Thomas Roger “Tommy” Fahland, lovingly known to many as “DT,” passed away at home surrounded by family on September 14, 2025, in Lake Forest, California, at the age of 56.

Born on November 14, 1968, in Dallas, Texas, Tom was the beloved son of Marlene Johnson and Fred Roger Fahland. He was born very premature, but he more than made up for it throughout his life. He grew up alongside his siblings, Dawn Fahland Young and John D. Fahland, forming a close-knit family rooted in both love and humor.

Tom was a dedicated scholar who pursued his passion for science with unwavering determination. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from UC Riverside, where he distinguished himself as the only undergraduate student to work at Fermilab on the Supercollider project. He completed his PhD in Particle Physics at Brown University. His career reflected his brilliance and curiosity: he worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Genomatica, and as a Staff Scientist in Bioinformatics at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he contributed to the development of the COVID test kit. His colleagues and peers remember him for his intellect, innovative research, and collaborative spirit.

Known by friends as both “Tommy” and “DT,” Tom was a man of adventure and originality. A true daredevil and adrenaline junkie, his greatest passion was mountain biking, which brought him both exhilaration and peace. Alongside it, he enjoyed surfing, snowboarding, smashball, and playing backgammon competitively. He also loved reggae music and, at parties, he would often bust out his hidden breakdancing moves. Whether outdoors chasing thrills or at home playing games, he lived life with passion and competitiveness. Those who knew him admired his ability to see only the good in people. His uplifting energy inspired others to focus on the positive. He was, in every sense, one of a kind.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Lee, and his stepchildren, Elissa Lee and Caleb Lee. He is also survived by his siblings, Dawn Fahland Young and John D. Fahland, his nieces and nephews Jack Nathan Young, Katy Young, Shanan Young, and Tristan B. Fahland, his Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Libby, as well as his beloved dog, Plano the Great Pomeranian.

Tom was more than a husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was the glue that brought everyone together, a source of encouragement and humor, and someone whose words still echo in memory. On the trails, after hitting a big jump on his mountain bike, he’d yell “BUTTER BABY!” with pure joy. He also brought laughter with his spirited exclamations like “Come on!” and simply, “Epic.” His legacy is one of happiness, daring spirit, and unwavering love.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a memorial page supporting the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF). A Celebration of Life will also be held in November. Details will be provided soon.

Thomas “Tommy” Fahland, “DT” to many, will be deeply missed, but his adventurous spirit and uplifting outlook will live on in the lives of those he touched. Your love lives within us, always and forever.

To donate by check, please note “In Memory of Thomas Fahland” in the memo line and send to the address below:

Melanoma Research Foundation

P.O. Box 719329

PHILADELPHIA, PA 19171-9329