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John Thomas (Tom) Zeien of Rancho Bernardo passed away peacefully on December 7, 2007, surrounded by his family, at age 84.

Tom was born and raised in North Branch, Minn., where he met the love of his life, Shirley Johnson. They eloped on his way overseas to serve in the 446th Bombardier Group in World War II. Tom was the only young man from North Branch who survived the war.

After the war he attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned his degree in chemical engineering. Their first son was born while he was a student.

Tom enjoyed a multifaceted career and truly loved his work. He began his career with Standard Oil Company in Baltimore, Maryland, where the first two daughters were born. The family moved to Cloquet, Minn., where Tom began his long career with Conoco Oil Company, and their third daughter was born.

Subsequent positions took the family to Billings, Montana, where their second son was born, and to Houston, Texas. Conoco sponsored Tom's advanced study at Cornell University and Harvard University in management and leadership development. His final position with Conoco was Vice President of International Refining, during which he traveled the world. Upon retirement, Tom and Shirley relocated to Rancho Bernardo.

Tom was a very active person who loved the outdoors. He grew up hunting and fishing with his cousins, activities he enjoyed throughout his life with friends and his lovely wife, who expertly cooked the wide range of wild game he brought home. He also enjoyed camping, boating, and water skiing in Minnesota with his family and friends. Tom started golf as a boy, and it became his passion. Conoco provided opportunities for Tom and Shirley to golf in many countries and participate in pro-am tournaments. They enjoyed their retirement years on the Rancho Bernardo Golf Course, winning many a tournament and traveling with the Nomads to other courses in California. Tom and Shirley were blessed with a love affair for life; they were very best friends through thick and thin for 63 years.

Tom was a family man, a great man who lived with strength and courage. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Zeien; daughters: Candace Ewell, Carol Tingley and Cathy DuBois; son, Robert Zeien; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a third on the way.

His oldest son, Craig Zeien, preceded him in death eight years ago.

Memorial services were Monday, December 17, 2 p.m., in California, at the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation.

Tom will be buried in the family plot in North Branch, Minn., on his birthday, January 19, 2008, following the funeral service held at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch at 1 p.m.

For those who would like to donate in his memory, please direct donations to the American Heart Association.

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