025
With the greatest sorrow, we share the sudden loss of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and father-in-law, Tom Bjornson, who passed away on July 18, 2025, at the age of 80 in Oakland, California.
Tom was born on May 2, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the eldest child of Grace and Glen Bjornson. After enduring several “harsh” Minnesota winters, he happily relocated as a boy to sunny California, settling in the San Jose area of the San Francisco Bay Area, where as he liked to say, “the mosquitos weren’t as big, and the weather wasn’t as extreme.”
Throughout his long and full life, Tom wore many hats: devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, athlete, leader, thinker, counselor, and entrepreneur. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Foothill College and San Jose State University. He placed a high value on education and instilled that same importance in his children and grandchildren.
In the 1970s, while working in the personnel department at PG&E, Tom helped establish one of the first internal employee assistance programs. He later went on to help pioneer several independent EAPs laying the groundwork for models still in use today. Ever the visionary, he also played key roles in founding several innovative tech and health-related startups.
A lifelong sports enthusiast, Tom was fiercely loyal to Bay Area teams — especially his beloved Oakland A’s — but no team ever meant more to him than those his children and grandchildren played on.
He coached countless local youth sports teams in Piedmont. He served on the board of the Oakland Zoo, was a proud member of the Oakland Grandfather’s Club, and a passionate supporter of Bishop O’Dowd High School, UC Davis Women’s Basketball, and University of Washington Football.
Tom was known by many names; Mr. Bjornson, Tom, Coach, Dad, Papa, Papi. “Papa” or “Papi” were the ones he cherished most. He never missed a game, recital, school play, or awards ceremony. He showed up early, sat in the front row, and beamed with pride — so much so that other families often remarked on the joy and love radiating from him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Sharon Burns Bjornson; his children, Kristen Bjornson, Laurie Bjornson Slez, and Eric Bjornson; his son-in-law Scott Slez, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Williams Bjornson; and his treasured grandchildren: Ryan, Eric, and Eli Slez, Hanna, Andrew, and Parker Bjornson, and Tomas and Sofia Lombardo. He is also survived by his brother John Bjornson of Mission Viejo, California, and his sister Carol Bjornson of Arizona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen Norman Bjornson and Grace Mahood Bjornson.
Tom will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, deep warmth, infectious humor, and generous heart. But most of all, he will be remembered for the extraordinary love he gave to his family, love that continues to guide and uplift us all.
A Celebration of Life event is planned for the fall. Contact the family for details.
