Thomas NeVille Tippets passed away September 20, 2021 at his family home in Valencia, California. Born to Ezra Huffaker Tippets and Esther NeVille on April 11, 1947 in San Diego, Tom grew up as the favorite (and only) son surrounded by five loving sisters. A graduate of Ramona High School, he played drums with the band Pat and the Californians, recording the radio hit, “Be Billy.” After graduating, Tom served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Britain. He continued Christ-like service in the Church throughout his life.
Tom graduated from Brigham Young University earning a degree in Fine Arts and Communications. His time working at KBYU and KUTV led to a career in television, beginning in the mailroom at NBC Burbank and working his way up to Director of Program Production. After twenty years at NBC, Tom left to pursue management positions at post production studios including Hollywood Digital, Four Media Company, Encore Studios and Level Three Post. He concluded his career teaching and developing classes for the Cinema and Television Arts Department at California State University Northridge. He was a mentor to many throughout his forty plus years in the industry.
Tom married Linda Frances Boeltl on February 14, 1975 in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and they were blessed with three daughters whom they loved and supported in all their activities. They also served as foster parents for more than a dozen newborns. Tom loved vacationing at Yosemite and Lake Tahoe (“smell those pines”), family reunions and traditions like breakfast with “pink pancakes in the park” made with black cherry soda. He was famous for his “dad jokes”, and no matter what day of the year, he would greet you with “Merry Christmas! Don’t wait til the last minute.”
A faithful sports fan, Tom loved cheering for Hart High Football, the Dodgers, and BYU. He and his wife Linda volunteered as ushers at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center from the time it opened. After retiring, Tom could be found at the Valencia Family History Center helping others discover their ancestors and encouraging everyone to add to their family tree on familysearch.org. He was a favorite speaker at genealogy conferences throughout Central and Southern California.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Emily. He is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Carrie (Mark) Lisonbee and Annie (Matthew) Easterbrook, six grandchildren, Aurora, Spencer, Allegra, Ella, Sabrina and Clark and sisters Pamela Allen, Darice Westwood, Kathy Fisher, Roxann Sawyer and Joan Swindlehurst.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm October 28, 2021 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 24443 McBean Pkwy Valencia, California. Private interment at Eternal Valley Memorial Park Newhall, California.
Celebrate Tom’s legacy by spending time with your own family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/familysearch.