H. “Tom” Keyani
H. “Tom” Keyani died on September 19, 2015. His greatest joy was his family. He was a lifelong learner, a devoted husband, businessman, photographer, cook, and woodworker. The role he loved beyond measure was “Dad.”
Born in Yazd, Iran, Tom came to the US to study electrical engineering at UC Berkeley. He was a photographer for Cal’s Blue and Gold yearbook and, in 1969, he served as the head photographer. He documented many dramatic moments of the Berkeley protests of the 1960s.
Tom went on to pursue a doctorate in electrical engineering at UC Santa Barbara. It was at UCSB that he met Barbara. For the next four years, they built the foundation that lead to a 41-year marriage. Without a doubt, the births of Jenny, then Maria, were among the happiest days of his life. From a very young age, on Saturday mornings the girls watched cooking shows with Tom (and he would watch Sesame Street with them) and they were his kitchen helpers, learning how to prepare American and Persian dishes. As a family, memories were made during road trips, and the most frequent travel destination was Carmel’s breathtaking Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Both girls shared Tom’s love of math and science. He was exceptionally proud of seeing Maria receive a master’s degree in civil engineering and Jenny receive a doctorate in chemistry, both from his beloved UC Berkeley.
Tom was delighted to welcome into the family son-in-law Dom Galic, also a Cal graduate. In 2014, when grandson Miles was born to Dom and Maria, Tom was thrilled to meet his “little man,” the next generation of our family.
He is survived by wife Barbara Keyani, daughter Dr. Jennifer Keyani, daughter Maria Keyani, son-in-law Dr. Dom Galic, grandson Miles Keyani-Galic; sisters Laal and Farangiss; “sisters” Fran, Dolly, and Parvin and many other nieces and nephews. As Tom’s health began to fail, he was especially grateful for the support provided by in-laws Richard and Dawn Ibarra. In accordance with Tom’s wishes, a private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Point Lobos Foundation Trail Fund (pointlobos.org), Box 221789, Carmel, CA 93922.