Thomas Anker Fanoe

Thomas Anker Fanoe was a shining example of a life well-lived, marked by a contagious enthusiasm, a generous spirit, and a profound impact on all those around him. As a respected leader in the business world and a beloved family man, Tom's legacy is a testament to the enduring power of kindness, compassion, and dedication. His passing leaves a profound void, but his influence will continue to be felt deeply by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

As a leader, he was a trailblazing executive who ascended to the rank of president for Levi Strauss & Co. during nearly 30 years with the company. Tom passed away on June 5, 2025 at age 79 in Lake Tahoe due to heart failure leaving behind a legacy of inspiration. A native Californian and son of farmers in the Salinas Valley, Tom kept homes in Lake Tahoe and Sausalito. In business, he was a visionary leader and relentless driver of excellence. As president of the Levi's brand in the United States he empowered his employees while leading the jean maker's largest division with unwavering passion. "His contributions will long be part of the lore of the glory days," a former colleague posted on Facebook.

"For nearly 20 years, Tom was a dedicated board member of the Red Tab Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports current and former employees of LS&Co. In that capacity, he was a passionate advocate for the needs of LS&Co.'s retired sewing operators and used his strong relationships with former Levi's executives to raise more than a million dollars on their behalf." Executive Director of Red Tab

Tom's remarkable life journey took a pivotal turn when he retired from Levi's in 1998, embarking on a fresh path filled with exciting opportunities. His brief tenure with Joe Boxer was followed by his commitment to his family's business, Sturdy Oil Company, business development consulting, and the disposition of his family's sprawling farm on Fanoe Road in Gonzales, about 15 miles south of Salinas. The farm, founded by Tom's great-grandparents from Denmark in the late 1800s, reached its zenith with 800 acres of broccoli, kale, and assorted leafy greens. Tom's childhood was marked by love and learning, growing up with four siblings and many cousins, and attending Gonzales Elementary School. He married his high school sweetheart, Gaye Richardson, and they had two children, Anker and Sarah. Tom's impressive academic and athletic accomplishments at Palma School, a Catholic school in Salinas, earned him the nickname Touchdown Tommy. His induction into the Palma Sports Hall of Fame honored his exceptional sprinting titles (100 meters 10.7 and 200 meters 21.80). Tom's academic pursuits took him to Santa Clara University and UC Berkeley, where he earned a master's in business degree, setting the stage for his distinguished career at Levi's.

Thomas Anker Fanoe's life was a testament to the joy of connection and adventure. He reveled in moments spent on Lake Tahoe's crystal waters and sharing meals with loved ones. Relaxing with family at their off-the-grid family cabin in Arroyo Seco surrounded by sycamores, brought him peace. A fan of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cal Bears and the San Francisco 49ers, Tom's zest for life was contagious. He was, above all, a steadfast and loyal friend, known for the deep dedication that he showed for those he held dear.

Thomas Anker Fanoe was born April 4, 1946, in Salinas.

He is predeceased by his parents, Neil Heinsen Fanoe and Anita Rianda Fanoe, and sister, Andrea Fanoe.

His survivors include: Son Anker Fanoe (Cappie) of Salinas; daughter Sarah Fanoe of Solana Beach; son Scott Fanoe (Allison) of Nipomo; sister Roberta Huntington (Louis, deceased) of Salinas; brother Neil Fanoe (Patsy) of San Jose, and sister Karen Archer (Tom) of Pleasanton.

Tom's seven grandchildren are: Zoe Kaye, Thomas Kaye, Anker Paul Fanoe, Zach Cenderelli, Jake Cenderelli, Dylan Fanoe and Shea Fanoe.

Memorial services are scheduled for 10 a.m. June 27, 2025 at St. Theodore Church, 116 S. Belden St., Gonzales, followed by interment at Gonzales Cemetery, 1000 U.S. 101, Gonzales, CA 92926.

A celebration of life begins at 1 p.m. June 27, 2025 at Corral de Tierra Country Club, 81 Corral de Tierra Road, Corral de Tierra, CA 93908.

Donations can be made to the Red Tab Foundation.

Tom will be missed by everyone who met him, RIP TOUCHDOWN!

Funeral Arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home.

Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com .

Published in Salinas Valley Tribune and King City Rustler · June 12, 2025