Born in Marin County, Liscum moved to Santa Rosa in time to attend Montgomery High School, and he’s called the city home ever since. But it’s his year in the military after graduation that seems to have most greatly shaped the person he’s become: “Out of high school, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and spent 1969 and 1970 in Vietnam in an infantry unit,” he says. ”When I returned to Santa Rosa, I joined the Reserve unit in San Rafael, and later at Treasure Island, and stayed in the Reserves until the mid-1980s.
“I used my GI bill benefits to earn an AS degree from SRJC in Administration of Justice.”
What got you interested in real estate?
As a member of Active 20-30 #50 in Santa Rosa, I was approached by Dave Del Monte, who thought I had a great personality for the real estate business. He got me interested in getting my license and I went to work for him in 1978 at Del Monte Hurd Real Estate.
What did you do professionally before becoming a realtor?
I was a manager at the Copper Penny restaurant that was on Mendocino Avenue and also worked as a consultant on a new restaurant, bar and ice cream parlor in Guerneville in 1977.
What do you love to do outside of work?
I’ve been golfing with the same guys a few times a week for 25 years. Always great fun!
When was the last time you laughed out loud?
Pretty much every time our group plays golf, there’s a lot of laughter.
If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you go?
I don’t think so. I’m not thrilled about cramped spaces.
Share a fun childhood memory.
I remember going to a Giants game in the 1960s and getting an autographed baseball from Willie Mays. No, I don’t have that ball today, but he’s still my all-time favorite baseball player.
What possession or item in your office has special significance to you?
My son, Tony, painted a rock in elementary school and gave it to me on Father’s Day around 25 years ago. He’s 31 years old now but I still have that rock.
What was the most difficult job you’ve ever had?
Serving in the infantry in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. I got all the camping out of my system for life in just one year, especially during monsoon season.
Share a favorite birthday memory.
A few years ago, my wife, Jane, threw me a surprise birthday party complete with an airplane fly over with a banner, ribs and brisket flown in from St. Louis and a bunch of friends, including one who came all the way from El Salvador for the party.
What books have you read recently?
The Good Soldiers is about an army unit’s account of the United States’ surge during the Iraq War, and I’m currently reading Thank You for Your Service, which is about the same unit and the struggles its members faced after they came home. Both books are written by David Finkel.
Share a proud community achievement.
I believe all of us should give back to our community. One of the organizations I volunteer with is a nonprofit that works on the homeless problem, and that includes trying to find housing for our veterans.
In 2003, I spoke at the Rotary/Kiwanis veterans appreciation luncheon and mentioned there wasn’t a Veterans Monument in Santa Rosa. Bob Blanchard approached me on the idea and we formed a committee, raised a lot of money and convinced local contractors and suppliers to donate materials and labor. In July 2008, it was dedicated on the City Hall property at the corner of Sonoma Avenue and Santa Rosa Avenue. The names of 447 Sonoma County veterans who died in combat are on the monument.
