Thomas Kevin Hart

1952 - 2013

Thomas Kevin Hart
May 26, 1952-May 11, 2013
Resident of San Francisco
Thomas Kevin Hart, born 26 May, 1952 in San Francisco to loving parents Tom and Gloria, passed away 11 May, 2013 at age of 60 of pneumonia and complications incident to liver impairment and cancer. He grew up in San Lorenzo. A musician (clarinet, saxophone and keyboards) he received both his Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees as well as his Masters of School Administration from California State University, Hayward. He held single subject and multiple subject professional clear teaching credentials in addition to a professional clear administrative services credential. He devoted most of his career life to public education, in various districts in Northern California. During the entire course of his career he had an impeccable, even award winning reputation, dedicated to serving his students, staffs, and parents alike.
A gentle giant, Kevin was always a champion of peace and reason. He agreed with Rodney King and subscribed to the mantra, "Can't we all just get along?" He was of the mind of a prophet who said, "The time shall come when every nation, kindred, tongue, and people will see eye to eye," and longed for the day when that prophecy would come true.
Kevin was the life of the party. Gatherings were always made better when he was in attendance. His clever wit, sense of humor, fun-loving nature, and passion for lively discussions made him a favored guest at any get-together.
Kevin was devoted to his parents as they were to him. Their passion to provide for their son a carefree, childhood was born out in some of his fondest memories i.e. fishing trips with Dad, family vacations and frequent family gatherings. He was a rough and tumble boy, in constant motion, exploring the world around him. Later, as an adult, he cherished his trips to the Bohemian Grove with his dad, playing jazz and generally having a great time. He had a special bond with his mother, Gloria, especially over the last two years of his life. They spent many quality hours rekindling their already strong relationship and sharing their passion for movie watching.
Kevin loved his sister, Pam (Fobert). Theirs was a relationship of mutual admiration, caring, and love. Throughout his life he never failed to mention how much he appreciated her support, take charge attitude, belief in and devotion to him. He also had great respect and love for Pam's husband, Norm, whose wisdom and insight was always welcomed.
Kevin was immensely proud of his four nephews, their wives, and eleven great-nieces and nephews. Their leadership capabilities, creative talents, academic achievements, wit and sense of humor were all characteristics that delighted him, and he loved watching them in action whenever he was at a family event.
Kevin was rich in friendships but he had one best friend who was, as Cicero describes, ". . . . a second self." Their friendship transcended mere companionship. It was a brotherhood. The fun times they had as children and on into adulthood were second to none. Kevin cherished his friend and his friend's wife and sons. The relationship epitomized the saying, "Friends make the bad times good and the good times unforgettable."
In so many ways, becoming a parent is a life altering event, and it was so for Kevin. He loved his three adopted children, Carson, Allison, and Joshua more than life itself and never wanted anything but the best and brightest future for them. It was his dream to provide them with a loving, stable home surrounded by the large extended family he had on both sides. He envisioned great family gatherings where his children could cultivate meaningful, healthy relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Not having this come to fruition was one of his greatest sorrows.
He would like to thank the numerous devoted members of his own family, the equally ardent majority of his in-laws, his colleagues and friends, all of whom never faltered in their encouragement, love, and belief in him throughout the final years of his life. Words cannot express Kevin's gratitude for their dedication and unwavering support.
Near the end of his life, Kevin found great comfort in the Serenity Prayer. He was working hard to accept the things he couldn't change, mustering up the courage, day by day, to change what he could and had already arrived at knowing the difference.
"And should we die before our journey's through, Happy day, all is well.
We then are free from toil and sorrow too, with the just we shall dwell." Wm. Clayton
Until we meet again, our beloved Kevin; until we meet again.
Private Services. Donations in lieu of flowers to: The San Francisco Musical Fund Society, 116 Ninth St., San Francisco, CA 94103