Thomas K. Underbrink: civil engineer for Devil's Gate, Hahamongna

On the morning of Sunday, January 16, Thomas K. Underbrink, Sr. Civil Engineer for the City of Pasadena, succumbed to extended complications from a Parkinson's type neurological disease at his home in Altadena, CA. He was 72.

Tom was a prolific poet and loving husband, father, and grandfather. As a civil engineer he participated in some of the largest engineering projects within US, including Glenn Canyon Dam, FAA Radar Development, Hahamaonga Natural Reserve (next to JPL), and "earthquake" retrofit project of the world famous Rose Bowl stadium.

Tom is survived by his wife Dorothy of 49 years; 3 children: Hans, Christopher, and Suzanne; and 8 grandchildren.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Altadena on Sat., Jan 22.

Tim Brick of the Arroyo Seco Foundation also sends this appreciation:

When Pasadena's Strategic Plan identified Hahamongna as one of the most promising and important projects for the future of our region back in 1985, Tom Underbrink, a Pasadena Water & Power engineer, initiated and coordinated the Devil's Gate Advisory Committee and the Devil's Gate Multi-Use Project (DGMUP).  He directed key technical studies that lead to the rehabilitation of the dam in the mid-90s and a master plan for the future.  He also staffed the Devil's Gate Joint Powers Planning Authority in 1991-93 and remained active in the program until he retired from PWP about 1997.   Tom always had a broad vision for Hahamongna that encompassed nature, water resources, flood protection and recreation.

Tom was also the visionary behind the Raymond Basin Conjunctive Use Program, a wise plan to replenish and better manage our local groundwater resources that sadly has never been implemented and served on the board of Foothill Municipal Water District for many years.

Tom will always be remembered for his professionalism, cheerful spirit and dynamic vision.