Thomas Edward Lecours' Obituary
Thomas Edward Lecours passed away peacefully at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, California, with his wife of 34 years, Cher, by his side.
Born in Boston to Joseph and Mary Lecours, Tom loved joking that there must have been “another Joseph and Mary somewhere that also gave birth to a prodigal son.” A Southern California native at heart, Tom attended St. Charles Borromeo Academy in Point Loma and Clairemont High School — when he wasn’t sneaking away to surf. As a young man, he had a thoughtful and reflective side beneath his humor. His sister recalled how much he loved the song “What’s It All About, Alfie?” from the movie Alfie — a deep and searching song that fit the side of Tom that quietly wondered about life when he wasn’t busy making everyone laugh.
Tom attended San Diego State University on a football scholarship. After suffering a concussion or two on the football field, his scholarship was revoked, at which point he switched to rugby — notably with even less protective equipment. After SDSU brought in a new coach and changed divisions, Tom transferred to UC Riverside, where he studied marine biology and continued playing rugby. It became one of his favorite stories to tell his children every time they drove north on Interstate 15 from Rancho Bernardo toward Mammoth.
Tom had a remarkable Navy career that spanned more than two decades. After graduating from college, he entered U.S. Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in November 1965. As a newly commissioned Ensign, he was assigned to a fighter squadron aboard the USS Coral Sea and deployed to Vietnam. Flying the F-4 Phantom, Tom completed 178 combat missions, providing close air support for U.S. Marines, striking enemy supply routes, and escorting larger strike groups against the threat of North Vietnamese MiGs. His fellow aviators knew him by his call sign, “Frenchy.”
Following his combat service, Tom became a flight instructor, teaching advanced F-4 tactics to newly commissioned Naval Aviators. He later served with Fighter Squadron VF-84 aboard the USS Roosevelt, where he was both a pilot and the squadron’s Maintenance Officer. During a carrier landing, Tom survived a catastrophic engine fire and was forced to eject from his aircraft at low altitude and high speed. Thanks to a daring rescue by the ship’s helicopter crew and water rescue team, he lived to tell the story—one of many adventures that became part of his legendary storytelling repertoire.
When asked the best job he ever had, Tom would always say it was serving as Commanding Officer of VF-302 in the early 1980s. He led with humor, humility, and a steady hand, earning both respect and affection from those around him. Tom was a natural leader who believed no task was beneath him, especially when working alongside others for the greater good. He had a gift for making people feel capable, valued, and important. Under his leadership, VF-302 earned the Battle Efficiency Award as the top Fighter Squadron in the Naval Reserve. Tom retired from the Navy in 1986 with the rank of Captain, leaving behind a legacy of service, mentorship, and friendship that touched generations of sailors and aviators.
His Navy career eventually brought him to San Diego, where he built both his life and community. After leaving the Navy, Tom established a thriving CPA practice in Mission Valley. What he loved most about his work was the people. Tax appointments often turned into long conversations filled with stories, laughter, and catching up with friends. For many clients, visiting Tom felt just as much like a social call as a business meeting.
Tom was a legendary storyteller and joke teller. The jokes themselves weren’t always great — but his delivery made them unforgettable. He gave directions using donut shops as landmarks: “Turn right one block after the donut store.” Donuts were, in fact, one of his favorite foods. He laughed so hard at things that he would cry, and he found joy in life’s everyday moments, in people, and especially in his dogs.
Tom moved through life with a quiet steadiness and resilience that made him a natural teacher. Even the way he played ping pong reflected his philosophy: consistent returns, patience, and letting people learn from their own mistakes. During his final hospital visit, his sister remarked, “He taught me to drive”, only to have three others immediately respond, “Me too”.
Tom was a magnet for fun and adventure. He stood in awe of God's creation and never seemed to get enough of the outdoors. Whether surfing, SCUBA diving, fishing, hunting, biking, camping, backpacking, RV traveling, golfing, water skiing, skiing in the mountains, or exploring a new corner of the world, Tom was always planning the next adventure. More importantly, he was always inviting others along.
His enthusiasm was contagious. "Let's go scuba diving!" he would say. Not certified? No problem. Tom would patiently explain what to do and encourage everyone to give it a try. Before long, "Frenchy's Divers" became a cherished group of friends sharing unforgettable experiences together. No sooner would one trip end than Tom would begin planning the next. The more people he could include, the happier he was.
He approached life with curiosity, gratitude, and a deep desire to help others experience all that life had to offer. He was known for his signature breakfast creation, the "Tomelette," his uncanny ability to find a great deal, and his talent for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories.
At the center of Tom's life was a strong faith, a servant's heart, and a deep love for people. He dedicated countless hours to helping others through mission trips, the SHARE food program, and annual service with the Gleanings for the Hungry Project in Dinuba. He loved studying Scripture, engaging in thoughtful conversations, and growing in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Whether in Bible study, Circle groups, or around a campfire with friends, Tom welcomed honest questions, lively discussion, and opportunities to learn together.
Those who knew Tom felt safe, loved, appreciated, and protected in his presence. He was fiercely loyal and cared deeply for others. When someone was hurting, Tom wanted to help carry the burden. He gave generously of his time, energy, and heart. He loved fully, served faithfully, and left every person he met feeling a little more encouraged than before.
More than anything, Tom was deeply loved by his family, friends, clients, fellow servicemen, and community. His stories, laughter, wisdom, and steady presence will be profoundly missed.
He is survived by his wife Cher Lecours. His sisters and brother-in-law Teri (Lecours) Lang, Chuck Lang and Jeanne (Lecours) Gary. His children and their spouses Sue Donnelly, Bill Foreman, David Lecours, Holly Lecours, Suzi (Lecours) Drennen, Brian Drennen, Dan Waldie, Sarah Verbeke, Jason Waldie and Thuan Waldie. His grandchildren Dylan Drennen, Skyler Waldie, Devin Waldie, Cassidy Drennen, Logan Waldie, Layla Waldie, and Rowan Lecours.
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