Brian Suen
Carolyn, Elizabeth, Michael, family members, friends and associates of Leonard Tom.
I am Brian Suen, Leonard’s cousin on the Dong family side.
Leonard’s mother, my Aunt Sue, was the older sister to my mother, Betty.
At one time in the early 1950’s our families lived together at the apartment on Taylor Street. My parents, younger brother Clifford and I lived on the first floor while Uncle Bob, Aunt Sue and Leonard were on the third floor. Their apartment might be viewed as small by today’s standards but it was the site of many happy family gatherings when all us cousins, aunts and uncles got together. Leonard and I use to play out in front of the apartment on what seemed to be a very wide sidewalk and in the open field at the top of Broadway, now a paved street with parking.
Later when my family moved to Menlo Park these family parties continued and Leonard joined my brothers and sister playing in our backyard. Leonard and I also shared the same elementary school, Jean Parker, on Broadway. He later went on to Lowell High and then Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and then to UC Berkeley for a master’s degree. This led to a long career in urban planning and Leonard eventually retired as a city planner for San Francisco. So valuable was his knowledge and contributions that even after retirement San Francisco called him back for several years on a part-time basis to help out on many projects.
To say that Leonard was mild mannered and even tempered would be an understatement. Through all the years that I knew him – early childhood, as a young adult and later as a family man, I cannot recall ever witnessing him raise his voice in anger or profess any aggressive actions.
Leonard had many passions and interests but two standout in my memory. His unselfish commitment to Habitat for Humanity for which he devoted time, energy, labor and fortune. His contributions to that organization will be a lasting legacy to his devotion to community.
Second was his interest in photography. At a time when most of us could hardly handle a Kodak Brownie, Leonard had mastered the complexity of a Nikon Nikkormat 35mm SLR way before the advent of auto exposure and auto focusing.
Along with Carolyn, Leonard shepherded two accomplished children, Elizabeth and Michael, both college graduates and now professionals in their own right. He was very proud of them and often mentioned to me his admiration that they both found their solid footing in the world.
A warm memory for me is the numerous Thanksgiving dinners that Carolyn and Leonard hosted, often with the help of Michael, at their home in Piedmont. Wonderful company combined with the best holiday cuisine was enjoyed by all their guests. I will certainly miss taking home the leftovers.
It is said that the good die young. This was certainly the case for Leonard. We will all miss you terribly. Rest well my cousin. You lived an honorable and accomplished life.
