Lasting Memories
Thomas Kilburn Hickey
Sept. 4, 1936-March 27, 2015
Oakland, California
Thomas Kilburn Hickey, an artist his entire life, died in Oakland, California, on Friday, March 27, 2015. Born in Palo Alto, California, he was the son of Daniel Kilburn Hickey and Novia Rogers Hickey, both artists. He was the brother of Daniel Paul Hickey (1932-2008). He graduated from Palo Alto High School, 1954. He was a resident of Palo Alto much of his life.
He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at the San Francisco Presidio. Tom married Jerrilyn Oyarzo (Jerry) in San Francisco on Dec. 15, 1960. They met as students at California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. He graduated from CCAC, Bachelor of Fine Arts, in 1966.
He worked for the Southern Pacific Co. R.R., City of San Jose, Ford Aerospace (now known as Space Systems Loral) and U.S. Postal Service. His work was shown at the Quay Gallery in San Francisco and the Atherton Gallery in Atherton.
He is survived by his wife Jerry, daughters Anna Gomez and Marsha, and granddaughter Alina Gomez, also Jesus Gomez, Cathie Hickey, Daniel George Hickey, Beth Bernstein, Noah Moore, Lys Wren and William Hickey. He will be missed by Barbara Oyarzo and Amelia Oyarzo Childe.
Most missed is his wonderful sense of humor. He loved to go to the YMCA and chat with his friends. There will be no service. Have a piece of chocolate cake and a cup of coffee, his favorite things, and think of him. "It's a beautiful day and thank you for it" as Tom would say.
April 21, 2015
I met Tom at the San Francisco Art Institute in 1963. I was immediately struck by his fabulous talent! Little did I realize that that was the beginning of a wonderful friendship! We had a thousand laughs together, sharing, as always, with his marvelous wife, Jerry. I will always miss him!! Goodby, my dear friend.
April 20, 2015
Tom was a wonderful person with a dry sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to be with him. He took his art and his family seriously but he could always see something funny in life's various situations. On one of our last get-togethers a few years ago, Bill and I met Tom and Jeri at the San Jose Art Museum and when we were walking down the street, Tom was always conscious of walking on the streetside beside me in the traditional gentlemanly way. Only ever all good memories of our friend. We will miss you, Tom!