Thomas Oliver Moulds

Thomas “Tom” Oliver Moulds died peacefully and surrounded by family on December 13, 2014, at the age of 88.

Tom was born on March 1, 1926 to Oliver Lloyd and Ruby Wahl Moulds in Santa Barbara, CA. He graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1943, and served in the U.S. Navy in WWII aboard the Escort Carrier U.S.S. Sergeant Bay. He later graduated from the University of Washington, and served in the Civil Service for over 30 years in missile telemetry engineering and range safety at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

In his younger years, Tom was an avid outdoorsman, mountain climbing guide, fisherman, and hunter. He was a passionate and pioneering amateur “ham” radio operator (W6VRZ) throughout his life, earning his license as a teen in 1944. He achieved many radio ratings and certifications, and was an active and long-time member of A.R.R.L. and A.R.E.S. Additionally, Tom was a proud member of the EAA, as he was a skilled pilot and skydiver most of his life. He especially enjoyed experimental and aerobatic aircraft. Tom was also an active and long-time member of the Sierra Club, the Lompoc Elks, as well as the Minutemen.

Family and friends will always remember Tom for his incredible charm, rapier wit, constant humor, brilliant intellect, bright blue eyes, dashing smile, and his smooth radio voice.

Tom is survived by his children, Michelle (Steve) Yows and Michael (Carol) Moulds, his former spouse, Mary Mayes Bacho, four grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Wahl Moulds, Alyce Moulds Pierce, and Sue Moulds Cramer, and his 1st cousin, Janet Wahl Pauly.

A celebration of his life is planned for February 28, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. at the Lompoc Municipal Airport. His cremated remains will reside at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.