Thomas Livingston
Jul. 26, 1936-Jan. 24, 2017
Oakland
Thomas W. Livingston, 80, of Oakland passed away Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2017. He was born July 26, 1936 in Oak Park, IL to David and Euphemia Livingston. Tom was the first Peace Corps volunteer to receive an experimental, overseas assignment, teaching English in Ghana from 1961-1963. Upon return, he obtained his PhD in African History at Columbia University and served as a professor at the University of California Berkeley from 1968 to 1975. Tom's professional career then turned to his passion for antiques and the decorative arts and until his death was well known and respected as proprietor/owner of Thomas Livingston Antiques in San Francisco. He was a kind gentleman and scholar of art and history who enjoyed sharing his knowledge with visitors to his antique shop. Tom, a skilled pianist, and his partner, Karel Wessel, enjoyed entertaining friends in their Oakland apartment which displayed their collection of art and antiques. His passion for the decorative arts is evidenced by his roles as founder, and ardent supporter, of the American Decorative Arts Forum.
Tom is survived by his life partner, Karel F. Wessel of Oakland; his nephews, David (Nancy) Livingston III of Glen Ellyn, IL and Robert (Beth) Livingston of Columbia, MO; great-niece Jenna; great-nephews; Connor, Barry, Seth and Neil; and many dear loyal friends.
A Memorial will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at the Chapel of Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA, with a reception to follow.
Donations can be made at Berkeley Society of Friends, 2151 Vine Street, Berkeley, CA 94709 or at http://www.berkeleyfriendsmeeting.org/donate/
Additional information available at www.ChapeloftheChimes.com
View the online memorial for Thomas Livingston
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I met Tom at UC Berkeley in his comparative education class. He was a fine professor and mentor. He also served as a member of my doctoral qualifying exams. Even though I was a student, he treated me as a colleague. Since I was a violinist, we enjoyed classical music together.
Reynaldo Baca
Student
September 8, 2020
Tom, you were a good friend always with a well reasoned and thoughtful position during our many discussions as students in the University of Chicago Great Books program at Shimer College. The world needs more like you!
Donovan Leyden
March 13, 2020
BETHEL HUSHIE-OSABUTEY
May 20, 2019
Tom, we are going to miss you very much! I can not tell you how lucky we were, to have you and Karrel as our neighbors. We just loved our evenings together, enjoying cocktails and delicious meals cooked by Tom.
I learned so many things about hosting parties from you; you were a brilliant host! Always, beautiful flowers at the door and foyer, and amazing guests. You had a knack for inviting such fun friends over.
We also loved hearing you play piano in the mornings. You would be so proud of our son Aidan, who is now studying Classical piano as well. I just wish Aidan could have sat beside you at the keyboard.
We will forever remember you and Karrel, when we enjoy our antiques from your beautiful store.
Forever in our hearts,
Jim, Jen and Aidan MacDaniel
Jennifer MacDaniel
May 24, 2017
Richard / Cliff Dee / pOrazynski
February 16, 2017
Tom Livingston will always have a special place in my heart and that of my late husband, Jim Kornwolf. The two men met at the University of Chicago as graduate students and spent six months travelling in western Europe, mainly by biking, between semesters. Both determined their careers soon afterward - Jim as an architectural historian, Tom as a historian. We stayed friends throughout the years, with Tom visiting us in London and Virginia. The meetings were memorable. Tom is the consummate gentleman and is endlessly fascinating in conversation. His breadth and depth of knowledge led to lively discussions. Dear Karrel took part in several, being the third musketeer! May you rest in peace, dear Tom, since your entire life was predicated on love, peace, and understanding. May God Bless You. Your, memory lives on. Georgiana Sala Kornwolf
Georgiana Kornwolf
February 9, 2017
Ah! Tom you were the most gentlemanly of men and Lindsay and I in New Zealand say our fondest good-bye to you you darling man. Always so kind and considerate to your dear Karrel and every-one I know that knew you. You will be looking for that "great antique" in heaven we know. Aroha and poroporaki Tom. love to Karrel and many, many condolences to him. Love Lindsay and Andy, Auckland, New Zealand
Andy Hawkins
February 8, 2017
The Sala Family has known Tom for over 50 years, and he has a special place in our hearts. Tom and I were especially good friends and spent time together in New York, London, Paris, and California. He was such a gentleman and influenced my life significantly in areas of art, music, and general joie de vivre! Sincere condolences to Karel. RIP, Tom Livingston!
February 6, 2017
My husband, David, and I served with Tom in Ghana. We were in the second group serving 1962-4. Did not know him well, but did meet him several times during the year our terms overlapped. Sorry to hear of his passing, but delighted that as with many of
those early Peace Corps volunteers his life was filled with
service and positive and continued effort to give to society.
David and Judith (Kaekel) Lambert
Judith Lambert
February 3, 2017
Hearing about your loss has deeply sadden me. Although no words can take the pain away, I hope the words recorded at Jeremiah 29:1,12 brings comforts your heart.
January 31, 2017
Jane Alexiadis
January 29, 2017
Tom was a dear musical friend whose expressive piano playing was a joy to hear at our monthly Piano Club meetings. He was also a kind and generous man, wonderful to talk to, a good listener and thoughtful observer of the world. We exchanged reminiscences of Peace Corps service and agreed that the experience of living in another country, working with the people, expanded our vision and gave us a global perspective that enriched our lives immeasurably. Tom was handsome, modest, with exquisite taste; it was a great pleasure to be in his home. Our deep sympathy to Karel and to Tom's family and friends. I will miss him; we all will.
Abby Wasserman
January 28, 2017
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