March 22, 1948 – November 1, 2025

Thomas (“Tom”) Lee Lott passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, surrounded by his family and lifelong friends. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 21st at 2:00 pm at Hooper & Weaver Mortuary, with a reception to follow.

Tom was born on March 22, 1948, in Harper, Kansas, the youngest of three children. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood on the family farm and attended a two-room schoolhouse. Life changed dramatically when his father passed away, and that summer his mother packed up the car and, with her three children, set out on a road trip to California. The family settled in Grass Valley, where Tom began 5th grade at Hennessey School—marking the start of a lifetime of close friendships and community roots.

A natural athlete, Tom excelled in nearly every sport he tried. He graduated at the top of his Nevada Union High School class in 1966, lettering in four sports as well as Senior Class Vice President. Tom went on to attend UC Berkeley on a full scholarship, graduating in 1971 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. Each summer, he returned home to Grass Valley to work part-time at Beechel and Cranmer, a local engineering & land surveying firm, beginning a career path that would define his professional life.

After graduation, Tom joined Cranmer Engineering full-time, and in 1977, upon receiving his professional license with the State of California, he became a partner with his brother-in-law, Ken Baker, at Nevada City Engineering. A respected civil engineer, Tom was known for his integrity, intelligence, and commitment to quality work. He was honored by his peers as Engineer of the Year and took great pride in the many projects he contributed to throughout Nevada County and beyond. After 43 years of dedicated service, Tom retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and professionalism.

Tom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his mid 30’s, a challenge he met with remarkable strength and grace. He lived with the disease for many years without complaint, maintaining his positive outlook and sharp wit. Sundays were his favorite – when friends would gather to watch football, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. Those afternoons were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the warmth of lifelong friendship. His resilience and optimism inspired everyone who knew him. Tom was also surrounded by many devoted caregivers over the years, whose kindness, compassion, and friendship brightened his days and provided comfort to him and his family.

Tom is survived by his brother David Lott; sister Kay Lott Baker; brother-in-law Kenneth Baker; nieces Kathryn Baker and Danielle Lott; nephews John and Richard Baker, and Will, Davey, Jon, and Justin Lott.

He was preceded in death by his father John Francis Lott and mother Janey Lott.