SD-I LDR community mourns loss of Tom Bache

It is with great sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing of one of the great leaders of the San Diego Long Distance Running Community, Tom Bache III, at the age of 48.
 
Tom was a champion distance runner while at University of San Diego High School (San Diego CIF champion in cross-country and track), and he was later inducted into the USDHS successor (Cathedral Catholic HS) Athletic Hall of Fame.  He later became a pillar of the San Diego running community as a master-level USATF official, training partner, mentor, and inspiring competitor (he ran a 2:42 marathon at age 47 and finished high in several mountainous ultra-marathons).
 
Tom was a member of the USATF San Diego/Imperial Association Board of Directors for over 15 years as the Association’s Secretary, and he officiated at countless meets at levels from High School to International.  Many track enthusiasts who would attend local track meets would see Tom officiating the field events and some of the more notable athletic competitions every year. Tom also served on the Board of Directors for the San Diego Track Club as a club officer and was a team captain for a number of years on their respective elite teams. Tom was named Runner of the Year for the San Diego Track Club on a couple of occasions and was an avid runner who continued to strive for personal bests in all distances, competing in anything from 400 meters to ultramarathons.
 
Tom was most proud of his service in the Marine Corps, which included leading an infantry squad in the invasion and rapid victory in the 2003 Iraq war.
 
His smiling face and easy-going nature will be missed by all who knew and loved him. His absence will be notable at local track meets, road and trail races of any length, and on the running paths around Mission Bay and San Diego County. Tom Bache is a true legend and will be remembered for always serving and loving his fellow human beings and as a wonderful ambassador for the sports of track and field, cross country and road racing.

Survivors include his parents, Lolitia B. Bache and Thomas Carter Bache, Jr (Ann Kerr) and their son, David; sister, Kristin Markowicz (John) and their children, John, Joseph, James, and Jane; sister, Stephanie Bache (Mark Simon) and their daughter, Marlo, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and countless dear friends and co-workers in San Diego and many other places across the country. 

The funeral is Saturday, May 1, 1:30pm, at Church of St. Mary Magdalene.  Inurnment at Miramar National Cemetery on Monday, May 3, 2021.

Donations may be made to SDTC's Tom Bache Memorial Fund or the Thomas C. Bache III Memorial Scholarship at Cathedral Catholic High School.

Read the U-T obituary