December 10, 2007

Man of mystery: Nikola Tomic

Sept. 28, 1927—Oct. 10, 2007

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

On Oct. 10, Nikola Tomic, 80, a longtime Campbell resident and business owner, passed away. He left a legacy of friendship and honor that was celebrated by his friends at a recent memorial.

Nikola Tomic at his jewelry store in Bobovo, Yugoslavia [now Serbia] where a sign bears his name sometime before 1957.

Tomic didn’t share his early life freely but with 40-year friendships, his story was shared with a close circle of friends.

“Nick was a man of mystery and it took many decades to get close to him and to find out detailed personal information,” said longtime friend Lynne Paulson who hosted the memorial at her Santa Teresa home with husband John on Nov. 11. “Nick was a man of strong moral principles who appreciated a philosophical discussion. And he took pride in self-sufficiency and independence.”

Tomic was the first male of his generation to the delight of his grandfather. He was born in Bobovo, Yugoslavia [now Serbia] and had a brother and sister who predeceased him. At one time he studied to become a doctor, but instead became a skilled European jeweler and watchmaker. Friends believe that he was discouraged in Yugoslavia during the turmoil of World War II. As a young man he lived in Paris, Chicago and San Francisco until settling in the San Jose area, the past 35 years in Campbell.

At one time, Tomic worked for A. Hirsh and Sons but then opened Nick’s Jewelry in Campbell. He occupied several locations but the last was at 253 E. Campbell Ave. next door to the Nice Twice Doll Shop.

Owner Bonnie Peterson became a friend and was there the day he died.

With Tomic’s precise mechanical skills, admiration for unique time piece operations and artistry he gained a loyal following. He created one watch that had the mechanical workings to closely replicate the sound of a human heartbeat. Another had the thickness of a dime. One of the few hobbies he afforded himself was a collection of anniversary clocks that were showcased at his store.

“I met Nick when he worked at A. Hirsh and Sons by the old Emporium on Stevens Creek,” said friend and Almaden resident Craig Stephan. “That was about 40 years ago. He set up a blind date for me with a woman and now Barbara has been my wife for 31 years. He was a very kind, well-traveled person, unassuming and not superficial at all. As they say still waters run deep.”

Personally, Tomic left a huge impression on the hearts and minds of his friends though he left a small “footprint” in his life. He did not own a car or a house. He chose to live non-materialistic, living simply and without accumulating possessions.

Craig Stephan [far left] shares memories with friends of Nikola Tomic at his memorial held Nov. 11. Photos courtesy of Lynne Paulson

“I felt certain that people took advantage of him because of his good nature,” said friend Clyde Ross who knew him for over a dozen years. “He was a colorful character and very knowledgeable.”

After he retired, Tomic would read books purchased at the Campbell Library sales. He would walk and bicycle in Campbell, Almaden and Santa Clara. Ross and friend Don Brook bought him the bike, which Tomic would not accept at first. He would visit John D. Morgan Park where he enjoyed the fresh air and watching the activities of parents with their children.

Tomic loved music and afforded himself an accordion playing periodically to the delight of his friends. And he enjoyed visits with them sharing letters and photos from his great nieces and nephews in Europe. Velizar Strandovic, a nephew from Switzerland, attended the memorial for Tomic.

“You have to give Nicky credit,” said Nice Twice Doll Shop owner Peterson who remembered Tomic would water the plants outside of their shops. “He was 80-years-old and had all his freedoms. He did not want to be dependent on anyone. He could go and do whatever he wanted. The bad news is he died. The good news is he did it his way.”

The coroner listed Tomic’s death caused by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [hardening of the arteries]. A funeral service is planned in Serbia where his ashes will be interred in Bobovo near his parents.