Remembering Beloved Livermore Resident Thomas Taylor Dyer

LIVERMORE, CA — Thomas Taylor Dyer, beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, godfather, grandson, nephew, cousin, godson, and friend, passed away surrounded by family at home the morning of Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at the age of thirty-one.

Tommy is survived by his parents, Bryan and Mary Dyer, his sister Erin Lockhart (Dyer)
and brother-in-law, Andrew Lockhart, three nieces: Avery, Imogene and Esme Lockhart, and his
sister Lindsay Samples (Dyer) and her husband Garison Samples, his grandmother, Rafaela
Martinez, his great-aunt and uncle Connie and Mike Quezada, two aunts, three uncles, twelve
cousins and their children, and countless friends.

Born in Walnut Creek on May 8, 1987, he was a long-term resident of Livermore, attending Joe Michell Elementary School, Mendenhall Middle School and Granada High School. At GHS, he was a student athlete in football, wrestling and track and field. He was voted “Most Improved Wrestler” in Junior Varsity Wrestling, and “Most Inspirational Player” on the Varsity Football team in his Junior and Senior years. He was also awarded the “Courage Award” by the Contra Costa Times in his Senior year. Tommy graduated from GHS in 2006.

Tommy was diagnosed with brain tumors in November 2005, at the age of eighteen. Since his diagnosis, he underwent three brain surgeries, back surgery, multiple cyberknife treatments, numerous rounds of radiation, and spent weeks in the hospital for chemotherapy treatments. Due to the radiation to shrink the tumors, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in December 2017.

Tommy refused to allow his medical conditions to limit his dreams. Despite having learning disabilities, chronic pain and loss of hearing due to his tumors, he persevered. One dream was to earn his AA degree from Las Positas College. Tommy graduated from LPC with an Associate Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2017. While at Las Positas, he achieved another life-long goal of being an online sports broadcaster host during radio class.

Tommy was a Volunteer Coach at GHS in Wrestling and Football for over ten years. As a Volunteer Coach, Tommy shared his story of determination, positive attitude on life and love of sports. He touched many lives with his appreciation of athletics and life. A highlight for Tommy was being greeted with, “Hi, Coach!” while out and about in downtown Livermore. Tommy was known for his love of sports: Lakers, Giants, Sharks and Raiders, love of Granada High School, The Simpsons, Adam Sandler, and Rocky movies. Tommy could tell you the date of any sports event, even if it happened over fifty years ago. The joke was Tommy remembered the date of important family events by relating a sports event that occurred the same date. If it was sports, Tommy would remember!

Starting in the sixth grade, Tommy chronicled his entire life in journals. He worked as a courtesy clerk at Lucky’s, where he exhibited stellar customer service, due to his love of interacting with people. Tommy had a witty sense of humor, put others before himself, was considerate, resilient, enthusiastic, and warm-hearted. Tommy was a dedicated fan of his nieces; he attended all of their sporting events and dance recitals. He participated in local 5K run/walks, two Bay to Breakers, Mud Runs, and raised money for cancer awareness.

He was an active volunteer in L.A.R.P.D. and P.E.T. Tommy was happiest when he was surrounded by dogs, family, friends and good food. He was a proud American, who was honored to have the right to vote. His mindset in life was to try as hard as he could to the best of his ability. Although Tommy’s life ended far too soon, his legacy will continue on with those who knew him.

The Dyer and Lockhart families would like to thank Hope Hospice and Kaiser Permanentes in Livermore, South San Francisco, Walnut Creek and Redwood City for their kindness and compassion while Tommy was in their care. They also would like to express gratitude for all of the love and support shown by the Livermore Community.

Tommy’s Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 30th at 11:00am at St. Charles Church, 1315 Lomitas Avenue, Livermore. Following the Mass, his Celebration of Life will be at Granada High School’s Gymnasium, 400 Wall Street, Livermore. To honor Tommy, the family is asking for people to wear their favorite sports team gear to the Mass and Celebration of Life. At his Celebration of Life, there will be an opportunity for those who wish to share a story about Tommy.

Callaghan Mortuary is honored to be serving the Dyer and Lockhart families. An online guestbook is available for condolences at www.callaghanmortuary.com

Obituary courtesy Lockhart Family