Thomas Anthony Bucher of Gardnerville, Nevada, died on the morning of November 3, 2025.
Tom was known to his family and friends as a devoted husband, a dynamic and faithful friend, a gourmet chef, a talented writer, a humorist and storyteller with a twinkle in his eye, a lover of hot rods and classic cars, as well as a dedicated dad to over 13 rescued basset hounds.
Born in Oakland, California, on June 1, 1943, the family moved to Oroville when Tom was 8 years old. He learned to ski at Heavenly Valley for 50¢ a run. Skiing was a passion he continued even while in the army, skiing in Sapporo while stationed in Japan. He graduated from the University of San Francisco in 1974 with a degree in Economics.
Tom had a varied career including in real estate in Lake Tahoe, where he was known for his generosity, from helping people out after being stuck on the road to having frozen pipes. He then moved into Human Resources, where his sense of humor and easy way with people made him a natural. Working in job placement, he helped many people facing obstacles find their way into employment and better lives.
Hot rods and classic cars were a passion, and he spent many hours renovating cars with his friend Skip. His two most beloved cars were a red ‘31 Model A sedan with the licence plate “OOGAH” and a ‘31 Ford Victoria ‘Vicky’ with the tag “WASJUNK”. An active member of the Good Guys of Pleasanton, he also loved participating in the Hot August Nights event each summer.
Tom will be deeply missed by Patti Bucher, his wife of 56 years, his bassets Daphne and Minnie, as well as both the family he was born into and the one he adopted along the way.
If you would like to honor Tom, please make a donation to the Northern Nevada Children’s Cancer Foundation, the Douglas Animal Welfare Group, or the Las Vegas Basset Rescue.