David J. Goerz
Sept. 25, 1934-Sept. 25, 2013
Palo Alto, California

David J. Goerz, Jr., loving husband, father, and grandpa, 79 years old, a resident of Palo Alto, Calif., died of cancer on Sept. 25 in Palo Alto.

He was born in Los Angeles, California, September 25, 1934, the son of Magdalena and David J. Goerz, Sr.

He graduated from UCLA, Phi Beta Kappa, BA in Physics. He received his MS in Applied Physics at Stanford University. He continued on in graduate work at Stanford, where he was a Research Assistant, a Research Associate, and a member of the Academic Council. David Goerz also headed several departments in the development of the Stanford Linear Accelerator. Additionally he participated in the formation of companies making medical linear accelerators and lasers.

Mr. Goerz founded Vactite, Inc. a leading manufacturer of ultra high vacuum systems for the testing of space components and the production of semi conductors. He was an instructor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at UC Berkeley, teaching ultra high vacuum technology.

David J. Goerz, Jr., married Mary E. Larsen in the Stanford Chapel on Jan. 26, 1962.

He joined Bechtel Corporation where he spent 25 years, rising to the position of Vice President. He held senior management positions in marketing, business development, research, financing, and management of major programs, many with operations worldwide. While Vice President of Bechtel, International, Inc. he led the effort for the development of the Jubail Industrial Complex in Saudi Arabia. David pioneered development for Bechtel China: a joint venture called China American International Engineering, Inc.

In 1992 he formed Goerz & Associates, Inc., a technical and management consulting firm providing services to industrial and utility companies.

In 2010 David Goerz, Jr. founded Fuelina, Inc., now Fuelina Technologies LLC to develop and manufacture alternative fuels. He served as Chief Executive Officer and President.

David Goerz held seven patents and has five pending patents, both U.S. and international.

The family homes and garden were enriching to David. Their children were his pride and joy. Traveling the world on business and just for fun with Mary was the best of adventure.

David Goerz was a Trustee, Deacon and Elder at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church.

David is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Elizabeth Larsen Goerz, their three children: David J. Goerz, III (Kristin), Karen Elizabeth Goerz Preston (Michael), Julie Anne Goerz Hayes (Jerry) and seven grandchildren: Lauren and Ashlynn Goerz, Danny and Steven Preston, Savannah, Madelyn, and Olivia Hayes. Dave was predeceased by his parents and two grandchildren: Jason and Jennifer.

David Goerz, Jr., was a man of stature, strength, brilliance, integrity, devotion and faith in Jesus.

In lieu of flowers friends may donate to the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025; Hoover Institution, 434 Galvez Mall, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-6010; or Pathways Hospice, 585 North Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085.

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