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Tom Dauterman sits in the cockpit of the Sentimental Journey, a World War II B-17 that is part of the Commemorative Air Force Fleet, before boarding a plane, Sept. 19, 2021, in Chico, California. (Sean Morgan/Contributed)
Chico — Savant. Generous. salt of the earth. The best of the best. These descriptions, especially of Tom Dauterman, surfaced Tuesday afternoon as Chicoans remembered the hometown entrepreneur and philanthropist who died Monday at age 81 after a long battle with cancer. did.
“Tommy D. was a friend and mentor to countless people,” said City Councilman Sean Morgan, who served on the Northern California National Bank board with Mr. Dauterman. “He was like a father to me and no one believed in me more than he did. His exceptionalism is due to the love he received from Sue, the love of his life. It was driven by.”
Tom van Overbeek, a city councilman and friend, called Dauterman an “academic” who revolutionized the art of harvesting nut trees without any formal training as a mechanical engineer, and said he was a member of Tom & He said he was “generous” in contributing to many causes through the Sue Dauterman Foundation. He supported Enroe Health and the Salvation Army. He has been a member of Chico’s Rotary for his 35 years, received a community service award in 2007, and donated resources and time to local high school agriculture programs.
“He was the salt of the earth,” said former Mayor Georgie Belin.
Another former mayor, current Chico City Administrator Mark Sorensen, met Dauterman 45 years ago while repairing a television (an RCA CTC81, to be exact). By that time, Dauterman had founded Thomas Welding & Machine (now called Thomas Manufacturing) and Thomas Hydraulic & Hardware Supply.
“Tom had a deep love for Chico and was a great supporter both personally and through business,” Sorensen said. “He and Sue were much more generous people than they are widely known for, because he was so generous with his extensive and very generous support of the Chico community that he chose to keep a low profile or remain anonymous. Because I liked it.”
“Local giant”
A graduate of Durham High School, Mr. Dauterman worked for Pacific Gas and Electric Co., then rented a small space in Chico and opened a construction and manufacturing plant that grew into Thomas Manufacturing. According to his foreman, Paul Woodmansee, the factory is “the largest custom manufacturing and machine shop.” It’s north of Sacramento. Dauterman started his hydraulic business in 1974. Between his two businesses he employs 70 people.
“He reinvented the almond harvesting process and designed and built the equipment,” Van Overbeek said. “This man was a local giant.”
Mr. Woodmansee, who had been an employee for 18 years, said Mr. Dauterman sketched out a mechanical design on legal papers and “it made sense,” and it worked. “Savant is a good word for him,” Woodmansee said. It’s generous.
“Tom has been really involved in supporting our employees,” he continued. “This is a very family-oriented business, and his positive impact on both myself and countless other employees and their families is immeasurable.”
Mr. Dauterman had a similar impact at the bank he co-founded. He served on the board of Northern California National Bank from its inception in 2006 until its sale in 2021. The bank’s CEO, Todd Lewis, who became chief financial officer in 2007, remembers Dauterman bringing Thomas Manufacturing’s acumen to financial sector decision-making.
“He was definitely a genius, but he was also the humblest of geniuses,” Lewis said. “He said, ‘Not bad for a dumb welder!'” That’s the image he painted. But in reality he was a scholar.
“He was an architect, an engineer, an innovator, a designer, a welder. He did it all from start to finish. He was the best of the best.”
“We have lost a true treasure in Chico,” said Dino Corbin, general manager of Deer Creek Broadcasting and a longtime friend. “Tom’s path to heaven was marked by his friendship, kindness and It is backed by endless generosity to our community.”
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