Thomas (Tom) Cambridge

 

Thomas (Tom) Cambridge
Thomas (Tom) Cambridge

Thomas (Tom) Cambridge, 87, of Amarillo, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023.

His memorial service will be held  11 AM, Saturday, April 1, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church, Amarillo.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, Amarillo.

Tom was born on May 16, 1935, in Atlantic, Iowa to parents Louise Grace and Boyd Murray Cambridge.   He was the middle child of three boys, flanked by Edward, his older brother, and Daniel, his younger brother.   Louise raised Tom to understand at an early age the importance of faith, love, and reverence for God, and to honor His glory through service to others.

Tom met his future wife, Norma Jane Taggart at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa.  They would marry on March 1, 1957, and then move to Lincoln, Nebraska where Tom completed his master’s degree in Geology, while also serving his duty in the US Army.  Upon graduation, he was hired by Texaco to become an oil field geologist.   He and Norma packed up their 1959 Chevrolet Impala, a 1-year-old son Tommy, and moved sight unseen to Amarillo, Texas.  Tom worked for Texaco for 5 years, then Texas Pacific Oil for 2 years, before joining forces with A.L. Nail to form Cambridge & Nail Petroleum Exploration.  As a consulting geologist, Tom developed a reputation first in the Texas Panhandle, and then nationally, as a respected scientist and keen interpreter of oil and gas field statistics.  Tom eventually went solo forming Cambridge Production Inc. and maintained an esteemed career in the oil business for over 50 years.  His success earned him the honor of Panhandle Producers and Royalty Owners Association’s “Living Legend” award in 2012.

Tom always placed God first, and his family a close second, but after that, he gave generously of his time to serve his community, his church, and the less fortunate.  He served on the Boards of Northwest Texas Hospital, the Amarillo Chapter of The American Cancer Society, The Campfire Girls, and the organization closest to his heart – Opportunity School, an institution that he and Norma helped to found in 1969.  He was a long-standing member of First Presbyterian Church, and served as Deacon, Elder, and Benefactor.   In 2014, the Amarillo Globe News named him their “Man of the Year”.

When he wasn’t looking for oil and gas, Tom enjoyed fly fishing in Montana, the occasional golf game, dove and quail hunting in the Texas Panhandle, and traveling with his family.  And he loved a good steak.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Norma, younger brother Daniel, and first-born son, Jeffrey.  He is survived by his son Tommy, of Cochecton, NY, his daughter Nancy Walker, and her husband David Walker, of Amarillo, his daughter Jane Clemence, and her husband Cary Clemence of Amarillo, grandson Ross Walker of Houston, and granddaughter Libby Clemence of Boulder, Colorado.

The family extends a special note of gratitude to the caregivers at Goodcare Health Services, and specifically, Mr. Brian Raef, who steadfastly looked after Tom’s day to day care during his final year.  They are also very grateful to Mary Carasco and her team of caregivers, as well as the nurses and staff at BSA Hospice.  They request any donations in Tom’s name be made to Opportunity School, 1100 S. Harrison, Amarillo, TX, 79101.

21 Replies to “Thomas (Tom) Cambridge”

  1. I have just stumbled upon Toms obit. I am so deeply saddened. We were dear friends from kindergarten thru high school. I became friends with Norma. Met you children, all but Tommy. Our circle of childhood friends is growing smaller: Claire, Carol, Tom, Sharry, and Marcia. Love to be in touch. I hold all of my friends so dear. Born in Atlantic too. My deepest sympathy and sorrow. Sharry Camblin Israel.

  2. With our sympathy, friendship and great respect for this most wonderful man. May God comfort each of you out of His great love
    and mercies.

  3. John & Sherry Frantz

    One of our Panhandle Giants has gone home. He has forever left the Panhandle of Texas a better place than when he arrived Tom has made countless millionaires out of families he leased acreage from to drill for oil and gas. He was bigger than life and he was very generous with the success God granted him. Tom loved to give and God blessed him for that. My family will always be grateful for his kind words, deeds and generosity. It was an honor to be associated with Tom and his wonderful family. Tom was a true gentleman’s gentleman .
    We loved him and will miss him.
    John & Sherry Frantz

  4. I only knew Mr. Cambridge through his son, Tommy, and as the old saying goes “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

    May the memory of Mr. Cambridge’s kindness bring comfort to his beautiful family and friends during this time.

    Rest peacefully.

  5. I’ll always think of Tom and remember him as optimistic and very generous.
    He greeted people warmly and gave them his attention and kind guidance. He was also willing to help them out in practical ways.
    He earned people’s trust.
    Tom was very fortunate to have such loving children. Jane, Nancy, and Tommy were all a big help to him.
    Surely those who knew and worked with Tom will remember him fondly.

  6. Tom passed on what would have been my dad’s 93rd birthday, and I couldn’t help but to recall one evening twenty-three years ago, Tom, Warren Fatheree and my dad decided that they were going to have a field trip to the family ranch at Kellerville, Texas. I volunteered to go along and cook them dinner and to make sure nobody fell over and couldn’t get up. By 7:30 they were all in their pajamas and they started exchanging stories and I thought my dad was going to bring blood from slapping his knee so hard while laughing. Well, they reminisced until 10:00, and wrapped it up when Warren and Gene fell asleep while sitting up. In reading what others have posted, it’s clear that Tom wasn’t only loved by those that shared his profession and passion for it, but by people in all walks of life and community. What a proud legacy to leave his family. Tommy, Nancy, David, Ross, Jane, Cary and Libby, my condolences for your loss. May the memories keep your heart warm until you see Tom again.

  7. One of our Panhandle giants has gone home. He has forever left the panhandle a better place than when he arrived.
    Tom made millionaire’s out of a lot of people he leased acreage from to drill on. He was bigger than life and he was very generous with his success. Tom loved to give and God blessed him for that.
    My family will never forget his kind words, deeds and generosity. It was an honor to be associated with him and his wonderful family. A true Gentleman.
    John & Sherry Frantz

  8. Tom the world will be a lesser place without you. But you are called to a better place and have run the good race. We will all miss you. Dale and Linda Williams.

  9. My condolences to all the family. Tom was a great influence in my career. Always generous with his time, mentoring and truly caring about people.

  10. I have the privilege of working with his son-in-law, David Walker. Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I hope you spend this time celebrating the life he lived.

  11. Tom was a friend and client for many years. He was a straight shooter and honest in everything he did..

  12. We so enjoyed our Reformation Tour in Europe with Tom and others. He was a wonderful and caring person who loved the Lord.

  13. Tom was a good friend and supported me through the loss of my entire family.
    He was a rare soul who took wonderful care of his family, friends, church and city.
    God speed Tom.🙏💙🙏

  14. What a rich, varied life you led, Tom! We know your kind generosity and spirit are missed and loved by many.

  15. Tom was my friend for 50 years. We sat wells together when we were young. We drilled wells together. He was perhaps the best Geologist I ever knew. Tom served on our board of directors for roughly 5 years. I knew him to be a man of flawless character. He inspired all who knew him to be better men. He’ll be missed

  16. Mentor and friend. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. Tom, you will be missed but not forgotten. With love and respect, Raymond.

  17. God Bless Tom. Our prayers and condolences to all his family and friends, and, thanks for the privilege of being his friend!

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