Thomas Jerald Holzbog
Thomas Jerald Holzbog
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Thomas Holzbog Obituary
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February 12, 2016
Tommie boy, we miss you, what a great chum over the years. Our hitch-hiking trips to NY, CA and Alaska and Turkey/Greek Islands in "adult life." Thanks for being a friend, from whom I learned a great deal,
buddy Dave Hafemeister
Nick Norman
January 7, 2012
Dear Arabella and Jessica,
I was searching for you on the internet and came upon your dad's obituary. I am so sorry for you both. Certainly, time has passed but I would like you to know that I am thinking of you.
Love, Nick
December 19, 2009
I just recently re-read the entries and came across the one from Terri Tippit that included a mention of Tom's work on writing a journal. We both talked about such a venture many times - each urging the other to write. I never heard a word of him actually doing it. Does anyone know of the existence of his journal and if so what is the status? Are there plans to publish? If it requires work to pull it together, I would be honored to participate. Or might it be possible for old friends to obtain a copy?
Please contact me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Richard beckman
Alex Krill
December 18, 2009
Dear Arabella and Jessica,
I just found out this morning about Tom and I'm deeply saddened. Just yesterday at the Parsons' Architect's annual Christmas luncheon in Pasadena I asked a few of the architects if they had heard from Tom and they hadn't so I decided to Google him and found his obituary.
He worked with us at Parsons in the late 90's on various projects and proposals. We all enjoyed working with him because he was such a talented architect and a wonderful human being! He shared many stories with us of his adventures and projects. He told me that he always looked forward to playing tennis with Richard Meier when he came to LA to inspect the progress of his Getty Museum.
He will be greatly missed both as an architect but as a friend and great person.
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Valerie Simpson
March 12, 2009
Dear Arabella,
I just happened to send an email to your dad last week and received a reply from Terri Tippit, who took the time to explain what happened. The shock is still working its way through my thoughts and feelings.
Your dad has been a key figure in my life as he helped steer me early on in my career as an architect, and though my life choices have taken me far from LA, we managed to stay in touch through the years. I always enjoyed his mischievous sense of humor and caring nature. He was one of the most good-natured people I have ever known.
I know how much he cared for you and your sister. I am happy to hear he was able to enjoy some quality time with your son, who I am sure has benefited greatly from his grandfather's influence. I know I have.
Silke Holzbog
January 28, 2009
I just found this, and i am just shocked.
Jessica and Arabella please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of your lovely father.
He was such a great guy.
Always in a good mood and always helpful.
When i first visited LA he did welcome me in his house so naturally.
I am so happy to met him a last time in 2006 after my son was born in Berlin, when he visited me shortly.
Though we just met three times, i felt this close bond only relatives have.
Dear cousins, i hope we could stay in contact and do not loose what our fathers built up in the 60ies.
Thanks a lot Tom, for everything!
ALAIN BRUTUS PESKINE
October 28, 2008
SINCE THE HARVARD DAYS BACK IN 68 ,I HAVE MET TOM MORE THAN TEN TIMES, MAINLY IN LOS ANGELES WHERE HE MADE ME DISCOVER THE SECRETS AND BEAUTIES OF THIS MEGALOPOLIS.
THANKS TO HIM I HAVE ONLY FINE MEMORIES OF A CITY THAT I WAS NOT READY TO LOVE.
I NOW REALIZE THAT WHAT I MOSTLY ENJOYED WAS THE PRESENCE OF THIS CULTIVATED MAN LOOKING LIKE A FABULOUS COWBOY FRESHLY OUT OF THE MARLBOROUGH COUNTRY.
FROM FRANCE I WOULD EXCHANGE IMPRESSIONS ABOUT ARCHITECTURE WITH TOM AND WAS ALWAYS READY TO COME BACK TO L.A FOR NEW DISCOVERIES.
I COULD COME WITH THE FAMILY OR TEN STUDENTS , TOM WAS ALWAYS THE MARVELLOUS GUIDE WHOM WE ALL ENJOYED THOROUGHLY.
AS RICHARD BECKMAN MENTIONNED, RE VISITING THE HARVARD URBAN DESIGN MODEL OF PONKAPONGVILLE AT WARNALL AVENUE WAS A TRULY GREAT EMOTION.
IT WAS A WONDERFUL REMEMBERANCE OF THE HAPPY HARVARD DAYS, WHEN ARABELLA & JESSICA WERE ONLY LITTLE GIRLS.
GOOD BY TOM.
A BIENTOT!
LOVE TO YOUR NUMEROUS FAMILY & FRIENDS.
Janet Purdy
October 24, 2008
What happened ??????...
But his father lived to be about 110 yrs old ! Tom's mother was my mother's room mate at the University, so I have known him for a LONG time...we used to dig tunnels and rooms under the magnificat snow drifts that formed at his house in Wauwatosa, Wis. and then we would heat peanut butter on a spoon over a candle flame...I last saw Tom in August. just before I left for Perth Australia, where I am now. It was dinner with the lovely Janet D. whom must be stunned by this tragic loss, along with his brother Charles...I will miss him greatly.
richard Beckman
October 18, 2008
Tom Holzbog
For the last several weeks I have had a vague feeling that I should give Tom a call. Yesterday I sent him e-mail. I was shocked and deeply saddened to receive the news that he had passed away on 9/24!
I met Tom in 1967, days after arriving in Boston and starting the Master’s program in Urban Design at the GSD. We became friends instantly and soon teamed up for studio projects and have been friends ever since. One project [which the last time I was in LA, was still hanging on his wall in his office] The Ponkapogville New Town for 250,000 People, forged life long friendships between all the team members, Renata Jentys, Alain Peskine, Tom and myself.
Over the years we kept in touch. About 20 years ago I moved to Las Vegas to teach at the new School of Architecture at UNLV. From that time on Tom and I got together on a regular basis and talked on the phone even more frequently. Always a gracious host I stayed with him many times when I brought students to LA. He joined us in Las Vegas for juries, even a birthday celebration and with Janet at the dedication of the Las Vegas Guggenheim.
We had many serious talks about Architecture, politics, literature, and our common up bringing and shared Levis. We shared good food and good company as he often took me with him to some of his many social engagements. We toured his work in Los Angeles and engaged in that critical dialogue that can only occur through mutual respect. He spoke with pride of his father and brother and of his two beautiful daughters. I am pleased that in the last few years we had the pleasure of meeting Janet and watching Tom’s happiness grow with each passing day of that relationship.
Tom was always the picture of health, robust, energetic, and up beat! On rare occasions, we played tennis. Tom, always a good sport, put up with me because I was such a good loser!
The last time we talked – around the 4th of July, there was no hint of any serious ailment, only those minor health complaints of those of us who reach that age. He was up-beat and happy. As always after a conversation with Tom – you felt good.
It was a shock and I will miss Tom as I am sure will all of you.
Hal Russell
October 11, 2008
He was my very best friend. Our friendship goes back 53 years beginning in Germany with the army. In all these years not one cross word was ever uttered. The Gods say friendships like these last forever...this one will last forever and a day. Gods speed, Tom
Love, Hal
Terri Tippit
October 11, 2008
Tom had many friends worldwide, from all walks of life, who will miss him. He was such a big, strong man who monitored his health closely we wonder how this could have happened.
In this busy world Tom managed to stay in touch with his friends , some going back to his childhood. His home was open to all. He was very generous and shared whatever he had.
He loved to have long, deep conversations with his friends. Many encouraged him to write down his thoughts. This past year he worked endless hours creating the "Journal/Chronicles" to leave as a legacy for his grandson Elijah.
The day before he left for Spain he worked on his journal saying he was "just about finished" and wrote a letter to the family of his first college roommate, who had recently passed away, sharing his fond memories of the man. Now it is our turn to do that for Tom, much too soon.
Tom had a very full, colorful life. I will miss many things about Tom but his passion for his work and his love for his family, friends and tennis will be how I remember him best.
Amelia Moffie
October 9, 2008
Tom was truly a Prince of a man. It's hard to even put into words how much he meant to me. He was full of life, spirit, joy and love. He was a surrogate father to my children in their times of need. He was a great, beautiful, one-of-a-kind friend who I will always, always miss.
Emily Yoffe
October 6, 2008
Tom was the most generous friend to our entire family. He was to me the epitome of glamor -- always so handsome, smart, accomplished. And always kind and down to earth. When my sister and I were visiting Los Angeles and she suffered an unexpected stroke at age 30, Tom let me stay in the guest room of his house for a month so that I could take care of her -- and never once complained about this imposition. He was such a source of solace and help during a terrible time. He was also a dear friend to both my parents. The world seems much diminished without him in it. I am comforted by the fact he was so personally fulfilled during these last years with Janet and with the love of his daughters and grandson. Rest in peace, dearest Tom.
Tom Brehm
October 4, 2008
A wonderful close friend through Hawthorne J.H.S. and Wauwatosa S.H.S. Tom was dynamic and seldom lacked plans or projects. Memories abound. I cherish a water color he gave me after one of our sketching trips. He is missed deeply.
Elizabeth Yoffe Zierah
October 2, 2008
Tom meant so much to me. I have so many memories of him starting from the time I was four years old! When I was going through a terrible health crisis he was there for me in a way that made a huge difference to me and my family. I will always remember his kindness, his unique personality and his vitality.
JUNE SELEY-KIMMEL
September 30, 2008
Tom Holzbog was one of the best friends I have ever had. I shall miss him always. After briefly dating; it is the rare man who truly becomes one of the most caring, giving, supportive confidantes life ever offers. My heart goes out to my dear friend, Arabella and everyone else whose life was enriched by this dear soul.
David Bradley
September 30, 2008
I remember swimming in the ocean with Tom. The waves were bigger than usual, 3—4 feet. As anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of shaking Tom’s hand knows, he was tall and very strong. Still, what impressed me that afternoon was how graceful he was in the water. Despite the surging surf, our conversation followed a familiar trajectory. Delightful, enlightening and unafraid.
Tom was warm and welcoming in the manner of a fire’s hearth. Though he went to Yale and Harvard, he never wore it on his sleeve. Rather, with a voice resonating like a lion’s, his kindness, humility, wisdom and sincerity filled the room.
The day Tom left, the world lost a great man. We all need more people like him. May G-d grant that each of us evolve in our own way. And remain inspired by the giants upon whose shoulders we now stand.
G-dspeed Tom.
The memory of your noble soul will never be forgotten.
David Hafemeister
September 28, 2008
Tom Holzbog was a breath of fresh air to me and certainly he impacted my future direction in life. I didn’t know him well until graduation 1952. We had been together on a canoe trip in 1949. At a 1952 graduation beer party, he told me of his 1951 hitchhiking trip to California and his summer job in the galley on the schooner, the Good Will. In 1952, throwing caution to the wind, we headed to Detroit, Niagara Falls, NY City, Philadelphia, Falling water-PA, etc. I soon found out that while living in the country, Tom had been reading books on wide topics, while I had been having a good time in the city. While hitchhiking together, I was inspired by his ability to address wide topics with our unknown drivers. Remarkably he employed a Q and A manner, rather than declarative sentences. I soon found out that you could often learn a great deal from strangers who would know they had little to fear from deep honesty with us who they would not meet again. This was followed by a hitchhiking trip to Alaska and CA the next summer, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Greece in 1995, and many other events. But most importantly, Tom was an extremely humane and caring person. And, of course, he had a wry sense of humor, which kept us laughing while we were sitting in the rain in out of the way places. I miss him greatly.
My best to you all, Dave Hafemeister
To see what Tom designed and built, click on http://tjholzbog.com/bio.html
Then click on projects
Marilyn Bix
September 28, 2008
ll who are grieving for him.
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