Tom Kernkamp

1987. Courtesy of Russ King

Thomas Laird Kernkamp
27 Jun 1949 - 2 Mar 1991

Clubs & Associations

Obituary

Thomas Laird Kernkamp
June 27, 1949 - March 2, 1991
Tom wanted nothing to do with an obituary that said he had never complained. He was a loving, honest, stubborn and family-conscious man, able to appreciate a broad range of artistic expression.

Though he had lived with HIV for nine years, including a difficult final seven months, in the end his death came surprisingly quick.

Tom was a man of culture, a talented graphic artist, and award-winning designer. He graduated from Berkeley in 1971 with a B.A. in architecture. He pursued further professional studies at California College of Arts and Crafts, in 1984-'85. Tom's first profession was architecture. His career grew to include graphic design, art direction and sculptural furniture. Tom's projects ranged from utilitarian to the purely decorative, and he was popular with clients and co-workers.

Tom's early years were that of an Army brat. He graduated from Tustin High School in Orange County, and came to the Bay Area in 1967. With the exception of three years working in Atlanta, he called San Francisco home from then on. He enjoyed settings as diverse as the opera and Land's End. One could usually find Tom surrounded by serious music and several good books. He also participated with Western Star Dancers and the Early Retirees Group.

Survivors include his father, Melvin; sisters, Carolyn and Laura; brother, John; and their families; housemates Stefan and Gary; and friends, Allen, Bill, Gary and Harlan, among others. Tom was remembered at a memorial gathering on march 7. His ashes will be scattered later, according to his wishes. The family requests that donations be made to Project Open Hand, or the AIDS charity of your choice.^[1]