Harlow P. Rothert
Oct. 30, 1935 - Nov. 6, 2024
Nevada City, California

Harlow P Rothert, Jr., of Nevada City, CA passed away on November 6, 2024, in his home surrounded by the deep love of his family and friends. His family, including his brother Steve of Bend Oregon, and his three children and five grandchildren who called him “Opa”, were with him to celebrate his 89th birthday. Opa grew up in Palo Alto, California, where he met his future wife and partner of 63 years, Mary "Martie" Farrar. He no doubt won her over immediately with his suave comment, "Spiffy shoes!", as they walked past each other on the first day of 7th grade at Jordan Middle School. That Harlow could walk past his future wife that day was a small miracle because he had been paralyzed by polio only 2 years earlier. He recovered and became an All-American swimmer and played quarterback, punter and linebacker for Palo Alto High School. He and Martie married at 21 and 20 years old while at UC Berkeley and remained happily together until Martie passed away in 2019. Harlow's greatest love, after his wife and children of course, was the ocean. Opa and Martie ("Omi") would treat the extended family to a week in the waves in San Diego each summer. Even into his 80s he would...

Michelle "Micki" Cooley
Feb. 25, 1934 - Nov. 4, 2024
San Carlos, California

Michelle “Micki” Cooley, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, died peacefully of heart failure on November 4, 2024. She was 90 years old. Micki was widely admired for her kindness, compassion, and love of adventure. Known for her deep care and consideration for everyone she met, Micki was a cherished presence in every community she joined. Born in 1934 in Tarentum, PA, Micki’s life journey took her across the country and through many chapters. After World War II, she moved with her family to Santa Monica, CA, and graduated from high school in 1952. She began her college years at UC Santa Barbara before transferring to UC Berkeley, where she met and fell in love with J. Paul Spector. They married in June 1954 and soon welcomed their son, Greg, in 1955, followed by their daughter, Rachel, in 1959. Though her marriage to J. Paul ended in 1968, Micki found love again in 1970 with Bob Cooley, with whom she shared some of her happiest years. Together, they attended and graduated from Antioch College/West to become marriage and family therapists. They embarked on explorations, including cross-country trips in a VW van, and traveled to Mexico, ...

Lawrence V. Basso, Jr.
Jan. 9, 1936 - Nov. 4, 2024
Palo Alto, California

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lawrence Vincent Basso, Jr. who left us on November 4, 2024. Larry was born on January 9, 1936, to Lena and Lawrence Basso in San Francisco's Marina District. Inspired by his brother Richard's struggles with a severe heart condition, Larry dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives of others. His passion for learning and helping those around him laid the foundation for a distinguished medical career marked by compassion and excellence. Larry pursued his medical education at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). During this time, he met his future wife, Sue, a student at Stanford University. They married on February 24, 1963, and soon after, Larry completed his residency at the University of Washington. Following his service as a doctor in the Army in Europe, Larry and Sue settled in Menlo Park, where they raised their three children: Stephanie, Cristy, and Tony. Sadly, Sue passed away earlier this year after a long illness. For over forty years, Larry worked as an internist at the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, where he became known for his thoroughness and patient-centered approach. After ...

Joyce E. Shapiro
Jan. 12, 1942 - Nov. 2, 2024
Pleasanton, California

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Joyce Shapiro, 82, on November 2, 2024, at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California, from complications of a stroke. Joyce passed peacefully with her family by her side. She was born in Rochester, New York, on January 12, 1942, to the late Frank Raymond Young and Ethelyn Isabelle Young (Jones). Joyce was the fifth generation of her family from Glens Falls in upstate New York. Early on, Joyce was active in sports, clubs, dramatics, cheerleading, and student government. She fostered her love for the outdoors by spending summers on Lake George, NY. Joyce moved to Menlo Park, California, with her sister Denyse and mother when her father joined Menlo Park–based Raychem Corporation. Joyce graduated from Menlo Atherton High School and later pursued commercial art and merchandising studies at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Returning to Menlo Park, Joyce worked for SRI International, where she met her first husband, Gerald (Jerry) K. Getty. With her parents having moved to Pleasanton and looking for a “more affordable place to live” they moved into their Kot...

Gene Chaput
1941 - Nov. 2, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Native San Franciscan, City guy, old bon vivant, raconteur, 72-years and 3rd generation member of Olympic Club, member La Ligue Henri IV, ad man 40+ years at Y&R and Grey, many fine awards recipient: Clio Awards and Who’s Who in America. Founder of Montgomery motorcycle riders, sportsman, softball and rugby leaguer, creator of wonderful campaigns and events. Great storyteller Brilliant writer. He has put his pen down. He died blessedly in his sleep. He had fallen the previous day. Please be careful, dear old friends! A wonderful husband, father and friend. Always there, always present. Countless important life lessons and pure loving support, with room for one’s own decisions. No complaints, only glorious memories! Phrases shared by friends and acquaintances: One of a kind. Fun, funny. Relentless sense of humor. Quickest of wit. Sharpest pick up, skilled thread weaver, punster, post informer. Crazy, wild. Prankster and jokester. Tease. Outrageous, hilarious. Wherever he’s going, the fun will begin Larger than life He loved old, deep south moody blues, classic cars and motorcycles His French family took many travels, outings and picnics. One...

Kendric C. Smith
Oct. 13, 1926 - Nov. 1, 2024
Los Gatos, California

Kendric C. Smith, Ph.D. passed away on 11/01/24 at the age of 98 in Los Gatos, CA. He was born and raised in Illinois. He attended Berea College in Kentucky but obtained a scholarship to Stanford University in his senior year to complete his B.S. degree in chemistry. He went on to graduate school at UC Berkeley for his Ph.D. in biochemistry (1952). It was there that he met his wife, Marion Edmonds, who was also working on her doctorate. Kendric began his career working at the UCSF Medical Center and then transferred to the Stanford University School of Medicine in 1956. He was promoted to Professor of Radiation Oncology in 1973 and retired in 1993. Kendric was well known for his research on DNA repair and mutagenesis following radiation exposure. He authored over 200 scientific papers and edited or wrote 12 books on photobiology. He also founded the American Society for Photobiology and was its first president (1972). Kendric stayed professionally active and connected with his colleagues throughout his life. In his retirement, he enjoyed birding with his wife and they went on many birding trips around the world. He was also a “computer nerd” and started or rejuvenated m...

Michael Staiger
1964 - Oct. 29, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Michael Owen Staiger died peacefully on October 29, 2024, after a five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was sixty. He was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to Charles W. and Barbara A. Staiger. The family settled in St. Clair, Michigan, along the shores of the mighty St. Clair River. This, perhaps, was the origin of his lifelong love of rivers. Mike's childhood was full of love, encouragement, adventure, and more than a little bit of mischief. He graduated from St. Clair High School before attending the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in English. At Michigan he enjoyed a close and enduring bond with his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers. After a brief stint in Washington, D.C., Mike moved to Chicago where he earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. Thereafter he joined Continental Bank, where he met his future wife, Debra Graham. After two years in Continental's real estate department, Mike caught the entrepreneurial bug and headed west to Silicon Valley. He eventually settled in Palo Alto, California, where he forged a successful career in Tech through grit, hard work, and unwavering determination. He began his career in busine...

Ruth Yamawaki
Sept. 7, 1955 - Oct. 24, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ruth Yamawaki passed away peacefully on October 24 after a five-year battle with cancer. Missing her are her cherished children, Naomi and Simon, and siblings Lynn, Paul, Kent, and Doug – as well as countless cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, friends, and long-time Palo Alto neighbors. Raised with her siblings in a tight-knit Japanese community in Alameda, California, her family fondly remembers playing sports and camping together as children. A series of ear infections left Ruth with complete conductive loss by the time she was five. At that time, hearing aid technology was still developing, and she spent much of her youth ensconced in the world of books. Her natural curiosity and commitment to schoolwork earned her a spot and many scholarships at UC Berkeley, where she studied bacteriology. Through significant advances in hearing aid technology, she remained an avid reader throughout her lifetime. Ruth was an accomplished electron microscopist. She began her career at SRI and spent decades working at various labs at Stanford, authoring and supporting dozens of published papers and proud to contribute to scientific research and advancement. Initially drawn to the w...

Kirstin (Kris) Nichols
Feb. 20, 1947 - Oct. 19, 2024
Cupertino, California

Kirstin (Kris) Clark Nichols died peacefully on Saturday October 19th, 2024 at her home in Cupertino, California, following dementia complications. At her side was her beloved husband Fred, her companion and best friend for 55 years as well as her three sons, daugher-in-law, and three grandchildren. She is survived by her husband Fred, their three sons, Matthew, John, and Andrew, their wives Meagan, Elizabeth, and Sarah, and their four grandchildren William, Samuel, Maria, and Alexander. Kris was born in Los Angeles in 1947, the only child of Vernon and Rosemary Larsen Clark. In 1951 the family moved to Palo Alto, which would be Kris’ home for most of her life. Kris graduated with honors from Palo Alto High School with the Class of 1964 and received the Ray Tinney Award for “Outstanding Citizenship Promise.” She graduated with distinction from the University of California at Berkeley (BA 1968; MA 1970). While taking a graduate school course at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Marine Laboratories (FHL) in the summer of 1969, Kris had a chance meeting with Fred, beginning a long-distance courtship that culminated with their marriage in 1971, and subsequent move...

Joseph Patrick Zotter
June 8, 1945 - Oct. 15, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Joseph Patrick Zotter passed away peacefully at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City, CA, on October 15, surrounded by his family. Born in 1945 to Joseph L. and Clothilde M. Zotter in Oakland, CA, Joe spent his early years there, attending Bishop O'Dowd High School, where he made lifelong friendships. He earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Santa Clara University. Joe served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army before embarking on a successful 35-year career as a top sales producer at IBM. He later founded a travel consulting business, where he became his own best client. Throughout his life, Joe embraced adventure, enjoying water and snow skiing, golf, and travel. As a loving husband, father, and grandfather, he was a generous host and talented chef with a passion for fine wines, good food, and boating at Lake Tahoe. Joe and his wife, Renee, lived in Menlo Park for over 50 years, where they were deeply involved in the community. A committed Catholic, Joe always put others before himself, and we are forever grateful for the wonderful times we shared with him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Renee Chaput Zotter, his son Stephen, daughters Chantal...

Ruby Chizuko Inouye
Feb. 5, 1920 - Oct. 7, 2024
Redwood City, California

Ruby Chizuko Inouye passed away in the early hours of October 7, 2024 at the golden age of 104 years. Ruby was born in North Platte, Nebraska on February 5, 1920 to Kin and Kunikiyo Nabeta. She was the second of seven children. Her early years were spent in Salt Lake City, Utah; Shizuoka, Japan, and Los Angeles, California. She was sent to Topaz, Utah during World War II where she met her husband, Hirosuke Inouye. They were married on Christmas Day in 1943. She moved to Redwood City in 1945 and has lived there ever since. She is survived by all six of her children, all of whom have retired - Margaret Renn, principal and school teacher; Jeanette Muzac, nurse/case manager; Donald Inouye, businessman/auto mechanic; Bette Matsuoka ,fashion designer/business analyst; Gogo Heinrich, architect/project manager; Kenny Inouye, mechanical engineer. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, eight great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter. Ruby’s husband, Hirosuke was a graduate of Stanford University. Her children and grandchildren are graduates of Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCSF, UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, San Jose State, San Francisco State, Sacramento State,...

Dan Stober
Sept. 23, 1949 - Oct. 7, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dan Stober, journalist, backpacker, cyclist, family man, and adored father and husband passed away on Oct. 7, 2024, from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia. Dan was born Sept. 23, 1949, by the banks of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida to Mary and Julius Stober. He graduated from Riverside High School (named Robert E. Lee High School at the time) in 1967 and earned a degree in journalism from the University of Florida in 1973. Dan’s 30-year career in journalism started at a small newspaper in rural North Florida. He went on to write for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and the Bradenton Herald (1977-1985), before moving across the country to the Bay Area to become the Alameda County bureau chief for The San Jose Mercury News. After 20 years as a reporter and editor for “the Merc,” he left with a heavy heart, having foreseen “the death of newspapers.” Dan joined the Stanford News Service in 2007 as a science writer and then served as the director of news and media relations, sadly leaving Stanford in 2016 due the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Dan’s curiosity, energy, and love for a good story showed in everything he did. Professionally, h...

Gail Kaiser
Sept. 20, 1957 - Oct. 5, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Gail Kaiser, a 42-year resident of Palo Alto, died at home on October 5 after a 6-year battle with multiple myeloma. She was 67. Gail was born at the US Air Force hospital in Wiesbaden, West Germany. Her parents worked in the Foreign Service and she grew up in Yugoslavia, Austria, Poland and South Africa. Gail attended New England Conservatory for three years studying harpsichord and organ. She then transferred to Santa Clara University where she earned a BS in Economics and later an MBA. After working as a product manager for ROLM, IBM, and Siemens she decided to start a family and became the mother of two beloved children. Gail had strong views on national and local politics (she was a committed precinct walker) as well as on the environment. She served on the board of Green Foothills for a number of years. She treasured California's city, County, State and National parks, hiking and camping as often as she could until late in her illness. Gail worked in finance and operations at the Natural Capital Project at Stanford, an interdisciplinary environmental research group. The fifteen years that she spent there were by far her most satisfying work. Gail is surv...

Diana Plummer
May 18, 1938 - Oct. 1, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Diana Plummer died peacefully at her home in Palo Alto on October 1. She was 86. Diana emigrated from England in 1961 and worked in the Department of Computer Science at Stanford. With her beautiful smile and quiet British accent, she charmed all who knew her. Diana was a keen gardener and did flower arranging at Gamble Garden and Filoli. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Bob, and by her sister, two nieces, and two nephews....

Louis Charles Hebel
Oct. 1, 1930 - Sept. 29, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Family and friends mourn the loss of Charles Hebel and gratefully celebrate his life. “Chuck,” to family and friends, was a Renaissance man—a beloved family leader, versatile scientist, and engaged community member—who lived a full life of creativity, service, and love, passing away peacefully after a brief illness. Chuck especially enjoyed his children and grandchildren, relating to them as peers. He built treasured memories with them by reading to them, supporting their education, celebrating their accomplishments, taking them on adventures, and generously sharing his time and goofy sense of humor. Born in Oak Park, Illinois, he grew up in Lombard, then on Chicago’s pastoral outskirts, surrounded by open fields and rivers where he and his brother explored and fished. His gifts for science and technology showed themselves early in his experimenting with his chemistry set and building radios as a young child. Chuck attended De Pauw University in Greencastle Indiana, intending to pursue chemistry. Instead, he fell in love with physics there. He also fell in love with his future wife, Greencastle native and virtuoso organ student Virginia Arnold, brought togethe...

Roderick Canfield McCalley
Aug. 2, 1943 - Sept. 18, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Roderick Canfield McCalley, beloved husband, father, and brother, died on September 18th, at Stanford hospital, from injuries suffered in a bicycle accident. Rod was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1943, while his father was serving in the army with General Patton, in Africa. At the end of WWII, his father continued his military career and so Rod lived in many different places around the world, including Okinawa, Japan and Orleans, France. His family settled in Idaho when his father retired and Rod graduated from Borah High School in Boise, ID. He received his BS degree from Caltech, and his PhD from Harvard, in chemistry, followed by postdoctoral study at Stanford. Rod was passionate about chess and mountains and science. He met his wife, Peggy, at a faculty meeting at Dartmouth College, where they were both young assistant professors. Rod and Peggy moved to Palo Alto in 1979 with their infant son, Roddy. Their daughter, Carrie, was born in Palo Alto two years later. Rod worked for Lockheed Missiles & Space, later Lockheed Martin, until his retirement in 2003. A founding member of the New England chapter of the Sierra Club and a member of the committee that planned the fir...

Christopher Andrews Lockwood
Oct. 31, 1953 - Sept. 12, 2024
Half Moon Bay, California

Christopher Andrews Lockwood, “CAL,”passed away at the age of 70 on September 12, 2024 after a long battle with chronic conditions. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Vera Lockwood, his brother Peter Lockwood, and his grandfather Vice Admiral Charles Lockwood. He is survived by his daughters Jessica Lockwood, Courtney Murphy and Michelle Schofield; his grandchildren Charly, Ted, Claire, Summer, Cameron, and Elise; and his son-in-laws Scott, Mike, and Ricky. Chris was born October 31, 1953 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He later attended Woodside High School and Canada College before starting his career as a General Contractor for over 40 years. Chris built many of the homes on Stanford Avenue, Cotton, Sherman Avenue, Sand Hill, and Olive Street in Menlo Park, as well as many homes in Woodside and Portola Valley. Apart from his unwavering commitment to his work, Chris was always volunteering his time and expertise, fixing up friends’ homes, building a cat rescue shelter and ballet studio, passing out jackets he kept in his truck to those in need, and sparking joy with his one-of-a-kind sense of humor. An athlete and competitor at heart, Chris (nicknamed “The ...

Cheryl Arnold Weaver
Jan. 10, 1949 - Sept. 11, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Cheryl Arnold Weaver was born Cheryl Eileen Arnold on Jan. 10, 1949 in Hastings, NE as the only child of Rollan Louis (R.L.) and Laura Evelyn Arnold (née Elifritz), and was brought home to a house built by her father. When Cheryl was two years old, her family moved briefly to Fillmore, CA before returning to Nebraska, settling in Kearney (later again, Hastings). As a little Nebraskan, she enjoyed playing with friends, attending church and eating cherries off the tree that grew over the fence into their yard. She also learned persistence when she tried to teach herself to ride a bicycle in the snow! In 1959, the family paid a visit to family friends in the Bay Area and rode the California Zephyr. Young Cheryl was captivated by the mild climate, the Golden Gate Bridge and all of the adventures not part of life back home. In 1960, they moved to Palo Alto, CA, where she would stay for the rest of her life. Cheryl attended Lytton Elementary (participating in Girl Scouts), Jordan Junior High, and Palo Alto (Paly) High School, where she graduated in 1967. As a high school student, she made many lifelong friends and was active in the Latin Club. She attended Stanford University, ma...

David William Fuller
May 31, 1949 - Sept. 10, 2024
Seattle, United States

David William Fuller of Seattle died Sept. 10 at his home. He was 75. Fuller was an Assistant Vice President and Editor of The Costco Connection, Costco’s member publication, from 1989 to 2013. A former Palo Alto resident, he attended Gunn High School and Foothill College before touring the world as a student at Chapman College’s World Campus Afloat and visiting 35 countries, feeding a lifelong love of history and travel. He was a reporter and copy editor at the Palo Alto Times. At Costco he oversaw the magazine’s growth into an international network of five print magazines, their online versions, a series of 10 annual ”The Costco Way” cookbooks and an international photo contest for Costco members. He continued his exploration of the genealogy and history of his family and helped others research their family histories, writing and self-publishing two books, “All the Fullers,” and “Smoother Pebbles,” a collection of his favorite quotations. He found some of his greatest joys witnessing his offspring and their offspring living their lives to the fullest. Fuller is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carlene Canton, their daughters Cameron Fuller and Courtney...

Isabel Murray
July 8, 1931 - Sept. 8, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Isabel Perez Murray, a Palo Alto resident for sixty-four years, passed away surrounded by loving family members and her caregivers. She was born July 8, 1931 in Madera, California. She was the oldest of eleven siblings and the younger sister to her half-brother. While attending primary and secondary school, she concurrently worked part-time and full time in the summers in support of her parent's family. Isabel felt determined to break the mold formed of her circumstances; her strong and independent personality proved her determined and successful throughout her lifetime. In her early adult years of the 1940’s, there were few professional opportunities available to women, and Isabel’s perseverance earned her a beautician’s license. An independent business owner, she successfully practiced her trade for fifty years. Had Isabel come of age in the 1960’s or thereafter, her “no nonsense” and “common sense” business attitude would have landed her with an MBA. Alas, raising five boys and jokingly a sixth (her husband) while simultaneously running a business expended her time and energy. A success story, Isabel secured several properties in Palo Alto; along with her fon...

Sandra Hunter Cooperman
May 10, 1935 - Sept. 8, 2024
Stockton, California

Sandra H. Cooperman, May 10, 1935–September 8, 2024, passed away in Stockton, California after a brief illness. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Alec and Peg Hunter, she graduated from Horlick High School where she was one of the first female editors of the school newspaper. She obtained her RN license from Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Milwaukee and later a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin Madison, maintaining a deep fondness for all things “Bucky Badger.” Moving to California in 1965 with her then husband, Dr. Lawrence R. Cooperman, she settled in Redwood City, and raised a loving family. Quickly adapting to the zeitgeist of the Bay Area in the 60s, “Sandy” was a community and political activist, working on voter registration, free speech, anti-war and anti-poverty initiatives. She played an active role in numerous political campaigns. . Civically minded all her adult life, Sandy served on numerous community boards and advisory panels. Outside of her family, her most enduring legacy was as an environmental activist, playing a key role in the preservation of Bair Island, the last remaining open wetlands in the Bay Area She is su...

James Nickolas Bartosh
April 30, 1943 - Sept. 8, 2024
Palo Alto, California

James Nickolas Bartosh left this world on Sept 8, 2024 in San Jose, after suffering from dementia. He was born in Chicago into a family of Russian heritage. He attended Chicago City College and studied chemistry. From there his family moved to Oklahoma, and then ultimately to Palo Alto. He served the community for thirty years as a clerk at Walgreen’s in downtown Palo Alto and then at the Midtown store on Middlefield. He attended Trinity Episcopal Church and then St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, all the while serving in the choir as a Russian bass. Here he is acting in the Book of Daniel. Jim lived life the best he could with courage, generosity, and joy from spending time with others. He loved astronomy, Star Trek, and could recite the periodic table. He also loved to impersonate movie stars, such as Jimmy Stewart, and dress up at Halloween. His gregarious personality infused everything he did. Above all, he was caring to all and felt deeply. He is survived by his siblings, Darlene Bartosh and William Bartosh....

Bonnie Craig Miller
Feb. 9, 1928 - Sept. 1, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Bonnie Craig Miller passed away on September 1st, 2024 with her family by her side. She truly loved her wonderful and special life of 96 years. Born on February 9, 1928 and raised in Decatur, IL. Bonnie was the sixth of eight children of Otto and Goldie Craig. She married Donald Miller on May 14, 1949 and they spent almost 74 years together. Early in their married life Don and Bonnie lived in several locations until they ultimately came to the Bay Area. They fell in love with California, made Palo Alto their permanent home, and raised two daughters, Nancy and Susie. Bonnie was a long-time member of the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. As well she was an active member for many years in the Palo Alto Women’s Golf Club at Baylands Golf Links (formerly Palo Alto Municipal Golf Course) and Shoreline Golf Links. Playing bridge in her women’s and couple’s groups with Don was a very enjoyable part of Bonnie’s active life. She loved her many friends and cherished time with her family. She was quite competitive in any and all games she played and was passionate about her Stanford women’s basketball and football teams, the 49ers and Giants. She was always eager to he...

Bo Crane
June 23, 1950 - Aug. 21, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Bo Crane (Robert L. Crane, Jr) passed away on August 21, 2024 at home after a brave 6-year struggle with ocular melanoma. Bo lived his entire life in Palo Alto, graduating from Paly High (’68) and Stanford University (’72),where he majored in English and Creative Writing. His Paly classmates will no doubt remember the 800 Pound Outhouse senior prank. He and his first wife, Susie Standlee Crane, have a daughter Ellen. Together with his second wife, Kristen Arnold Harrison, they survive him. Kristen and Susie both live in Palo Alto and Ellen lives with her partner Van in Nashville TN. Other surviving family members include his brothers John and Dave (Kathy), brother-in-law Drew Nosworthy and numerous nieces and nephews. His sister, Ann, passed away in 2016. He joined the homebuilding company Ditz-Crane , founded by his father and the Ditz brothers George & Jack, in 1972 and remained in residential construction and management until his retirement in 2012. At that point he devoted himself to the history of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, He served on the boards of Palo Alto Histsorical Association (PAHA), Palo Alto Stanford Heritage (PAST) and Menlo Park Historical, contribu...

Michael Trollope
Feb. 19, 1943 - Aug. 20, 2024
Palm Desert, California

Michael Trollope, 81, passed away peacefully Aug 20th 2024, in Palm Desert California surrounded by his cherished wife of 24 years, Denise Monfette-Trollope, and close friends. The cause of death was metastatic cancer and Parkinson's Disease. Michael was born in Kansas and grew up with a keen intellect and a strong sense of curiosity. He was an honor student and an Eagle Scout. He studied at KU as an undergrad, completed medical school at USC and his surgical residency at Ann Arbor. Michael dedicated his professional life to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Stanford University Hospital. His contributions were not only seen in his work but felt in the compassion and care he brought to those around him. In his years of service, he touched countless lives, not just through his expertise but also through his ability to connect with people on a personal level. Outside of his work, Michael had many passions that enriched his life and those who were fortunate enough to share them with him. His love for photography allowed him to capture the beauty of the world around him, preserving moments of wonder, joy, and reflection. Golf was another of Michael’s great loves. Th...

Stanley G Scott
April 21, 1928 - Aug. 19, 2024
Menlo Park, CA

Stanley G Scott died peacefully in his sleep on August 19, 2024 at the age of 96. He passed away in Menlo Park at his home of 64 years. Stan was born on April 21, 1928 in Salt Lake City to George and Lucile Scott. He had a brother and a sister. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Sacramento where his father was a statistician for the US Department of Agriculture. Stan attended McClatchy high school where he played on the baseball, football and basketball teams and was Student Body President. Stan graduated from Stanford University in 1951 and subsequently moved to Los Angeles to work in the burgeoning aircraft and defense industries. His experience there seeded an appreciation but also grave concern for the destructive power being created by the newly coined Military Industrial Complex. That concern deepened over the years and led him to publish “A Winged and Garlanded Nike,” an ominous novel on the history and dangers of the uncontrolled defense industry. Upon moving back to the Bay Area in the late 50’s, Stan met his wife of 58 years Willis ‘UpC” Grathwol. Stan and UpC raised four boys and spent decades on their favorite pastimes including Stanford foo...

Nancy Weeks Rossen
Dec. 20, 1932 - Aug. 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Nancy Weeks Rossen (b.12/20/32) We celebrate the life of Nancy Weeks Rossen, who passed away surrounded by family on August 19, 2024. Nancy was a pioneer in many ways throughout her life. Born in Galveston and raised in Houston, she ventured far away from Texas to attend Stanford University where she majored in Education and Economics and obtained her Master’s in Education. Marrying Robert (Bob) Weeks of San Francisco (d 2000) their senior year ’54 after meeting in freshman English class, they then traveled east where she taught in Maryland while Bob served in the Army. Upon their return to California she taught elementary school in Palo Alto before having 3 children. She remained involved in her synagogue leading the youth group and various committee positions at Beth AM, and she also tutored math to kids. Nancy, encouraging adults not to fear math, created and taught “Math for Mathaphobics” locally at Foothill College and at Lawrence Hall of Science. At Lawrence Hall of Science she also participated in the early years of the Math-Science Network for girls, creating/teaching a math for girls summer course to encourage girls in math and science. Mean...

Judith Dean
Sept. 16, 1939 - Aug. 17, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Judith Dean, 84, of Palo Alto, passed away on August 17, 2024. She was born in San Francisco on September 16, 1939, the daughter of Albert Penton Dean and Genevieve Louise (Howard) Dean Jelicich. Judith was an avid lover of nature. She enjoyed camping, fishing, bird watching and nature walks. After retiring from an accomplished career at Stanford University as the Assistant Controller she was able to continue her outdoor adventures as well as travel around the world. One of the places Judith was happiest was in her garden. Those who knew her best will remember her with garden gloves in one hand, and a trowel in the other. Judith loved to share her garden, too-- gifting seed starts and bounty from her various fruit and vegetable plants. And it was more than a hobby for her. In 2001 she became a Master Gardener for the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources, where she educated people about eco-conscious and sustainable landscaping. Judith was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. Her generous spirit was reflected in the many social and humanitarian causes she donated her time to, as well as the large gatherings she w...

Forrest Anderson
Oct. 7, 1931 - Aug. 16, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Forrest Anderson died peacefully at his home on Friday, August 16 at the age of 92. A fourth-generation San Francisco native, he attended Town School, Lowell High School, Dartmouth College, and the UC Berkeley College of Engineering. After graduating from Officer Candidate School in the Army Corps of Engineers in 1954, Forrest married Alice Charleston, also a native San Franciscan. The young couple’s honeymoon was a road trip to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where Forrest was first stationed. Six months later they were transferred to Stuttgart, Germany, where their first son was born. Following the Army, Forrest returned to Cal to study Civil Engineering. After working for several years, he started his own engineering construction company in 1963, focusing on unique or unusual projects. Anderson Pacific reinforced the foundations supporting the incline section of the Bay Bridge after the 1989 earthquake, participated in the Golden Gate Bridge conversion from concrete decks and girders to steel sections, and tightened 12,000 bolts 155 feet above ground in the hangars at Moffett Field. Forrest worked hard, loved what he did, and was extremely proud that the company he founded is...

Kathy Ann McKennan
Dec. 30, 1940 - Aug. 14, 2024
Sunnyvale, California

Kathy Ann McKennan December 30,1940 - August 14, 2024 Kathy Ann McKennan, 83, of Sunnyvale passed away on August 14, 2024 in Palo Alto, CA after a long illness. Kathy is survived by her son Sean and grandson Maxwell, her daughter-in-law Joelle (Blanton) McKennan, sister Abigail (Holbrook) Munro and brother-in-law Michael Munro and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Katharine (Carlson) and Earl Holbrook, brothers Peter and Jonathan and sister Mary. Plus numerous family members. Kathy was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on December 30, 1940 and spent her early years there with her older brother Peter. Since Kathy and Peter were less than a year apart they were often mistaken for twins and quickly learned how to use it to their advantage, often convincing others they were twins. Together they kept their parents, on the go. At the age of nine her parents moved the family to Arizona. Once settled her parents blessed Kathy and Peter with three more siblings, Mary, Jonathan and Abigail. Kathy loved the wide-open space of Arizona. There, she blossomed and thrived in her role of big sister. She and Peter spent most of their daylight hours playing outsi...

Robert Roy Maxfield
Sept. 30, 1941 - Aug. 13, 2024
Buchanan Dam, Texas

Robert Roy Maxfield, the M in ROLM, passed away unexpectedly on August 13th, 2024 at the age of 82 during his morning walk. He was doing what he enjoyed at the Texas lake he loved, but oh, he will be missed! Bob grew up in Wichita Falls, Texas. From a young age he was interested in technology; he built a ‘computer’ in 8th grade. After excelling in Electrical Engineering at Rice University, he earned a PhD EE from Stanford University. In 1969, he and three other Rice alums (Ken Oshman, Walter Loewenstern, Gene Richardson) co-founded ROLM Corporation in Silicon Valley, building rugged computers for military applications. Six year later, utilizing superior technology, ROLM began to compete with analog giant AT&T in the telecommunications arena. It was so successful that IBM acquired the company in 1985 in the biggest deal Silicon Valley had seen to date. After a brief stint in venture capital with Kleiner Perkins, Bob became a life-long personal mentor to and investor in start-ups whose founders he felt had the Right Stuff. He developed and taught Stanford’s first course in “Business Management for Engineers” and, from 1991 to 2007, enjoyed mentoring PhD candi...

Peter Sturrock
March 20, 1924 - Aug. 12, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Peter Sturrock, distinguished physicist and emeritus professor at Stanford University, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his friends and family, on August 12, 2024, at the age of 100. A pioneering scientist, Sturrock was known for his profound contributions to the fields of astrophysics, plasma physics, and solar research. Born in 1924 in England, Peter Sturrock's passion for physics led him to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Cambridge, where he began his illustrious career in scientific research. His early work in plasma physics laid the groundwork for his later research in astrophysics, where he explored topics ranging from the dynamics of the sun to the mysteries of pulsars and neutrinos. In 1961, Sturrock joined the faculty at Stanford University, where he became a beloved mentor and inspiring teacher. Over the decades, he authored numerous influential papers and books, significantly advancing our understanding of the universe. His interdisciplinary approach and curiosity-driven research earned him recognition and respect from scientists worldwide. Sturrock was also known for his courageous open-minded exploration of unconventional scientific topics...

Chongme Lee
April 28, 1947 - Aug. 8, 2024
Menlo Park, California

On August 8, 2024, we lost our mother, grandmother and dear friend, Chongme Lee. We all knew and loved her as Mea. She was 77 years old. Mea is now with her beloved husband and hero**, Peter Lee. Mea and Peter eloped after only knowing each other for two months and shared nearly 55 “years of bliss”. If there were ever two soulmates on this earth, it was Peter and Mea. Together, they raised their daughters, Christina Vo and Maya Watts, and loved with all their hearts their four grandchildren, Eleanor Vo, Jordan Vo, Mea Watts and Meilani Watts. We would be remiss not to include their first loves, their dogs: Spoofy, Cinnamon, Spunky (x2), Pebbles and Bogey (who is still going strong at 14-years old). Mea was the strongest person we know. The tiniest yet the strongest. For 45 years, she fought Lupus with infallible grace, determination and positivity. At every turn, she defied the odds and inspired us all. No matter the diagnosis or number of close calls or how sick she felt, she never complained. She pushed through and fought to be there—for every gymnastics and swim meet, baseball and softball game, dance and musical performance. Mea didn’t want to miss a single momen...

Patricia Jean Hayes
Feb. 3, 1926 - Aug. 6, 2024
Cupertino, CA

We commemorate the life of Patricia Jean Duff, aka Pat Hayes, 3 February 1926 – 6 August 2024. She was not in pain or ill and she died while sleeping. This year, shortly after celebrating her 98th birthday, she said she was getting old. It was a blessing to feel that way when she did. Family and friends benefited from her youthful, creative and adventurous spirit. Born in San Francisco, she lived in Scarsdale, NY after marriage and then Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, Spain, Redding and Cupertino. She was mother to 6 children, a grandmother to 11 and had 3+ great grandchildren. She was an artist, a wife, a mother and a businesswoman who was a part owner and artist at the 'Expressions' gift store on main street Los Altos. Rising rents forced its closure. Many locals remember the store as unique. Recently, art projects with great grandchildren brought her joy. 'Who will take care of you?', she asked recently. Her husband of 64 years, George T. Hayes II and son Stephen Hayes predeceased her. Surviving children include Kathryn, Cynthia, Kenneth, George and Stewart. If you have a photo or a memory you would like to share we would be grateful....

Howard Berger
July 23, 1928 - Aug. 6, 2024
Auburn, California

Howard Peter Berger passed away peacefully in Auburn, CA on August 6, 2024, at the age of 96. He was born in Lewiston, Idaho, the son of Howard J. and Thora D. (Wang) Berger. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary, and a son, Scott. He is survived by his children Patricia, Rosemary, Michael, Kelly, and Karsten, a dozen grandchildren, and numerous great- and great-great grandchildren. Howard was a quiet family man, but when prompted with questions from them, he recalled his Lewiston childhood fondly, including stories about family trips to Seattle to visit aunts and grandparents, tennis with his younger brother, and fishing and camping along the Clearwater River. His parents taught him bridge, which he mastered and then taught his children in turn, enjoying the game throughout his long life. Howard graduated from the University of Idaho, Moscow in Education. At the age of 22, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts for his bravery and heroism. After discharge he became a successful science and math teacher in Menlo Park School District California. For nearly 30 ...

Patricia Hayes
Feb. 3, 1926 - Aug. 6, 2024
Sunnyvale, California

We commemorate the life of Patricia Hayes, aka Pat Hayes, February 3, 1926 – August 6, 2024. Daughter of Stewart E. Duff and Jean Alexia Margaret Foster. Her illness was age. She died while sleeping. Shortly after celebrating her 98th birthday in February, she said she felt she was getting old. It was a blessing to feel that way at the age she did. Family and friends benefited from her youthful, creative and adventurous spirit. Born in San Francisco, educated at the Art Students League in New York, she also lived in Pennsilvania and Indiana as a child. She met her husband George T. Hayes on a blind date in NY and they were inseparable for 64 years, living first in Scarsdale and then Palo Alto, Los Altos Hills, Spain, Redding and Sunnyvale. She was mother to 6 children, a grandmother to 11 and had 3+ great grandchildren. She was an artist, a wife, a mother, a volunteer at Allied Arts and a businesswoman. With most of the children out of the house, she and fellow friends and artists Mary Bourquin and Pat Casterson, founded the 'Expressions' gift store on main street Los Altos 1977~1998. Locals will remember the store which featured around 40 artists, a gallery of u...

Agneta P. Turner
Feb. 17, 1934 - Aug. 6, 2024
Portola Valley, United States

Agneta Chatarina Elisabeth Pontin Turner (1934-2024) Agneta P. Turner, a devoted matriarch and pillar of her community, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Her remarkable life, spanning 90 years, was marked by love, resilience, and a generosity of spirit that touched countless lives. Born on February 17, 1934, in Stockholm, Sweden, Agneta spent her formative years in her family home. She pursued higher education at Cambridge University (1952) and the University of Lausanne (1953), where she met her future husband, John. By 22, she had married, adoringly supported John through medical school and residency, and started a family. Agneta's greatest joy was nurturing her family and welcoming others into her circle. She lovingly supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, offering guidance and encouragement. Her warmth and inclusivity extended to all who she met, many she “adopted” as her own. For over 30 years, Agneta was a respected antique dealer in San Francisco, owning her own shop, Elliott Pontin Antiques. She volunteered for various organizations, including the Woodside Atherton Garden Club, Allie...

Charles C. Milford
July 13, 1927 - Aug. 4, 2024
Palo Alto, California/USA

Charles C Milford, a resident of Channing House in Palo Alto, died August 4, 2024 at the age of 97. Charles was a long-time staff member at Stanford, librarian to the Food Research Institute from 1964 to 1991. Charles was a native of Berlin, born on July 13, 1927; his birth name was Klaus Mühlfelder. His father was a physician from Thuringia, and his mother a Berlin resident. Charles’ mother was Christian, and his father of Jewish descent, although he had not been an observant Jew since his own father had died before Charles’ birth. Charles grew up in Berlin, and was baptized Christian at the age of six. He attended schools without difficulty until his teens, when mixed race “Mischlinge” students were told to leave school. His father had been prohibited from practicing his profession since 1938, and the family had moved into his maternal grandmother’s household. After leaving school, Charles apprenticed in the trade of telephone equipment installation, and was drafted to use this skill in France to repair damage the Allies had done to telephone wiring; it was a forced-labor company of German citizens not eligible to join the military. After the war ende...

Florence Barr
April 29, 1930 - Aug. 1, 2024
Menlo Park, United States

Florence (Flo) Barr, a long time Menlo Park resident, passed away on August 1 2024 at the age of 94. She died peacefully at home, having been visited by close friends and family members. In Flo’s final years, she was surrounded by a team of loving caregivers, which allowed her to stay in her beloved home. Flo was born in San Francisco in April of 1930, and was the first member of her Polish family to be born in the US. She lived in San Francisco and Daly City until 1963, when Flo and her family decided to escape the fog and move to the fabulous climate of the Peninsula. Florence married Robert Barr and divorced in the late 70’s after raising 2 children, Rick and Laura. Flo worked as office manager at Woodson Barksdale Architects in Palo Alto, for 20 years. Flo was an avid traveler and had the opportunity to visit much of Europe and Asia. Flo was also an avid sports fan and enjoyed witnessing the championship seasons of the Giants and 49ers. Flo had a wonderful circle of friends – her almost 60 year friendship with Louise Wiesner being particularly special. Flo took great pride in her beloved Eichler home in Menlo Park, where she resided for 62 years. In Flo's later year...

David B Ring
Sept. 7, 1951 - July 31, 2024
Palo Alto, California

David Ring passed away peacefully at his home in Palo Alto, California, on July 31, 2024. He was the son of Eileen Greear and Robert Ring. David was born in Upland, California, and was raised by his parents and extended family, the Harnish family (Aunts Ruby, Lily and Uncle Dewey). David graduated from Upland High School; studied Biochemistry at Pomona College (the Claremont Colleges in southern California), where he met his wife, Koon. David continued his graduate study and earned his PhD in Biochemistry from UC Berkeley and completed his postdoctoral fellowship at UCSF. He then embarked on a successful scientific career at Cetus Corporation (biotech), which later became part of Chiron, and eventually Novartis, where he contributed to advancements in monoclonal antibodies and small molecule drugs targeting cancer research. David was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his 50s, leading him to his early retirement from his beloved scientific research. Despite his physical challenges, he continued to live a vibrant life, finding joy in daily hikes in nearby nature preserves and foothills with his family and dedicated caregivers, Raddie Cuevas and Winston dela Cruz. ...

Frank “Jay” Satoshi Sasagawa
March 26, 1926 - July 25, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Frank Satoshi Sasagawa, 98, of Palo Alto, California passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Frank, known by his family & closest friends as “Jay”, was born on March 26, 1926, in Menlo Park, California, to Frank Kenichi and Kiyoko Sasagawa. Frank truly was a Bay Area native in every sense of the word, calling it his home for nearly his entire lifetime. He was the youngest of four children and lived in Menlo Park, California until the outbreak of World War II, when he and his family were removed from the west coast of the United States, and sent to the Tanforan Assembly Center, and later inland to Topaz, Utah, one of several federal internment camps, along with of thousands of Japanese Americans. On April 25, 1954, Frank married the love of his life, Susie Masuda, in San Francisco, California. Together they raised three children: Tara, Jeff & Darrell, in the College Terrace neighborhood of Palo Alto, California, all of whom still live in the Bay Area. All throughout his life, Frank loved sports. He was an avid bowler, played and coached basketball. He also organized and served as the director and head official for the Northern California JACL Junior Olympic Track ...

Gloria Ramirez
Oct. 28, 1930 - July 25, 2024
Mountain View, California

Gloria Ramirez passed away on July 25, 2024, at her home in Mountain View. She was 93 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband Jose Manuel Ramirez, her parents Epifanio and Eva Olivo, and her siblings Arthur Olivo and Ida Sallas. She is survived by her siblings, Robert Olivo and Dolores Olivo; her five children, Maria, Raul, Gloria, Anita, and Christina; her grandchildren, Johnny, Lucas, Jesse, Marcus, Mellisa, and Amanda; and her great grandchildren, Angel, Abagail, Joshua, and Jackson. Gloria was born on October 28, 1930, in Colorado City, Texas. Her family moved to Brawley, California, in 1935. She attended Brawley High for two years. Her family then moved to Mountain View in 1947, and she graduated from Mountain View High in 1949. Gloria’s faith was always important to her, so at age 21 she joined the Helpers of the Holy Souls Convent in San Francisco. From there she traveled to St. Louis and New York with the nuns. She left the convent after 5 years, returned to Mountain View, and met and married Jose Manuel Ramirez. Gloria was a founding and active member of St. Athanasius Parish on Rengstorff Avenue. She was a bilingual teacher’s aide at Northwood S...

Theofana Vasilakos Hegis
Sept. 1, 1929 - July 24, 2024
Atherton, California

Theofana “Theo” Hegis passed away peacefully at her home on July 24, 2024, after a life filled with family, faith, celebration and community. Theo’s parents, Spiros Vasilakos and Sotiria Fouyas, emigrated to the United States from Greece in the early 1900s. They established a farm in rural West Menlo Park, where they raised Theo and her siblings Maria, Panayiotis and Haralambos. Theo attended Las Lomitas School when it was a one-room schoolhouse, and Sequoia High School in Redwood City. While attending a dinner dance at the Greek Orthodox Annunciation Cathedral in 1953, Theo met her future husband John Hegis, recently arrived from Athens, Greece. Theo and John shared 35 wonderful years together until his passing in 1989, building a family, traveling and establishing their home in Atherton. They enjoyed a rich social life, and were renowned for their annual double Name Day feast, the family home overflowing with friends, music, dancing and wonderful Greek cuisine. Theo worked at Stanford University for nearly 40 years, both in the Math Department and the School of Engineering. She cherished spending time with the students, and frequently brought them home for a...

Martha Merz
Dec. 18, 1945 - July 23, 2024
Granite Bay, CA, California

Martha Feil Merz, a beacon of warmth and love, was called home on July 23, 2024, surrounded by family members. Born to Anna and Adolf Feil on December 18, 1945, Martha's life was a tapestry of love, service, and caring to those around her. Martha's journey began in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she grew up with her siblings, Annie, and the late John, Carl and Gus.It was also where Martha met Dennis Merz, her childhood sweetheart and the love of her life. They were married in 1964 and began their life in California, settling in Atherton. Together they raised five children and were an example of love, faith in God, hard work, and devotion. In 1988, Martha and family opened Martha’s Pastries in Menlo Park. For 26 years she used her passion for baking to touch lives in the Menlo Park community. After her retirement, she moved to Granite Bay, CA. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, her granddaughter, Josie, and her brothers. Martha’s memory is honored by her children, Mariann, Margo, Samuel and his wife Yolanda, Vicky, and Debbie and her husband Brad; and her grandchildren,Samantha, Melanie and her husband Justin, Katrina, Joshua, Nicolas, C.J. and his wife Em...

Maria N. Quinby
April 13, 1958 - July 23, 2024
Woodside, California

Maria Quinby, age 66, died peacefully on July 23, 2024 of melanoma metastatic to her brain. Born in Uppsala, Sweden, Maria was a resident of Woodside, California and the wife of Jonathan Quinby for 32 years. With an economics and business administration degree from Uppsala University in 1986, Maria added an Interior Design degree from Cañada College in 2004. She started her own professional design, organizing, and move management business that same year and focused on helping people to downsize and ‘rightsize’ their lives. Maria loved nature, hiking, gardening, swimming, sewing, cooking, bicycling, and visiting friends and family in Sweden. She enjoyed all of the arts and was a world traveler who spent several summers leading tours around Scandinavian countries for Stanford and Yale. Maria was a wonderful, honest, thoughtful, loving, driven, and kind role model. She will be greatly missed by her husband, her children Alexandra M. (Irvine, CA), and Peter W. (San Francisco, CA), as well as her mother Eva (Sigtuna, Sweden), and brother Johan (Vallentuna, Sweden)....

Lawrence (Larry) Hochstein
June 16, 1928 - July 21, 2024
Las Vegas, Nevada

Lawrence (Larry) Hochstein, 96, passed away at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 21, from COVID-19, in addition to complications from a stroke he suffered in 2019, and subsequent dementia. Ann, his beloved wife, was by his side. The son of Russian immigrants, Larry spent his early years in Chicago, before the family moved to Los Angeles. Larry’s father, Abrasha, was a professional concert violist who imparted a passion for classical music to his children. As a young boy, Larry studied clarinet and later played professionally in several orchestras. After high school, Larry enlisted in the Army, and served in Korea during the US occupation. Thanks to the GI Bill, Larry attended USC after his military service. When a friend suggested that he enroll in a microbiology class “to bring down the grading curve,” Larry discovered a love of science and eventually pursued a doctorate in bacteriology. After completing his degree he worked briefly in Chicago and at Stanford University before embarking on a lifetime career at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. His professional life was devoted to the study of halophilic bacteria — organisms that thr...

Albert Francis Knorp Jr.
July 31, 1935 - July 19, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Albert F. Knorp, Jr. passed away peacefully at home on July 19, 2024. Born July 31, 1935 in San Francisco, CA. Al was the son of Albert and Florence Knorp and was raised in San Carlos. Al Sr. started the first baseball league on the Peninsula for youth (4th-8th grade) with the winning team receiving a trophy each year from Lefty O’Doul in Seals Stadium. After working his way through high school, college (Stanford class of 1957) and law school (Santa Clara, class of 1960) at Libby’s Cannery, Al served in the US Air Force Jag Corp. from 1961-64 and was discharged with the rank of Captain. In 1959 he married his college sweetheart, Sally Pedder Knorp. Together, they raised two children and were just shy of celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Al had a successful law career and practiced in San Francisco for over 25 years with Shearer, Lanctot, Walsh & Knorp and on the Peninsula with Lewis, Knorp, Walsh and Kavalaris which merged with Gray, Cary, Ware & Freidenrich (now DLA Piper Rudnick) where he was Of Counsel for a number of years. He managed a family partnership, Seaport Ventures LP, and maintained an office from 1994 to 2021 with his long time colleague Angi...

Richard Edgar Westgaard
Jan. 20, 1939 - July 19, 2024
San Francisco, California

In Loving Memory of Richard Edgar Westgaard January 20, 1939 - July 19, 2024 Richard Edgar Westgaard, age 85 of San Francisco died peacefully in his home on July 19, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Richard was born in Anchorage, Alaska in 1939 to Richard Allison Brown and Alice May Kenworthy. He was raised in Boise, Idaho by his mother and stepfather, Arnold Westgaard. As a teenager, Richard would return to Alaska during his summer breaks to work for Boeing, performing airplane maintenance. Richard attended the University of Oregon from which he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. While in Eugene, he met Rita Tabourian (former wife) and, not long after graduating, they moved to San Francisco where they were married and welcomed two children, Kirsten and Courtenay. Shortly after Courtenay was born, they moved the family to Palo Alto. Richard had a long career with IBM as a technical project manager (spanning from the time of punch cards to the birth of the Internet.). Outside of work, he enjoyed expressing himself artistically through acting, painting and playing a variety of musical instruments. Richard also loved spending time hiking...

Donald Everett Rhoades
Feb. 5, 1933 - July 16, 2024
Redwood City,, California

Donald Everett Rhoades passed away peacefully July 16, 2024, in Redwood City, Ca. Don was born in Oakland, California to Dorothy & Donald Rhoades on February 5,1933. He and his twin sister Marilyn grew up in Palo Alto, Ca where he attended Palo Alto High School. After attending The Lawrenceville Scool in New Jersey for one year, he enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley. As a Golden Bear, he was a member of the water polo team and Zeta Epsilon Tao Fraternity. Following graduation in 1955, Don served in the US Navy, stationed in Hawaii and then attended business school in Europe. Don joined Kaiser Permanente Aluminum & Chemicals Corporation as a project manager, overseeing port site development abroad. He spoke fondly of his travels to Austria, Germany and Ghana and his work in Jamaica where he oversaw the establishment of “Port Rhoades”, named in honor of his father. Don later settled in Swansboro, in the foothills of Northern California. He enjoyed boating, water & snow skiing at Lake Tahoe where he won many blue ribbons as a trick water skier and speedboat racer. A pilot over 50 years Don especially loved to share the experience of riding in a Pitt’s Spec...

Nicole Aileen Sprague
March 13, 1955 - July 13, 2024
Woodside, California

Our beloved sister, Nicole Sprague, passed away peacefully at home on July 13th surrounded by her loved ones. She is survived by her daughter, Martine; her sisters, Christine and Mary; her brother, Emmett; her nephew Brent; nieces Celine, Jaime, Elizabeth and Shannon. Nicole will be dearly missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and parishioners of Christ Church in Portola Valley, where she dedicated herself as church administrator. While she enjoyed her duties at Christ Church, her great passion was aviation. Nicole first flew commuter jets throughout the northeast, where the harsh winters test a pilot’s skill and grit. She was soon offered a position with Swissair, and was quickly promoted to Captain, breaking the glass ceiling by entering a world that, at the time, was mostly dominated by men. During this time she lived in Alsace, France where she easily fit in as this was her Mother’s native country and Nicole spoke fluent French. In her spare time she often pulled gliders for fun and flew her 1947 Piper Cub airplane. She once flew her cub from Long Island, New York to Half Moon Bay, California with family friend Kenny Steger, crossing the entire country in a plan...

Lucia E. Gegan
Nov. 5, 1941 - July 12, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Lucia E. Gegan, 82, of Menlo Park was a woman who brought sunshine and a love for the arts to everything she did, she passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024 with her brother Ron, sister Lillian, brother in-law Joe, daughter Lauren, and dog Daisy, beside her. She was active up until the week before, going out to dinner and always having a glass of her favorite red wine. Lucy's passion for art began early in her life. One of her first jobs was at the esteemed De Young Museum, where she was surrounded by beauty. Later, she and her husband, Michael, shared their love of art and history as docents at the stunning estate and gardens of Filoli. Her professional life thrived at SRI International in Menlo Park, where she excelled as an executive assistant. And after work, she could usually be found basking in the sun at the back patio of Rossotti's with her colleagues, always engrossed in lively conversations and eagerly willing to debate with anyone who dared disagree with her until she’d won them over. Adventure and love intertwined when she met Michael, while on an AYH trip. Their love story began with a ski date on the slopes of Alpine Meadows, and blossomed further when ...

Myrtle Carey
Dec. 23, 1926 - July 11, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Our beloved Myrtle C Carey, wife, mother, friend, mother-in-law, companion, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt and great-grandmother, passed away on July 11 at home in Ladera at age 97. She was surrounded by her five children, their spouses, several grandchildren and close friends. A celebration of her life will be held at Ladera Community Church, 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley on August 31, 2024 at 11am. Following the service there will be a gathering of friends and family in Peabody Hall. Myrt was born on December 23, 1926 in Chicago, IL to Tiburcio and Mary Alida (Gifford) Ciprian, and came home to her three brothers, Gene, Art, and Joe. She graduated from Fenger High School, Chicago, IL, then attended Mosher Business College. While at Mosher, she became secretary to a vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Myrt married Robert Carey in 1947, and they moved to Ann Arbor, MI where she assisted the Associate Dean of the Literary College, while Bob attended the University of Michigan under the GI Bill. Their first son, Robert, was born in Michigan prior to their move to California after Bob’s graduation. Settling down in Concord, CA, Myrtle gave birth...

Mary Agnes Early
Dec. 24, 1923 - July 10, 2024
Palo Alto, California/USA

Mary Agnes Early (Valentine), 100, died peacefully on July 10th in her Palo Alto home. Born on December 25th, 1923, in Logan, West Virginia, our Christmas Valentine resided in Palo Alto for the last 55 years. A gifted artist, Mary Agnes studied at Parson’s School of Design in New York City before earning a Bachelor of Arts at St. Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute, IN (Art/English). She studied Occupational Therapy at Ohio State University, where in 1948 she met her future husband, James M. Early, who later became a pioneer in the semiconductor industry. They shared a beautiful partnership, which lasted for 55 years until his passing in 2004. A dedicated homemaker, and devout Catholic, she shared her love of art and lifelong belief in the power of faith, love, hope, and charity with her many descendants. She is survived by her eight children, Mary Beth Early of Brooklyn, NY; Kathy Early of Palo Alto, CA; Joan Farrell, of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Rhoda Alexander of Greencastle, IN; Maureen Matthews of Campbell, CA; Rosemary Early of Campbell, CA; James M. Early Jr. of Mountain View, CA; Margot Early of Silverton, CO; 12 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. ...

Janelle Tynan
March 2, 1942 - July 10, 2024
Sunnyvale, California

Janelle Tynan, beloved teacher in Mountain View for 37 years, passed away on July 10, 2024 in Sunnyvale. Jan was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio; the sixth of seven children. After graduating from Mary Manse College in Toledo in 1964, she joined her sister, Mary, and family in California. She began her career with the Mountain View School district teaching 6th grade at Landels Elementary, and also taught 4th grade at Huff Elementary (now Amy Amai Elementary) for several years. At the time of her retirement in 2001, Jan had been teaching 6th grade for 20 years at Graham Middle School. Through the course of her career, she mentored other teachers, led workshops, and took on leadership positions within the district. She used her creativity to make learning fun and memorable for her students, and sought to address the needs of the whole student. She formed many long term friendships with students and their families, as well as with colleagues. In addition to teaching, Jan enjoyed travel (particularly to England), theater, high tea, decorative painting, and time with friends and family. She is survived by her brother, Michael Tynan of Columbus, OH; and by many nieces and neph...

Peter Rothwell Hammond
Sept. 20, 1930 - July 7, 2024
Palm desert, California

Pete Hammond, of Portola Valley, Menlo Park and, most recently, Palm Desert, California passed away on July 7, 2024. He died peacefully in his 94th year, with family at his side, after a brief bout with cancer. Pete lived life to its fullest. He retired from his day job with Wells Fargo in his 40’s to spend time with family, travel, and to pursue his interests – Namale Plantation in Fiji, Mission Ranch in Carmel, restaurants and printing. He was the catcher on the softball team into his 40’s, played tennis into his 70’s, skied into his 80’s, and maintained an easy, natural golf swing into his 90’s. His membership in the Jack Daniels Tennessee Squire Association continues to this day. Pete had a gift for gab and engaged others wherever he went. He volunteered to fill the odd seat on the airplane or chair lift and would have a new friend by the end of the trip. After he gave up golf, the morning coffee klatch with pals at The Springs Country Club continued. He was a natural as a volunteer greeter at the Palo Alto Medical Center, where he met his future wife, Margo Ritter. Pete was an eternal optimist, who rarely uttered the words “could’ve, should’v...

Rosemary V. Alguard
Oct. 17, 1944 - July 4, 2024
Palo Alto, California

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rosemary V. Alguard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, who was taken from us sooner than hoped on July 4th, 2024 at the age of 79. She passed peacefully in her sleep at her home in Palo Alto with her husband, Mark, and dog, Jack-O, by her side. She brought immeasurable joy, love, and light into our lives with her kind heart, beautiful smile, wit, boundless curiosity, and love. Rosemary was born in Surrey, England on October 17, 1944 in the final months of the war. Her parents, Henry “Gareth” Slater and Jessie Slater, had four children: Shirley, Elizabeth, Rosemary, and Martin. After a conventional English education, Rosemary sought out work and life experiences abroad, including in France, Italy, the United States, and finally Japan where her only child Graham was born on Okinawa. After Rosemary’s first marriage ended she found herself in Palo Alto where she eventually met Mark, whom she married following a four year romance. They lived happily for the next 42 years in the Palo Alto bungalow she had the good sense to buy in 1978, enduring no fewer than three major remodels. During those early yea...

Lynn Erickson Fielder
Feb. 1, 1962 - July 1, 2024
Issaquah, Washington

Lynn Erickson Fielder 2/1/62-7/1/24 Lynn Erickson Fielder lived with brilliance, strength and courage. In her youth she danced, skied and influenced those around her. She practiced her gymnastics routines with flexibility and ingenuity, like her approach to life. Born in Riverton, Wyoming to Jim and Sondra Roberts Erickson, the family of 3 moved to California, Sondra’s home area. Mark and Mary Alice were born in the years that followed. The family lived in Marinwood, San Rafael, California for 28 years, Lynn graduating from Terra Linda High School in 1980. From the beginning, Lynn was the true embodiment of her Finnish heritage word "Sisu." It describes extraordinary courage, will, resilience, endurance, perseverance, fortitude, kindness, selflessness, humility and pure grace in handling all adversity and obstacles with super-hero-like bravery and dignity. During Lynn’s college studies, she voyaged around the world with the Semester at Sea program, inspiring her lifelong focus on women and children’s health as well as continued world travel. Lynn motivated over 30 families’ youth and college friends to venture on the Institute for Shipboard Education Semester at...

Robert L Katz
Jan. 8, 1926 - June 30, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Robert L. Katz, a lifelong Bay Area resident, World War II veteran, university professor, business executive and environmental leader, died peacefully on June 30, 2024. He was 98 years old. A fourth generation Californian, Bob was born January 8, 1926 in San Francisco. He attended Montezuma School for Boys, UC Berkeley, Stanford and Harvard. While at Cal he enrolled in Naval ROTC and after graduation served as an officer in the Pacific during WWII. In 1953 he married Susan Goldsmith of San Francisco. The couple moved east as Bob taught in the graduate schools of business at Dartmouth and Harvard before returning back home to teach at Stanford. He authored several business text books and articles including a Harvard Business School Classic “Skills of an Effective Administrator”. He was a favorite speaker for the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and provided leadership to corporations worldwide such as Petro-Lewis, Newell Brands and Pratt Industries. With a lifelong love and appreciation for ecology and conservation, Bob moved his family to Portola Valley in 1959 for its natural beauty and proximity to Stanford. He was on the organizing committee to incorporate the ...

Nancy Ann Sicotte
July 2, 1931 - June 30, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Nancy Ann Sicotte passed away peacefully at her home on June 30, 2024, surrounded by her loving family just two days shy of her 93rd birthday. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Sheldon Sicotte, and is survived by her two children Steve Sicotte (Francine) of Portland OR and Dan Sicotte (Erin) of Walnut Creek CA. She is also survived by her granddaughters Megan Sicotte-Kelly and Tessa Sicotte-Kelly, by her grandsons Kevin Stanley, Jeff Sicotte (Emily), and Rob Sicotte, and finally by her brother Dr. Richard Johnson of Kansas City MO. Nancy’s life journey began with her birth in DeKalb IL on July 2, 1931, to parents Dean and Evelyn Johnson. Nancy was raised in Freeport, IL until 1939, at which point the family moved to Taft, CA (an oil town near Bakersfield) when her father, a high school teacher and football coach, accepted a faculty position at Taft High School. Nancy graduated from the high school as class valedictorian in 1949, and then continued her studies at Stanford University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1953, and met her future husband Sheldon (better known by his nickname “Zeke”). Nancy and Zeke wed in September 1954, and at ...

Marianne Arnstein
Oct. 8, 1927 - June 30, 2024
Atherton, California

Marianne Lore Kohn Arnstein, a long time Atherton resident and community leader, died on June 30, 2024, at the age of 96. She died peacefully at home, made possible with loving support from her expert team of caregivers She was born in Nuremburg, Germany in 1927 to parents Robert and Hannah Kohn. Along with her brother George, she and her family left Nazi Germany, arriving in New York City on Thanksgiving Day 1937. Her family then moved to Spokane, Washington. Following high school, she attended the University of California at Berkeley. While a student at Cal, she met and married Peter Arnstein, a leading San Francisco accountant. Marianne graduated from San Francisco State with a teaching credential. Marianne advocated for social justice, inclusion and opportunities to succeed. She had a legendary sense of humor. A woman of understated taste, she was never without her signature pastel scarves. Marianne was an avid gardener who cultivated a beautiful landscape on the family property. Marianne became an executive leader with many community organizations in the Bay Area. Her roles included Board President of the Las Lomitas School District, chair of the San Mateo County J...

Lawrence Victor Riches, Jr.
April 3, 1944 - June 28, 2024
Carmel, California

Lawrence Victor Riches, Jr., husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend passed away peacefully at age 80, on June 28, 2024 in Carmel, California. He was born on April 3, 1944 to Lawrence Victor Riches, Sr. and Gwendolyn Helen (Low) Riches in Laramie, Wyoming. He was the eldest of their five children: Kathleen (Garth) Pickett, Dennis (Pat) Riches, Lynn (Betty) Riches and Tom Riches. Vic was married and sealed for time and all eternity to the love of his life, Carolyn Cutler, on June 18, 1965 in the Oakland California Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They had four children: Michelle (Ted) Helvey, Kevin (Melissa) Riches, Kenneth (Katherine) Riches, and Angela (Derek) Banks; twelve grandchildren: Brittany (Corbin) Smith, Michael (Annie) Helvey, Cameron (Mckenzie) Helvey, Lindsay (Calvin) Millett, Nathan (Gillian) Riches, Jordan (Madi) Riches, Hannah Riches, Rebecca Riches, Porter Banks, Calvin Banks, Brandt Banks, and Simon Banks; and ten great-grandchildren and counting: Will, Cooper, & Sam Smith, Gwennie, Ollie & Jack Helvey, Lyla, Russell & Que Helvey, and Grace Millett. Vic was a faithful member of The Chu...

Jean Emanuelson Dugan
Dec. 14, 1924 - June 27, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Jean Emanuelson Dugan, beloved wife, mother, grand-mother, great-grand-mother and long-time Palo Alto resident passed away on Thursday June 27th 2024 from complications related to a stroke that she suffered in April of this year. Jean was an accomplished vocalist who taught classical and opera singing in her Palo Alto home for over 50 years. A former singer with the Palo Alto West Bay Opera and Palo Alto Singers Forum, she enjoyed performing and teaching students the fundamentals of proper posture, breathing, and techniques for opera singing. She loved singing and sang at her children’s and grandchildren’s weddings, and was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Church Choir in Palo Alto for over 30 years where her husband Wallace attended church. She was an active member of the Vasa Order of America at Lindbergh Lodge, American Legion Post 558, in Los Altos where she enjoyed many social events with family and friends. She is survived by her children Leslie (Bruce) Snead, Barbara (Mark) Anheier, Eric (Susan) Dugan, Greg (Deborah) Dugan, grandchildren Braden (Kennon) Snead, Bryan (Rhi) Dugan, Krista (Fiancé Cody Titus) Dugan, Joey Dugan, Nick Dugan, and great-grandchild Levity...

Rosalie Lefkowitz
April 4, 1929 - June 24, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Rosalie Lefkowitz, née Coblentz, 95, of Palo Alto died June 24, 2024, at home of natural causes with her family beside her. Born on April 4, 1929, to Lambert and Dorothy Coblentz, Rosalie grew up in San Francisco with her sister Elizabeth. As a child, Rosalie enjoyed playing tennis, riding horses in Golden Gate Park and spending time with cousins and friends. She attended Madison School and Lowell High School, graduating from Lowell in 1946. She also attended Sunday School at Congregation Emanuel. Rosalie attended Stanford University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1949. She received a medical technology credential from UC Berkeley and worked as a medical technologist and phlebotomist in hospitals in San Francisco and Washington DC. Rosalie enjoyed singing in choirs and learning the piano. She also took classes in advanced mathematics at UC Berkeley. Rosalie met her future husband, Benjamin Lefkowitz on a blind date. They were married at her mother’s house in San Francisco in December 1957. The wedding was delayed as Ben forgot the marriage license at his apartment across town. Fortunately, the guests were kept entertained by watching the...

Laurence Jay Blickman
Feb. 3, 1953 - June 17, 2024
Atherton, California

Laurence Jay Blickman, Resident of Atherton Laurence Jay Blickman, fondly remembered as the CEO of BT Commercial Real Estate, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, June 17th, 2024, at the age of 71. Laurence worked his way through Cal Berkeley as a cook and car salesman, earning a bachelor's degree in Business. This led him to start his own company, BT Commercial Real Estate, at a young age. His proudest professional achievements include being named Investment Broker of the Year from the Association of Silicon Valley Brokers (ASVB) in 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2001. He was awarded entry into their Hall of Fame in 1992. Laurence loved to cook, play golf with his son Christopher, watch Cal football and basketball, travel, embark on new adventures, and spend time with his two dogs, Prince Harry and Prince William. He had the good fortune of meeting his incredible wife, Victoria, in 2003, and they have been married for 22 years. Laurence is survived by his wife Victoria; his four children, Jason, Alisa, Jordan, and Chris; and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Debra and Jayne, and his many loving nieces and nephews....

Joel Riff
April 17, 1951 - June 16, 2024
New York, New York

Isaac Joel Riff passed away on June 16, 2024, at age 73, in Manhattan, due to respiratory failure. Joel was born and raised in Chicago (West Rogers Park), to Morris Riff and Esther (Weingarten) Riff. A son of Holocaust survivors, Joel graduated from Mather High School, the University of Michigan, and the University of Chicago Law School. He worked for more than 30 years as a lawyer in Silicon Valley, including at GCA Law Partners and Fenwick & West, where he served as chair of the licensing and online commerce group. Joel started his career as a software engineer, and spent a year on Kibbutz Ketura in Israel. In 2016, Joel returned to Chicago, and then to New York to be closer to his children and beloved grandchildren. Joel was a lifelong lover of Yiddish language and culture, political news and discussion, folk music, and cinema. He is remembered by lifelong friends, family, and colleagues, who treasured their relationships with someone so patient, thoughtful, earnest, full of empathy, and free of judgment. Joel is deeply mourned by his sons Adam and Daniel Riff, his son-in-law Chris Coffey, his grandchildren Will and Sona Riff-Coffey, his brother Bernie Riff, his ni...

Basant Khaitan
Feb. 2, 1947 - June 15, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Basant Khaitan February 2, 1947–June 15, 2024 Long-time Bay Area resident Basant Khaitan passed away on June 15, 2024. Basant was a family man, caring immeasurably for his wife of 50 years, Kiran; his children, Rayna and Rishi, and their respective partners; his local extended family in San Ramon; and his many relatives across the US, Canada, and India. No matter the distance, Basant always kept in touch. Basant was born in Calcutta on February 2, 1947, and was the eldest of four children born to Banwarilal and Rukmani Devi. From an early age, Basant took an avid interest in his studies, demonstrating a sharp arithmetic acuity. He graduated from high school early, and earned his B.S. degree in electrical and communications engineering from one of the top schools in India, the Birla Institute of Technology. He was the first in his family to graduate from college. With an eye toward advancement, Basant left his homeland for the first time and ventured to California where he earned his M.S. degree in electrical engineering and computer sciences from the University of California, Berkeley in 1971. In January 1974, Basant married Kiran Bajaj. Together, they...

John Roy MacMillan
June 25, 1949 - June 11, 2024
Portola Valley, California

John Roy MacMillan passed away at home June 11th, 2024 from lymphoma. Born in Maryland on June 25 1949 to Virginia (an OR head scrub nurse with the Army Nurses) and Oscar (a career Navy Officer), John liked to say both his parents held the rank of Captain. What he didn't like about growing up in a military family was moving frequently, staying for a year or so in Virginia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania among others. So, when he came to Stanford in 1967 on a National Merit Scholarship from IBM, he fell in love with the Bay Area and never left. A brilliant student with a passion for Mathematics, he nonetheless had a few moments of “tuning in, turning on, and dropping out” like many in the late sixties, such as “taking a semester off” and bartering his cooking skills to live in a parachute-tent on the lawn of the “Hippie Fraternity” Beta Chi. Some allege he once drove his motorcycle down the dorm hallway; none deny it. Regarding careers, he used to say "people are not ants- we can have more than one role in our lifetimes" and he proved this. After majoring in math (like his lovely wife Marilyn) and minoring in Computer Science (before there was a major) he was a software eng...

Kathryn E. Reitman
Feb. 21, 1950 - June 10, 2024
Redwood City, California

Kathryn “Kit” Elliott Reitman passed away peacefully surrounded by Family at the age of 74 on June 10th, 2024. She was born on February 21, 1950 in Newark, NJ. Kit is a 1968 Graduate of Columbia High School in Maplewood, NJ. She spent a year at Skidmore College and in 1970 transferred to Colgate University, as part of the First Female Class to arrive — graduating in 1972 with a concentration in Psychology. Kit began her graduate work at Stanford University studying for a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy and completing her degree at the University of California, SF. Kit is the youngest of 3 girls — born to Peg and Raymond Reitman. Kit is the last of Frank Henry Reitman’s Grandchildren to bear the Reitman name. From 1977-1984 Kit worked at 3 different Physical Therapy Centers and in 1984 she founded Reitman Physical Therapy. Kit was a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (Orthopedic and Private Practice sections), the California Private Practice Special Interest Group, the North American Institute of Manual Therapy (which she helped found), and the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. The North American Institute is an orga...

Matthew John Silverman
Oct. 16, 1983 - June 10, 2024
Mountain View, United States

Matthew John Silverman passed away on June 10th after a 3 year battle with intestinal cancer at the age of 40. Matt was born on October 16, 1983, the first child of Anna and Joel Silverman. Matthew was raised in Mountain View, attending public schools at Bubb, Graham, and Mt. View High School. He was an exceptional student, excelling in Math and Science, and according to all of his teachers, joy to have in class. As a freshman in high school he received the shocking diagnosis of stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Matt underwent a year of chemotherapy while still attending classes, not willing to give up any of his Honors or AP classes, and continuing in Marching Band. He was completely cured, and went on to study at UCLA, achieving his BS, MS, and Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, again preforming in Marching Band. During these years he heard a calling to do more with his life, and joined a missionary group leading missions to Haiti, teaching the orphans there, and helping poverty stricken adults learn skills to support themselves and their families. Returning to the Bay Area, he was hired at SFSU teaching Clinical Laboratory Science in the Medical Diagnostics graduate...

Susan Anderes
Jan. 18, 1954 - June 6, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Susan Margaret Anderes, a woman who balanced a career, family, and a variety of interests with grace and a touch of humor, passed away at age 70 after a six-year battle with cancer. Born in San Francisco in 1954 to Patricia and Harold “Andy” Anderes, Susan’s life was a blend of dedication, adventure, and occasional misadventure. She was the eldest of five children. Her father was a professional forester, and the family lived for a time in the isolated mountain inholding of Wilsonia, CA. Susan grew up for the most part in Reedley, CA, surrounded by nature and rural life. The Anderes family culture emphasized alpine ski racing, and Susan was no exception. In addition she was a high school track and field athlete, specializing as a sprinter and hurdler. Her passion for cycling led her to complete twice in the Davis Double Century bike tour, demonstrating her endurance and love for physical challenges. Susan pursued higher education at UC Davis where she earned a BA in International Relations. Her academic career included a year abroad at Georg August Universität in Göttingen, West Germany, which broadened her international perspective. As a native Californian, she re...

Patricia M Blatt
Feb. 19, 1929 - June 6, 2024
Gilbert, Arizona

PATRICIA M BLATT FEB 19, 1929–JUNE 6, 2024 Patricia M Blatt passed away peacefully June 6th 2024, at her assisted living home, The Enclave, in Gilbert AZ. Born to parents Joseph L Pattisson and Norma Pattisson (Canepa), in San Francisco CA, Patt, (with 2 Ts) as she preferred to be known, attended school and grew up in San Francisco along with her brother Joseph L Pattisson Jr. Patt was an avid skier, and met her husband, Herb Blatt through their membership in the Peninsula Ski Club of San Mateo. They made their home in San Mateo, Belmont, then in 1969, Woodside, where they resided for 30 years. In Woodside they found a wonderful community, where they made many close, longtime friends, with Shasta house boating trips a summer staple. Patt was involved with Woodside/Portola Valley Newcomers, Children’s Home Society, the Woodside Village Church Guild Hall, and participated in many of the stage productions at Woodside Elementary School’s George Sellman Auditorium over the years. Patt and Herb also enjoyed tennis, playing in many Woodside SWAT tournaments. After going back to work in bookkeeping, Patt then decided on travel, becoming an agent and working with Travel Expr...

Robert Alan Masik
April 26, 1948 - June 6, 2024
Sunnyvale, United States

Bob was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and grew up in Palo Alto. He attended Our Lady of the Rosary School, where he made lifelong friends. He graduated from St. Francis High School, class of '66, where he served as Class President and played intramural football and baseball. He continued playing football and baseball at University of Santa Barbara, where he graduated with a degree in Political Science. After graduation he served in the Peace Corps, building roads, bridges and other community projects for the people of Ilobasco, El Salvador. Bob then worked for several years in Saudi Arabia, and returned home to work for Lockheed Martin. He raised his three boys, Bobby, Kevin and Patrick, in Sunnyvale. Bob was active in Little League during those years. In 2010 Bob married his grade school classmate, Letitia Roddy. He welcomed his new family members, Bren and Sionnan Wood. He was active in Tijuana Ministry, building houses for struggling families in Tijuana. He was also active in Cursillo, working several weekends, and in RCIA at Church of the Resurrection. He will be remembered for his friendly smile, his generous heart, his home grown tomatoes, beautiful ros...

Barbara Susan Perret
Sept. 13, 1953 - June 5, 2024
Redwood City, California

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Perret on Jun 5, 2024. Born on September 13, 1953, Barbara's light was extinguished too soon, leaving a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Barbara was a vibrant woman whose spark was ever-present in her laughter, in her eyes, and in her life's passions. Her favorites ranged from the music of Ringo Starr and The Beatles to the thrilling heights of a Godzilla movie. As an ardent supporter of her favorite sports team, the SF Giants and her favorite player, Willie Mays, she was always ready to celebrate their victories. However, her achievements encompassed so much more than admiration for pop culture and sports. Barbara was an amazing baker and chef, often filling the homes of her loved ones with decadent aromas and a kitchen full of laughter. Her personality, described best as funny, ornery, but ever loving, radiated to everyone around her, warming every room she entered with joy. She epitomized strength, resilience, and love. The greatest lesson Barbara imparted on those she left behind was to never take loved ones for granted - a testament to her unwavering care and concern for her fam...

Karen Mora
Dec. 31, 1941 - June 5, 2024
Menlo Park, CA

Karen Jacobsen Mora went into the arms of her loving Savior on June 5, 2024 after battling with a long illness. Karen was married twice, once to Russ and then and Hank Mora, (died 1997), whom she considered her soulmate. She was preceded in death by parents, Virginia and Jake, sister, Shelley, and nephew Todd. She is survived by brother Jim, nephews Bryce, Brett and Justin. Karen, was a lifelong resident of the peninsula, most recently in Sharon Heights for 20+ years. Aunt Karen was a bold, intelligent woman, whose intellect stayed with her into her elder age. Her love of nature and outgoing personality drew many friends and family together to enjoy life. She was a member of St. Athanasius Catholic church and longtime 49ers fan. She had a fondness for good food. She would say “some eat to live, I live to eat.” She was known for her uncanny ability to select the sweetest strawberries and would share them with her friends and relatives by dropping off a crate at their doorstep. She had a penchant for bringing her cherished Italian olive oil to dinner, which she kept in her purse. She had an unmatched ability to pick the ripest avocados and juiciest melons. She loved h...

Hazel Helen Rand
Aug. 24, 1933 - May 31, 2024
Westminster, United States

It is with great sadness that we must share news of the passing of decades-long Palo Alto resident, Hazel H. Rand. Hazel was born in Bath, England on August 24, 1933, and first moved to Palo Alto in 1963, with her husband Roy E. Rand (who passed away in 2022). After moving back to England for a few years, and also living in Perth, Australia for a few years, Hazel and Roy returned to Palo Alto for good in 1978. After Roy’s passing in 2022 Hazel moved to Colorado to live closer to her children and grandchildren. As a young adult in England, Hazel was a sailor with the Girl Guides - Sea Rangers, and then served in the WRNs (Women’s Royal Navy), receiving an Honorable Discharge at the time of her marriage to Roy. While in Perth, Hazel completed her BA in Anthropology at the University of Western Australia - the degree she started at Foothill College. Her last place of employment before her retirement was at the Center for Radar Astronomy at Stanford University, as a technical administrative assistant. After her retirement she was a volunteer at the Gamble Garden Center. She was also an avid amateur photographer for many decades, who won several awards for her creativ...

Bonnie Barbara Anderson
Jan. 24, 1945 - May 30, 2024
Orange, California

Bonnie B. Anderson passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024, surrounded by family in Orange, California. Known for her warm smile and welcoming spirit, Bonnie dedicated her life to service, creativity, and humor. An avid quilter, swimmer, gardener, and baker, she was always thinking of new ways to bring people together—whether through her cookie parties or her unforgettable 60th birthday “prom.” She took pride in creating a home that was warm and inviting to everyone. Bonnie was born in Highland, Illinois, and grew up in Denver, Colorado, where she developed her spirited nature as a pom-pom girl and synchronized swimmer. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in nursing, and her career reflected her deep commitment to caregiving. Bonnie served as a Peace Corps nurse in Choluteca, Honduras and later as a Nurse Practitioner at Stanford Hospital and the Palo Alto VA Medical Center. Her ability to offer support and levity through challenging experiences brightened the lives of family, friends, colleagues, and patients alike. She is survived by her daughter, Brett Anderson (fiancé Edward Breckenridge); her son, Daniel Ryan Anderson (wife Jen, gran...

Teresa Spiva
Feb. 18, 1942 - May 30, 2024
Redwood City, California

Teresa Najera Spiva passed away at the age of 82 on May 30, 2024 at her home in Redwood City with her husband of almost 60 years by her side. Born in 1942 to parents Cristina Ledesma and Carlos Najera, she lived in multiple desert and coastal locations in California as a child, before settling in the Bay Area. While studying to be a dental hygienist at San Jose City College, she met the love of her life, Everett Spiva. They married in 1965 and in 1975 she welcomed the joy of her life, her son John. While raising him in Menlo Park, she worked as a medical assistant and billing specialist for medical practices at Stanford, jobs that well matched her talents for organizing things and putting people at ease. With her wonderful taste and eye for beauty, she created homes that were warm and inviting. She and Everett shared a love for antiques and art and enjoyed finding and refinishing treasures. She was known for the colorful flowers which bloomed in her garden and adorned her living room and for her needlepoint creations. She enjoyed listening to opera, completing jigsaw puzzles (without looking at the picture!), mystery stories, art museums, watching Warriors games, and fam...

Lupita Leal de Monroy
Nov. 30, 1938 - May 29, 2024
El Paso, Texas

Lupita Leal de Monroy, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, California, died at home in El Paso, Texas on May 29, 2024. She was 85 years old and died with her daughters by her side. Born on November 30, 1938, in Pesquería Chica, Nuevo León, México, Lupita was the daughter of Dr. Gustavo Leal Morales and Dora Benavides De La Rosa. She was named María del Socorro de Guadalupe Leal Benavides, but she preferred “Lupita” (the diminutive of Guadalupe). Her father practiced medicine and operated small pharmacies in Pesquería Chica, Los Ramones, and El Soliseño. He settled in El Soliseño, his wife’s hometown, where they raised their family. In Mexico, Lupita attended Escuela Lauro Aguirre in El Soliseño, Escuela Primaria Baldomero Sánchez in Hídalgo, Tamaulipas, and Colegío de México in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. She graduated from Secundaria y Preparatoria José de Escandon in Reynosa, Tamaulipas. Spending time in her father’s office increased her interest in becoming a pharmacist. At that time, women were expected to pursue practical degrees, work, or marry. Following her mother’s recommendation she attended a secretarial school in Brownsville, Texas ...

Mark Britton Hancock
June 4, 1951 - May 26, 2024
Renton, WA

When death is sudden, shock sets in, and then awareness of all the unfinished business left behind emerges. Mark Hancock, always prepared, a master of “Punch Lists,” documentation, accurate and factual, was not prepared, he was not finished. His sudden unexpected death, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, is a shock that has been felt around the world. It is nearly impossible to grasp how a vital, seemingly healthy, “Energizer Bunny” man could be gone. A heart attack. The Silent Killer. Mark often reflected on his exciting and eventful life, and he was clear that he had no regrets. He said he had lived a full life. Many who know him know that it would take a book to detail that life. Among his many lists he had countless “Chronologies” (as he called them), the list of his life events, historic concerts, and extensive global travels. Mark was born June 4, 1951, at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto, California. His parents settled in South Palo Alto, where subdivisions of post-WWII homes suddenly sprung up from the pasturelands. Palo Alto was evolving around him, becoming the center of the universe for many extraordinary lives; discoveries that shaped our world, and new econom...

Barbara Metzger Baxter
Nov. 5, 1929 - May 25, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Barbara Metzger Baxter was born in San Francisco, CA, on November 5, 1929 to Colonel Samuel Metzger and Lucille Spaulding Metzger. She died at home in Menlo Park, California, on May 25, 2024. Barbara graduated from Stanford University in 1951 where she studied hard, swam fast, and stayed up late working as an editor for the Stanford Daily. She was an active alumni member and Stanford sports fan all of her life. After marrying a classmate, William Francis Baxter, and raising three children on the Stanford campus, Barbara worked at Hewlett-Packard as a technical editor. Barbara’s brilliant intellect and unwavering positivity were invaluable to her throughout her life. Both played a role in empowering her to live life on her own terms. She played competitive bridge, worked every year as an election official, and traveled the world on Elderhostel trips. She was passionate about scuba diving, community theater, books, the ocean, and gardening. Walking with Barbara through her apartment building always provided a glimpse of how loved she was in her community: everyone knew her and said hello. She was a local celebrity, admired for her charm, wit, and warmth. She wi...

Ursula Susanne Moore
Oct. 4, 1922 - May 21, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ursula Moore, 101, died May 21 at her Palo Alto home where she had resided for 74 years. Ursula was adored by her 3 children, Barbara Ellis, Virginia Davis and Jacqueline Moore, 9 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and her son-in-law Mark Davis. Ursula was born in Breslau, Germany and fled the Nazis in 1938. Her parents chose Berkeley because the weather was beautiful and the university was free. Puzzled by the German educational system, the Berkeley school district decided she belonged in college, so she enrolled in UC Berkeley at 16, graduating at 19 with a BA and again at 21 with a masters in psychiatric social work. She met the love of her life, Ernest J. Moore, also a refugee from Germany, when folk dancing at UC’s International House. Considered enemy aliens, Ernest’s family required special governmental dispensation to travel from San Francisco to Berkeley for their son and Ursula’s wedding at the Claremont Hotel in 1942. Just days after the event, Ursula and Ernest moved to Maryland, where he joined the US army as a Richie Boy and she became a Red Cross driver. They were together for the next 63 years until Ernest’s death in 2005. After WWII they m...

Sam Eletr
March 24, 1939 - May 15, 2024
Kensington, California

Dr. Sam Eletr, a visionary scientist, engineer and entrepreneur, passed away in San Francisco on May 15, 2024 after a long illness. He created many successful biotech companies and in the late 70’s founded a company that developed machines for DNA analysis, later used to facilitate the Human Genome Project. Dr. Eletr was born in Alexandria, Egypt in 1939 and at 17, left alone for France to pursue his education. With meagre means in Paris, after only a year of preparation, he was accepted into France’s prestigious and highly selective, Grandes Écoles. He studied Electrical Engineering at the Institute National Polytechnique in Grenoble. With little English, Dr. Eletr left for the United States in 1959 to pursue a Physics Masters at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg and finally a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. Following post-doctoral research at the esteemed CNRS Bordeaux, France and University of California School of Medicine San Francisco, he joined the staff of the Hewlett-Packard Corporate Research Laboratories in Palo Alto. There, as Head of Research & Development, he worked on a panoply of medical instrumentation, including the first b...

Monajo Lee Ellsworth
Dec. 15, 1934 - May 15, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Monajo was born in Moore Haven,Florida on December 15, 1934 to Venice Mae Swango and James Acey Lee. Monajo graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Florida State and a Master’s degree in Child Development from Brigham Young University. Monajo met Orval Telford Ellsworth while at BYU and they were wed in the Manti Temple on December 29, 1959. Married for 51 years until her beloved Orval passed in 2011. Together they blessed the lives of their children Marie, Ann, Michelle and John, 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Monajo loved dancing, singing with her autoharp and weaving on her looms. She was also passionate about the arts from a child-development standpoint and she made sure her children all had lessons in the performing and visual arts. She earned her pilot’s license while still in her teens and loved flying her small plane off the canal banks in central Florida. A self-described “people person,” Monajo loved to make friends and hear people’s stories. She had a private practice as a marriage and family counselor and was wonderful at keeping in touch with her friends and family. She was an avid foodie and enjoyed cooking, baking and bringing her fami...

John Lloyd Richardson
Jan. 29, 1935 - May 13, 2024
Portola Valley, California

John Lloyd Richardson, 89, proud father of 5 children, died at his home in Portola Valley, CA of natural causes in the arms of his loving wife Alice on May 13, 2024. He was born in Ventura, California in 1935 to Morris and Audrey Hollister Richardson during the heart of the depression, moving residences several times and enduring his father's absence during his service as a decorated naval officer in the Pacific theater in World War II. John was educated at Whittier High School in Whittier, California before earning his bachelor's degree and PhD in chemical engineering at Stanford University. A tenacious worker, he began his professional career at Ford Aeroneutronic and Occidental Petroleum in southern California. His dynamic career path crisscrossed the country to Detroit, Michigan then Vancouver, Canada and finally back home to Menlo Park, California. He led companies in varied industries, including seawater purification, biotech and consulting to public utilities. John met Thora Bergsteinsson at his and her summer job at Union Oil and later they both graduated from Stanford. After graduation they married and had 5 children--David, Eric, Karen, Kristen and Thomas, who ...

Jo Ann Matter Burchard
June 1, 1929 - May 13, 2024
Los Altos Hills, California

Jo Ann Matter Burchard, Jo, 94 of Palo Alto/Los Altos Hills, California, passed peacefully on May 13, 2024, in her home. She was surrounded by two of her children, a lifelong friend and supported by the caring services of Sutter Hospice. Jo was born on June 1, 1929 in Ventura, California, to Henry and Lee (Alma). She was her parent’s second daughter, their first being Myrna and then Hank (Bud) was their son born in 1931. The Matter family lived on Mound Avenue which at the time was on the outskirts of town next to farmland. It was Lee’s gift of gardening, preserving and processing meat that allowed for the family to not only survive the depression but enabled them to save enough money, up and through WWII, to send all three of their children to college; Myrna to UCLA, Jo to Stanford and Hank to USC. Jo was an avid reader throughout her childhood and enjoyed all that Stanford had to offer, the curriculum, the climate, the hills and a few lifelong friends. Her best friend Maggie matched Jo’s sense of humor and they shared a lifetime of adventures together. Jo met Preston Burchard her senior year as she received her BA in History and he received his MA in History. They m...

Blakeney Stafford
April 25, 1942 - May 12, 2024
Palo Alto, California

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Blakeney Stafford on May 12, 2024. Blake was born in Sommerville, NJ, to William Lafayette Stafford and Dorothy Bresnahan Stafford. Blake attended Princeton University, where he studied history and played varsity baseball. He played left field for the team, and was a power hitter. He became the first Princeton player to hit a fair ball out of Clarke Field, a 360-foot blast. Blake met many life-long friends at Princeton and loved to share stories about his time there. He also graduated from Stanford University Law School, and NYU School of Law. Blake met Virginia Mason Elmer at Princeton. They married shortly after, and moved to Chile. While there he drafted VAT law legislation for the country. They had two children during their marriage, Page and Amanda. Years later, Blake and Julianne Lundberg were married in Venice, Italy, and enjoyed 32 years of marriage. Grace and Nelson are their children. They lived in Palo Alto. Blake was a proud founding partner of the Silicon Valley law firm Fenwick & West. He spent decades building the firm and attracting lawyers and clients to the firm. He was proud to say that the firm ...

1LT Channing Burke Chrisman
July 15, 1928 - May 10, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Channing Burke Chrisman -- Channy Boy to his mom and dad, Grandchan to his grandchildren, Chan to the rest of us -- passed away on May 10th, 2024. Chan graduated from the Phillips Academy in 1946, from Stanford University in 1950 and received his commission from the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1952. He then shipped out to Korea to serve as a first lieutenant in the 25th Infantry Regiment, was wounded in battle at the Nevada Complex in May 1953, and returned to build a life with his beloved wife, Dorothy Trapp Countryman, in the Santa Clara Valley. Chan and Taffy bought a parcel carved out of an apricot orchard next to a dairy farm, built a home there and lived in the Green Acres II neighborhood of Palo Alto for the next 70 years. Bound together by a fierce love and rock-solid family values, the couple raised six children through the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and took joy in seven grandchildren, all of whom survive their beloved GrandChan and TaffyGrammy and will treasure their memories always. Chan and Taffy were open-hearted neighbors and loyal friends, and community members knew them as a pair who offered friendly smiles and warm how-do-you-dos (“Cheer...

Mary (Maribee) Smith
March 25, 1926 - April 28, 2024
Kelowna, B.C., Canada

SMITH, MARY “Maribee" 1926 - 2024 Maribee was born Mary Beatrice Smith to William and Katherine Allman in 1926 in Vancouver, Canada. She was married to Geoffrey Oswald Smith. They immigrated to the United States in the early sixties. She became an American citizen in 1968, and later regained her Canadian citizenship, to become a dual citizen. Following a divorce, she returned to college at Berkeley, trained as a teacher and began a career in education, teaching in the San Mateo Union High School District. She resided in Palo Alto for 50 years. Maribee did some overseas teaching ESL in Korea and the U.A.E. California sunshine inspired an interest in sports and the outdoors, which Maribee indulged in by bike riding into her late 80’s. Travel was also an interest, especially to tropical locations for scuba diving and underwater photography. Following retirement in 1995, she volunteered with the Ravenswood Education Foundation, specifically with the Science Initiative, which helps students prepare to enter high school with both knowledge and lab skills. She had an intense interest in helping challenged students in the early grades obtain the skills necess...

Dolores Marie Babich
Sept. 2, 1935 - April 25, 2024
Woodside, California

Dolores "Doe" Marie Babich passed away at the age of 88 on April 25, 2024 with her family by her side in Emerald Hills, CA. She was born to Eugene and Irene "Jackie" Cashman on September 2nd, 1935 in San Francisco, CA. She graduated from St. Paul's High School in 1953. Dolores was an original fixture at Fireman's Fund Insurance in the Financial District, becoming independent at a young age. At age 28, she eloped to Reno with the love of her life, James "Jim" Babich, to whom she was married 61 years. She had two children: Nicole "Niki" and Julie, and moved to Emerald Hills as a full-time mother. Dolores raised her children, and multitudes of animals including horses, goats, chickens, dogs, quail and endless kittens. Doe returned to the workforce after her children were grown, representing the town of Woodside where she held the position of Town Clerk for over a decade, as well as a member of the city of Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce. Dolores, a breast cancer survivor, is predeceased by her parents, her brother Gene and Sister Verna, she leaves behind a brother Robert. She was the very proud GrandmaDoe to her adoring granddaughters Sasha and Sophia Turic. Doe was an avid read...

Rex Carlton Garr
Aug. 5, 1932 - April 24, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Rex Carlton Garr, a devoted family man, veteran, and accomplished engineer, passed away on April 24th, 2024 at Stanford Hospital at the age of 91. Rex was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on August 5, 1932. At the age of 12, following the loss of his mother to cancer, Rex moved with his father and brother to Los Angeles. After completing high school, he joined the Air Force at the outset of the Korean War, serving as a radar instructor in Mississippi for four years. Upon returning to California, Rex pursued higher education, first at UCLA and then transferring to Cal Berkeley, where he earned a B.S. in Engineering Physics. He was honored with membership in Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honor society. However, he always said that the greatest honor of his time in Berkeley was meeting and marrying Ann Skoglund. Rex and Ann were happily married for 66 years. Rex began his professional career at Hughes Aircraft in Los Angeles. He then moved back to Northern California to join Lockheed, where he enjoyed a 30-year career as a research specialist. He made significant contributions to satellite communications and telemetry systems, culminating in his work on the Hubble Space Telesco...

Gary Jon Dufresne
Aug. 19, 1934 - April 24, 2024
Palo Alto, California, USA

Gary Dufresne was born on August 19th, 1934. He was a devout Christian and raised by his grandparents on a dairy farm in St. Paul, Minnesota until his teens. His stepfather Ray Dufresne was an officer in the US Army and was deployed to Japan during the Korean war, bringing Gary and his mother along for 2 years. After moving back stateside, Gary attended Messick High School in Memphis, TN where he graduated in 1953. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was trained at Paris Island where he honed his skills as a Sharpshooter. After serving his country, he briefly worked as an insurance adjuster in Kansas City, MO for the Hartford Insurance Company, where he quickly realized his calling was to be a Public Servant. He left Hartford and became a police officer in Kansas City. He was married shortly after and had 2 sons and moved to California. In 1967, he took a job with the Stanford University Police Department, eventually moving to an opening in the Stanford University Fire Department, where he found a brotherhood that he truly cherished. He was then divorced. After establishing himself in the Stanford University Fire Departm...

Tom Passell
Nov. 24, 1929 - April 21, 2024
Los Altos, California

Thomas Oliver Passell was born in Chicago in 1929 and passed away peacefully at his Los Altos home on April 21, 2024, at an age of 94.37 years. He was raised in Colby, Kansas and served in the Indiana National Guard. He was married to Agatha Pearl Brown Passell for 46 years from 1952 until her passing in 1998. Tom is survived by their children, Christine Green, Mark Passell, Cynthia Lopez, Julia Demeter, Andrew Passell, and Matt Passell, nine grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. Tom was married to Joan Brennan until her passing in 2021, and is survived by her children, Suzanne Brennan Nathan, Steven Brennan, Clay Brennan, Elizabeth Brennan, and Catherine Brennan, 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Tom received a BS in chemistry from Oklahoma A&M and a PhD in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley. He was a research chemist for Phillips Petroleum Co. and Lockheed Missiles and Space, a senior physicist for SRI International and Physics International, and a project manager for the Electric Power Research Institute. Tom was an active community member in Palo Alto, participating in local politics and serving on Citizens Advisory Committees ...

Jane Bassett Differding
Aug. 20, 1937 - April 20, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Jane B. Differding was born in Winston-Salem, NC and spent most of her life on the SF Peninsula. She grew up as a PK (short for "preacher's kid") who got accustomed to changing communities. After attending high schools in Moorestown, NJ and Allentown, PA, Jane studied at Swarthmore College where she made lasting friendships. She completed a B.A. in History in 1959 and married her West Coast darling, John, the same year. The couple started out in San Francisco and then moved to Portland, OR. In 1966, they settled in Palo Alto with their girls, Joan and Amy. Jane weathered an eventual divorce and continued to be a devoted parent while pursuing a new career. She earned a Master of Library Science from San Jose State University in 1979 and became a research librarian. Her knack for sourcing data led to work as an information specialist for businesses as varied as Nielsen Engineering, Tandem Computers, and Genelabs. Jane always enjoyed reading books and was partial to mysteries. She also adored babies and volunteered in the NICU at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, comforting newborns with lullabies. Her adventurous spirit gave rise to memorable travels on each continent, most notably...

Alma Howard Phillips
July 30, 1935 - April 19, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Alma Phillips passed away peacefully on Friday April 19, 2024, after gracefully enduring several years of dementia. Alma is most remembered for her loving dedication to family, to friends, to children, and to the service of the nature of the universe, which she came to believe is love. Alma Ayleen Howard was born in Pampa, TX, where she grew up on a farm and enjoyed acting, basketball, and encouragement, from a favorite teacher, to attend college. After graduating from high school in White Deer, she attended UT Austin, earning a degree in Education. It was at UT that she met Jim Phillips, the love of her life, with whom she lived a full life, 63 years of marriage, and raised a family. Early in their marriage, Alma taught at the primary level in Texas and New York. While she was quite successful and found teaching rewarding, she ended her career to care for her young family. Alma was a fierce advocate for her children’s education and provided endless support for her husband in his career and volunteer pursuits. The family moved to Palo Alto in 1972, where Alma began a lifetime of service to the community, much of it involving childhood education. Alma’s educatio...

Maxine Hoffland Tucker
Feb. 26, 1938 - April 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Maxine Hoffland Tucker died peacefully at home on April 19, 2024, after a long illness. She was born February 26th, 1938 in Covina California to Corwin Hoffland and Margaret Goheen Hoffland. She attended Covina Schools, graduating from Covina High School in 1956. Following her father in college and the newspaper business, she enrolled in UCLA, intending to major in journalism. However, after a year Maxine and a friend decided to transfer to UC Berkeley, uncertain about areas of study. Conversations and tests at the Cal Counseling Center suggested Social Work and she found her calling, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1960 and MSW in 1962. In 1958 Cal won the Pacific Coast Conference football championship and played in the Rose Bowl on January 1st, 1959. As a result, Maxine had a new year’s eve party at her home in Covina. She invited friends from high school and college who were in the area for the game. Included was Kenneth Tucker, a friend of Joyce Sims, the graduate resident in Maxine’s dorm at Cal. Mutual interest sparked that evening, fueled by a subsequent note from Ken saying “I found you.” Their first date was a basketball game between Cal and Wash...

Ian James Allan
Nov. 15, 1958 - April 11, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ian James Allan, long-time resident of Palo Alto, beloved brother and friend, passed away quietly on April 11, 2024, in the early afternoon at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. Starting life in Berkeley, California, on November 15, 1958, as the fourth child of William and Muriel Allan, Ian would excel in academics, athletics, and making many friends. After his parents relocated to Palo Alto in 1967, Ian attended Addison Elementary, Jordan Junior High School, and Palo Alto High School. After graduating from Palo Alto High School in 1976, Ian continued his education at Stanford University (Class of 1982), earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Stephan deGery, brothers Peter and Thomas Allan, nephews Joel, Joshua, and Matthew Allan and great-nephew Toby Allan. Memorial services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palo Alto....

Roy Elton McLaughlin
Jan. 1, 1957 - April 6, 2024
Mountain View, California

Roy Elton McLaughlin, 67, died unexpectedly April 6th. 2024, at Monument Hospital, Rapid City, SD. He was born January 1st, 1957, in Sacramento, CA. The Son of Elton B. and Charlotte G. (Stievener) McLaughlin. Roy graduated from Norte Del Rio High School, class of 1975. Following graduation, Roy enlisted in he US Navy. Served proudly on the USS Scamp (SSN 588) and the USS Bremerton (SSN 698) between 1975-1983. After his service Roy worked for Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale, CA for 33 years, Living in Mountain View, CA for 40 years. He had recently moved to Rapid City, SD to be closer to family. In Addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his sister, Dorsie D. Tice and brother, Raymond T. McLaughlin. Surviving are his sister, J. Clynell (Lanny) Freeman, of Midwest City, OK. Brother, James W. Sims III, of Copperopolis, CA. Brother, Douglas A. McLaughlin of Roseburg, OR and sister, L. Charlene (David) Kornmeyer of Black Hawk, SD, 15 Nieces and Nephews. Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, July 10th, 2024, followed by a 'Celebration of Life' Service. Please refer to Kinkade Funeral Chapel Obituaries in Sturgis, SD for additional...

Muriel Gill McGee
Jan. 20, 1928 - April 1, 2024
Los Altos, California

Muriel Gill McGee of Los Altos, CA, died peacefully in her home on April 1, 2024, at the age of 96, from complications arising from a fall. Throughout several years of physical and mental decline, her sweet disposition and lovely smile never faltered. Born in the City of Carlisle, Cumberland, England, on January 20, 1928, Muriel was the daughter of Joseph and Maria Jane Bulman, the first of four children. She attended schools in Carlisle, Malvern and Bristol University, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in History. After working for several years at insurance and merchant banking firms in London, Muriel decided it was time to “see the world,” so she emigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1959, where she worked for Standard Oil of British Columbia. She was active in the music and youth programs of the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral. She met friends at a Scottish dancing club, and in particular Hermann Wolter, an émigré from Germany working at UBC. In 1960 Hermann took a new job at SRI in Menlo Park, CA. Muriel’s plans to “see the world” were put on hold and she followed Hermann to Menlo Park, where she started working for Allstate Insura...

Barbara Jackson
July 7, 1941 - March 27, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Barbara Leckey Jackson passed away on March 27, 2024. She was born in Miles City, Montana on July 7, 1941. She moved to Seattle, and Portland before graduating from high school. She received a degree from Whitworth College and a Masters in Language Education from Stanford. She taught Spanish for several years at Sequoia High School in Redwood City. She married Robert Jackson in 1964 and they moved to Palo Alto in 1968. She had sons Carl and James. She remained active in the Parent Teachers Associations for the schools that her children attended. After they completed school, she returned to teaching for the Adult School for the Palo Alto school district, specializing in English as a Second Language courses. Barbara especially enjoyed meeting her Adult School students and maintained many friendships with them after their classes completed. She attended numerous gatherings with current and former students and relished different cultural experiences. She was passionate about her children. She cooked, cleaned, chauffeured, dropped off, picked up, fixed, waited, shopped, watched, protected, encouraged, educated, accompanied, supported and loved, for her children. Sh...

Joseph Lyle Baldwin
Aug. 26, 1931 - March 26, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Surrounded by family and friends, Joseph L. (Joe) Baldwin, born August 26, 1931, died peacefully at his home in Palo Alto on March 26, 2024. A longtime resident of Palo Alto, in his retirement Joe advocated for and helped to lead local initiatives to provide solutions and supports for unhoused individuals and families. He served as President of the Urban Ministry, as Co-Chair of the Community Working Group to develop the Palo Alto Opportunity Center in 2006, and as a member of the Downtown Streets Team. In addition to these roles, he was a strong voice in opposing legislation that criminalized homelessness, such as the 1997 "Sit-Lie Ban," and in advocating for public toilets in downtown Palo Alto. He believed strongly in the power and obligation of local government to solve local problems, and was a frequent writer of opinions and letters to the editor, often asserting, "if any community can solve its homelessness challenge, it should be Palo Alto." He was a vestryperson, and Senior Warden, at All Saints' Episcopal Church, where he was a member since 1974, and he also volunteered with the Diocese of El Camino Real. After working in New York City and Chicago, Joe came we...

Jean Garrett
July 29, 1922 - March 20, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Jean Garrett, a longtime Palo Alto resident, died at age 101 in her home in College Terrace on March 20, 2024. Jean was a WWII Veteran, a breast cancer survivor, a peace activist and a great neighborhood walker with her husband Paul, who died in 2016. Jean and Paul shared seventy happy years together. Jean was born outside Redding, California in 1922. She met Paul while they were both still in the service and they settled in Palo Alto where they raised their two children. Renowned for her culinary skills, friends dubbed her home “Chez Garrett.” A vegetarian and pescatarian for decades, she was a strong advocate for healthy and delicious eating. Concerned about the environment, Jean worked to enlist local employers to adopt meatless Mondays in their dining facilities. She also found delight in nature, especially animal babies. She thrived at home with the loving and ever cheerful care of Cristina and Bernadette to whom the family is very grateful. In her last months Jean enjoyed simple pleasures: chocolate, orchids, her cat Lovey, and visits with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jean is survived by her children, Susan and Doug and their s...

Thomas Frederick Randolph
Sept. 23, 1930 - March 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Madeleine Zentner Randolph Haugan and Samuel William Randolph III. He grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Wilmette, Illinois and Santa Barbara. Tom and his older brother Sam loved spending each summer in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin at their grandparents’ cottage, where they were introduced to golf and became excellent sailors. Tom met his future wife Mary Preuss in ninth grade, both graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1948 (Tom captained the basketball team). He attended Stanford University on a Navy ROTC scholarship - he joined Phi Kappa Sigma, making lifelong friends. He was Head Yell Leader and sand volleyball champion. Mary and Tom were married two weeks after college graduation on June 29, 1952. Following graduation, Tom served during the Korean War as a Naval officer. Completing his military service in 1955, he began working for the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding in Los Angeles. In 1961, the family moved to Menlo Park for the opportunity to run the Dole Pineapple account. In 1968, he was promoted to run the SF office, in 1980 took the presidency of FCB/Honig West, and in 1985 became Chairman. Known for empat...

Mary (Robin) Roberta Duggan
Jan. 29, 1950 - March 16, 2024
Mountain View, California

Mary Roberta (Robin) Duggan passed away after a yearlong struggle with metastatic ovarian cancer. Throughout this period, she faced her ordeal with the bravery and graciousness that anyone who knew her would expect. Robin was born at Hoover Pavilion in Palo Alto to Keith Walker and Mary Sheehan Walker. She grew up on the peninsula, primarily in Menlo Park and Palo Alto, and graduated from Palo Alto High School. She then attended Willamette University in Salem Oregon, and following graduation, obtained her teaching credential from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. After a short time as a pre-school teacher, she devoted herself to raising her two children. She also served as a volunteer at her children’s schools including St. Lucy in Campbell, St. Simon in Los Altos, and Saint Francis High School in Mountain View. Additionally, Robin devoted herself to her true passions—art and crafting. She excelled in any artistic field she pursued ranging from stained glass and weaving pine needle baskets to her favorite crafting pursuit of making intricate paper cuttings and artistic greeting cards. As much as she enjoyed creating her art, she enjoyed bringing joy to others by g...

Patty McEwen
June 7, 1923 - March 16, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Patricia Ann Hoagland McEwen, a native Californian and longtime resident of Palo Alto, died peacefully on the 16th of March in San Mateo. She was 100. Born in Los Angeles, Patty spent her infancy in Palo Alto. When the Depression struck, her parents Elmer and Marguerite moved back temporarily to Ohio to be with family. Elmer, a salesman, traveled a lot. Later, the family was able to return to Palo Alto permanently and lived on Guinda Street with Felix, a giant tortoise in the back yard who eventually escaped and made a new life for himself at the fire station on Embarcadero Road. Patty involved herself with the Children's Theatre, playing Snow White in its first production in 1932. The founder Hazel Robertson became a mentor and lifelong friend. Patty attended Walter Hays elementary, Channing junior high school and graduated from Paly High in 1940. After studying English Literature at Colorado College, she completed her BA at Stanford, where she worked as a secretary in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. In 1950 she married Dick McEwen, a doctoral student in engineering. In 1951, they moved to Southern California, where they had two children, Todd and Kirs...

Chesley M Douglas
1929 - March 16, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Chesley M. Douglas Jr. August 1929 – March 2024 Resident of Palo Alto A native of San Jose, Chesley calmly stopped living while residing for the last 3 ½ months in a Menlo Park care home. The cause of his demise was dementia, which he had for the past 3 years. He was a special kind of a husband, married 68 years to Shirley Allen. A Father to two boys, Chesley III and Rawley, he supported them always in sports and all endeavors. He was a grandfather to four and great grandfather to two boys! A man of multitudes of collections and interests. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and San Jose State. He loved San Jose State and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Palo Alto Rotary of which he was past president, as well as the alumni association of SAE. A “Blue Blazer” while belonging to the Spartan Foundation, and a director for Order of Sparta. While in college at SJSU, he was captain of the water polo & swim teams as a freshman to his senior year (1949-1952), he also was on the Sun Valley Ski Patrol in 50’s. The boys took an interest in Boy Scouts, Chesley became an Assistant Scoutmaster for five years. Traveling was one of his favorite hobbies, after...

Adele Seltzer
April 29, 1937 - March 15, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Adele was born in New Jersey on April 29, 1937, to William and Muriel Wishnow and was raised in the Bridgewater, New Jersey with her two sisters, Rhoda and Reba.  She met her husband of 61 years, Ronald Anthony Seltzer, while receiving a BS and MS in Educational Psychology at University of Pennsylvania. Ronald was an intern at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital when they met.  Adele is survived by her two children, Lauren, her husband, Robert Roskoph, and Jeff, his wife Marilyn Hartnett, and her five beloved grandchildren, Adin, Myles, Shayna, Cameron, and Mia.  Driven by a life-long love of the Arts, Adele returned to school for a Master of Fine Arts at San Jose State University. For more than three decades, she not only taught printmaking and painting, she also worked in the Art Department at Stanford University, taught at Art institutions and established her own design studio as an independent Artist.  Throughout the course of her professional journey, Adele participated in a plethora of group exhibits at institutions throughout the US and in Germany. Additionally, Adele’s work was featured at solo exhibitions throughout the US from Palo Alto to Chelsea NYC to W...

Michael Anthony Willemsen
Sept. 2, 1937 - March 15, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Anton C. and Mildred Willemsen, Mike moved often, but he spent substantial portions of his childhood in Boise, Grand Rapids, and Bellevue in the Seattle area. At Bellevue High School, he discovered debate, excelled at it, and determined to seek a career in law. At Stanford, he earned his B.A. and M.A.in Economics, was elected Editor of the Law Review, and graduated top of his class at Stanford Law School. Deeply committed to a life of service, he served the majority of his legal career as a staff attorney for the State Supreme Court. Under the well-known liberal Justices Tobriner and Broussard, he helped to draft several opinions that have become classics. When he was not working on the court he practiced appellate law, volunteered for Amnesty International and the Innocence Project, and taught Constitutional Law at DeAnza College. At Stanford, Mike met his wife, Eleanor Walker, whom he married in 1959. She too earned three Stanford Degrees in Psychology and worked as a college professor. Together they taught a Psychology and Law class at Santa Clara University for 27 years. They were married for 64 years. Mike enjoyed history, hiking,...

Dr. Linda Davis Caren
April 17, 1941 - March 14, 2024
San Jose, California

Dr. Linda Davis Caren was born on April 17, 1941, in Corsicana, Texas. Her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and Linda moved almost annually during her childhood, including time in Brazil and Japan. Learning how to make new friends so often may have been why she was blessed with so many wonderful friends throughout her entire adult life. Linda attended Ohio State University for her Bachelor's degree, graduating as valedictorian in only three years. It was also at Ohio State that she met her lifelong husband, Chris, who passed away in 2017 after 54 years of marriage. She accepted a scholarship to Stanford University for her Master’s and Ph.D. in Immunology. She was among the earliest women to achieve doctoral status in her area – an accomplishment that is thankfully much more commonplace today. Dr. Caren was a tenured Professor at Santa Clara University and later taught at California State University, Northridge. Her research included analyzing the effects of stress on the immune system, and in partnership with NASA, she did similar research on immunity in zero-gravity environments. Linda loved nothing more than parenting and grandparenting. She was ...

Hope Raymond
Dec. 11, 1929 - March 12, 2024
Palo Alto and Pleasanton, California

Hope Raymond was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 11, 1929. She was a woman of courage, integrity, and grace. Her life centered around her love of the world and passion for learning. Over the course of her life Hope led countless spiritual seminars, traveled the world, journaled extensively, authored three books, and had four children, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a large extended family who all loved her dearly. Hope obtained her B.A. in English from Wellesley College, where she formed lasting friendships and developed the values she would hold most dear throughout her life — intellectual stimulation and life-long learning, respect for the environment, and the caring for and understanding of others. She spent much of early adulthood as a teacher, first teaching in Palo Alto just after college. When her husband’s work brought the family to Ghana, Hope taught a variety of subjects to international students of all ages and backgrounds. Once back in California, Hope found her niche in early childhood education while teaching in preschools for children of disadvantaged backgrounds as well as directing the preschool for graduate students’ childr...

Diana Mary Beuttler
March 13, 1927 - March 12, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Born in La Cumbre, Argentina, to Idina and John Pearson, sister to Roy, Diana, also known as “Dickie” to her large international family, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of March 12, 2024, one day before her 97th birthday. Diana is survived by her children, Jeremy and Cynthia, her daughter-in-law Andrea, step-grandson Joshua Tendler along with nieces and nephews too numerous to count. Diana attended college at The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College in London where she received her degree in architecture and interior design. After graduation, on a visit home, she met her husband, Robert “Bob” Beuttler. After a six month courtship, Diana and Bob married in La Cumbre and then traveled to England where they lived for two years. In 1954, they returned to Bob’s hometown of San Francisco, California. They later moved to Palo Alto, Burlingame, and eventually, in 1968, settled into what would be their life-long home in Felton Gables, Menlo Park. Diana was an accomplished homemaker and an extraordinary seamstress who used her talent in that area to teach others to sew, to make her own clothes, and to decorate her home. She enjoyed ...

Michael J Mensick
Dec. 22, 1960 - March 10, 2024
Palo Alto, California

An almost life-long resident of Palo Alto, Michael (Mike) Mensick was born in Belleville, NJ to the late John (Jack) Mensick and Lucia Mensick. He was brother to the late John (Chip) Mensick and Mark Mensick. Mike was married to Andrea Evans Mensick for 32 years and father to Nicole Mensick and Michael Mensick, Jr. Before his illness took hold, Mike had a passion for fishing, golfing and horses. Mike graduated from Cubberley High School and went on to Foothill College. He started a career in construction sales with DM Figley Company and Cade Company which paved his way to work with Sonneborn Building Products, ChemRex and Degussa Chemical companies with a territory that included Northern California, Northern Nevada, Hawaii and Guam. He was proud of his contributions to Oracle Park, the State Capital of Hawaii, the military base in Guam, and restoration to several of the old buildings in San Francisco....

Lawrence (Larry) Patrick O’Neill, Sr.
June 8, 1934 - March 10, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Lawrence Patrick O’Neill, Sr. June 8, 1934- March 10, 2024 In loving memory of Lawrence Patrick O’Neill, Sr., who finished his final round, with no bogeys, on March 10, 2024. He was a devoted Navy Veteran, who served his country with honor and bravery for 20 years. During his time in the Navy, he was able to see the world and hold many notable positions, working diligently to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Following his service, he found and pursued his passion for golf. Again, working up through the ranks and securing his final position as Director of Golf at Stanford University Golf Course. Larry, or Chief, as some so affectionately called him, shared his love and passion of the game with countless others. Those of all skill levels were coached, taught and were subject to his quick wit and great sense of humor. Beyond his love of the game, and his professional accomplishments, Larry was known for his remarkable storytelling abilities, weaving captivating tales that held his listeners spellbound. His poetic soul infused beauty into everyday moments and his quick wit and love for jokes brought laughter to all who knew him. Larry was giving with his time, helpe...

Susan Perkins
June 29, 1945 - March 9, 2024
Mountain View, California

Our beloved sister, Susie left us on March 9, 2024, after a long bout with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. She was living in downtown Mountain View, in her old bungalow, previously converted to a lovely accessible home. Susan Perkins was the oldest of five daughters to our parents Fran and Herb. She was born in 1945 in Massachusetts while our father served as a captain of a medical unit in occupied Japan. Susie followed in his professional shoes as a devotee to medical research. In the late 70s she received medical technician training with a specialty in blood research. This led her to a career at Stanford medical center, cloning blood cells. She worked, and contributed to publications, at the forefront of monoclonal antibody research. Her tendency to enjoy meticulous processes absorbed her and she often discussed the precision in her work. Attention to detail went beyond her research, often absorbing herself in very complex jigsaw puzzles. Numerous beautiful, framed puzzles hang in her home. The grace and precision of ballet, which she practiced as a child, led her to buy season tickets to the ballet in San Francisco, which she shared with various neighbors and fr...

Katherine Jane Franger
Dec. 11, 1928 - March 8, 2024
Mountain View, California

After 95 years of devoted service to family, friends, and underserved communities, Kathie slipped free from her earthly shell on March 8, 2024. Memories of her kind, selfless spirit will live on in all those whose lives she touched. Born in Santa Cruz to Clara Crosby and George W. Wood, Kathie married Vincent D. Franger in 1951. They settled in Mountain View where they raised three girls. Kathie and Vince added their voices to the choirs at Saint Joseph’s and Saint William’s churches, and Kathie worked tirelessly for immigration reform and improved conditions for farm laborers. Kathie was preceded in death by Vince, her parents, all of her siblings, and her grandson Cheyne. Daughters Laura Corbett (Merle+), Teresa Allen (Tristan), and Carol Franger (Dan Ng) will sorely miss Mom’s unwavering love and guidance. Beloved granddaughters Stephanie Hurst (Jared), Veronica Inglett (Dan), Danyelle Westerfield (Brett), and Mikayla Hansen (Cole) and her seven great-grandkids will dearly miss “Biz.” Her step-grandkids and great-grandkids remember that Grandma Kathie loved them as her own. No flowers, please. Kathie’s generous heart would be delighted by a donation to the ...

Oliver F. Hook
Oct. 10, 1924 - March 7, 2024
Scottsdale, Arizona

Oliver Franklin Hook of Scottsdale, Arizona, a Navy fighter pilot in WWII, member of “Americas Greatest Generation”, died peacefully March 7 surrounded by his two sons. He was 99. Born in Kansas City, Missouri October 10, 1924 to Ralph and Ruby Hook, he learned the value of hard work early. He grew up with three brothers on the ‘Hook & Son’s Dairy’ farm in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, attending grade school and high school there, where he excelled in athletics and academics. His athletic prowess in football, baseball, basketball and track eventually led to his induction into the “Lee’s Summit High School Sports Hall of Fame” in 2015. At the ceremony, a former coach wrote, “Oliver was, quite simply, one of best natural athletes I’ve ever seen”. After graduation, Oliver enrolled at University of Missouri in 1942. Like so many of his peers, his college years were interrupted by the the War. He enlisted in the Navy, entering the aviation program, earning his wings in 1944, graduating third from the top of his class. A gifted pilot, he continued as a Naval instrument instructor and flew in the Naval Reserves until 1965. At the conclusion of the War, Oliver re...

Michael Stroud
April 29, 1967 - March 5, 2024
Palo Alto/Santa Clara, California

Michael Stroud, aka Majinga the Magician (as well as World Famous Magic Mike, Quazar, and Lian Qi Bian) was a 12-time award-winning magician, consultant, inventor, author and lecturer in the art of magic. He accomplished more in 56 years than most of us will in a lifetime. A rarity in this world, he knew exactly what he wanted to be when he grew up and magician was the only profession he ever knew. He performed his first paid gig for a small library in Iowa at 11 years old when the librarian noticed that he had checked out every magic book in the library in his thirst to learn magic. As a teenager, he moved to Palo Alto to live with his grandmother and she fostered his love of magic. After graduating from Palo Alto High School, he started college, but quickly realized he knew exactly what he wanted to do and quit to pursue his career. Within 5 years he became the most famous and loved magician in Palo Alto. In his teenage years, he was mentored by Wayne Raeke and borrowed $300 from his grandmother to purchase a sound system so he could do larger shows and this started a lifetime of investing in his art. He collected and performed 1,000’s of effects, 100’s of cabaret...

Trevor R. Burrowes
Nov. 27, 1937 - March 4, 2024
Madrid, New Mexico

Trevor Burrowes -- artist, visionary, and tireless defender of natural and man-made beauty in our environment -- has died. Born in Jamaica, Trevor lived on both American coasts and in Mexico, before making his home in East Palo Alto in the 1980s. His education in fine art, art restoration and architectural history, coupled with a transplant's fresh eye, gave him a singular ability to spot what was unique and precious in his new environment. This community, divided and isolated by a freeway, survived with much of its rural history intact within its landscape, while the surrounding Peninsula was rapidly losing any such traces. The steady growth of Silicon Valley placed it in imminent peril from real estate pressure. But Trevor saw, instead, how East Palo Alto offered a model for sustainable urban/suburban living -- where food could still be grown locally, and the peaceful, desirable qualities of green neighborhoods without sidewalks, so admired in the most prosperous areas of the Peninsula, remained. East Palo Altans were still able to keep sheep and horses, goats and chickens, and to grow vegetables. He was prescient. Today, our local organic growers must travel be...

Donald Charles Creevy, MD
April 22, 1936 - March 3, 2024
Portola Valley, California

After several years of declining health, Dr Don Charles Creevy, 87, died peacefully in his sleep on March 3rd, 2024. Don's life was enriched by a rewarding medical career, a devoted family, cherished friendships, much laughter, a lifelong passion for classical music and high-quality audio equipment, and a deep love for travel photography. Don cultivated enduring friendships with nearly everyone he encountered, leaving a profound mark on their lives. At his retirement celebration in 2010, over 300 friends and family members gathered to honor his legacy and the deep connections he fostered, reflecting his widespread influence. With his compassionate listening ear and genuine warmth, Don touched the hearts of all who knew him. Dr. Don Charles Creevy was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his M.D. from the University of Minnesota Medical School and relocated to California to commence an OB/GYN residency at Stanford University, subsequently establishing his own private practice. Don facilitated the delivery of over 6,000 babies, consistently advocating for optimal birthing experiences for both mothers and infants. During the 1970s and 1980s, his pioneering efforts to ...

John Huntly Redpath MD
Aug. 13, 1942 - March 3, 2024
Angels Camp, California

John Redpath MD, a longtime partner at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation died peacefully, after a struggle with cancer and complications from treatment, on March 3, 2024. His wife , Kathy and his children,(from his marriage to the former Barbara Zieman) were at his side. John trained as an anesthesiologist and practiced anesthesia at Stanford Hospital and Surgecenter of Palo Alto. Originally from Eastern Canada, he was a family practice Doctor in Toronto for seven years, before changing his field. He was a well respected, and thoughtful man. John was passionate about helping others. He was very active with Interplast, and traveled to many countries, in Central America, South America, and Asia. He always answered the call to help someone in need. John is survived by his brother, Jim(Bobbi) Newfoundland, his wife, Kathy, his children Peter, (Lisa) J Scott, (Kate, and Julia,(Gavin Buckley), seven beloved grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews, and cherished in-laws....

Edward Ned Hollis
June 8, 1944 - Feb. 21, 2024
Springville, Utah

Edward Mowry Hollis June 8, 1944 — February 21, 2024 Edward “Ned” Mowry Hollis of Springville, Utah died on February 21, 2024 at the age of 79. He was born in Oakland, California on June 8, 1944 and adopted by Edward Poole Hollis and Eleanor Ruth Mowry Hollis who raised him in Palo Alto, California, where he lived until moving to Springville, Utah in 2014. Ned married Dawne Bernice Witt on February 15, 1969. He is survived by Dawne, as well as their three children, son Timothy Mowry Hollis (Alisha), daughter Melanie Hollis Hansen (George A.D. Hansen), and daughter Abigail Ruth Hollis. Ned is also survived by his brother Theodore M. Hollis, as well as grandchildren, Jeremiah Poole Hollis, Emily Rita Hollis Bess (Joshua Lee Bess II), Addison Dawne Hansen Allan (Keith Allan), Evelyn Carol Hollis, Haight Edward Hansen, Isaac Mowry Hollis and Hollis Dean Hansen, and one great-grandson Joshua Lee Bess III. He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson Samuel David Hollis. Ned was the quintessential artist, often volunteering to build sets for local theater groups. He was a skilled woodworker and built beautiful custom cabinets, some of which found their way ...

Dawn Marie Podell
Jan. 1, 1944 - Feb. 21, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dawn was born and raised with her brothers Tom and Richard in Tracy, CA Dawn was extremely intelligent, and graduated from high school at just 17, and later received her bachelor's degree in anthropology from San Francisco State University. Dawn married Allen Podell in 1966, and they eventually settled in Palo Alto. While raising their two daughters Phoenix and Shani, Dawn was an active and devoted wife and mother who was deeply involved in her children's schools and activities. Dawn was a deep believer in the importance of diversity and opportunity for all, Dawn was a fluent Spanish speaker, and was active in the community on several committees and on the board of Peninsula School. Dawn was an accomplished artist and was always involved in art of many forms, and held several art shows. Dawn also worked as a bookkeeper for Allen’s business for many years, and started her own company in the 1980s. Dawn was a talented cook who hosted many elaborate dinners for friends, family, and Allen’s clients, and greatly enjoyed sharing her recipes with her children and grandchildren. Dawn had many friends from all over the world that valued her fierce independe...

Dick McEwen
Dec. 22, 1925 - Feb. 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

C.R. "Dick" McEwen, a resident of Palo Alto since 1964, passed away in San Mateo on February 19th. He was 98. Dick was born in Montana and spent his early years in the woods, where his father was a lumber camp superintendent. He graduated from high school in Missoula and studied at Cal Tech and Stanford, obtaining degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. In 1950 he was one of the first people in the U.S. to be awarded a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. He worked as a petroleum recovery scientist at the Union Oil Company in Brea, and then at the Spinco division of Beckman Instruments in Palo Alto. He made significant contributions to the field of biomedical instrumentation, including ultracentrifugation and protein/peptide sequencing. Dick was active as a volunteer in Palo Alto, notably with the police department, and in disaster preparedness with his local neighborhood watch group; he also taught an AARP senior driving class. He was very musical and played piano, guitar and the trumpet, with which for many years he serenaded his neighbors on New Years Eve with 'Auld Lang Syne' on his front lawn. He hated gardening. Dick enjoyed hiking the Bay Area with Ma...

JOHN MACK CASTERMAN
1941 - Feb. 19, 2024
REDWOOD CITY, California

John Casterman left us peacefully on February 19, 2024. John was an intense and challenging man, and he was well-loved. John grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas where his family ran the local Coca Cola Bottling Plant. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Fine Arts degree. He volunteered for the Vietnam War and served three tours in combat with the 11th Armored Cavalry-- the legendary Blackhorse Regiment. The Regiment did not have its own shoulder patch. While training his unit to ship to Vietnam, John used the library at Ft. Meade, Maryland to research the history of the Regiment and military heraldry and with that, he designed the now-famous Blackhorse patch. With the able assistance of men in his platoon, John got the patch officially adopted in 1967. As a young tank commander in Vietnam, John earned the extreme loyalty and lifelong friendship of his soldiers by being brave and bold and by fiercely looking out for each of his men. John was severely wounded in action in 1967 and spent two years recuperating in Walter Reed Military Hospital in Maryland. Upon his release, John returned to Vietnam to his combat unit, M Company, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cava...

Dr. Clayton Wilson Bates, Jr.
Sept. 5, 1932 - Feb. 18, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dr. Clayton Wilson Bates, Jr., an esteemed electrical engineer and physicist, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his three children, Katherine Bates, Christopher Bates, and Naomi Haines, son-in-law, Jason Haines, and grandson, Jett Haines. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Priscilla S. Bates, his parents Clayton W. Bates, Sr. and Arline Bates, and older sister, Barbara V. Walker. Clayton was born on September 5, 1932, in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, New York City, to the late Clayton W. Bates, Sr., and Arline Bates. His early years were marked by a deep fascination with science and engineering, a passion that would shape his remarkable career and leave an indelible mark on the world. After attending New York Public School 119 and New York Junior High School 43, Clayton graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1950, where he excelled both academically and athletically. It was during these formative years that Clayton's love for baseball, basketball, and track flourished, alongside his burgeoning interest in science and engineering. Driven by his childhood dreams...

Arlene Aiko Schaupp
Sept. 17, 1934 - Feb. 14, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Arlene Schaupp passed 2/14, age 89. Born in Japan, missionary parents. Occidental College ‘56 and McCormick Seminary. Married John Jack Schaupp ‘61. Lived in Pres. Mission Cameron House, S.F. Jack was Youth Director. Moved to Palo Alto ‘76. Active in 1st Pres Church P.A. embracing LGBTQ membership. A’s calling was social justice, coordinating S. Bay Sanctuary Covenant. Led 37 Delegations to El Salvador for education, economic aid, int’l spotlight. 63 years of marriage full of love & mutual respect. Survived by 3 children 7 grandchildren. Zoom March 9, 1pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88333998033?pwd=Vk1WNkpmWkNvRDlTcnplMkRFdHBVQT09 Meeting ID: 883 3399 8033 Passcode: 992496...

Joan Elizabeth Hobstetter
Dec. 22, 1950 - Feb. 12, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Joan Hobstetter passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of February 12, 2024, beside her beloved husband, Gary, her little dog Peet, and with her four children in the next room – her family all together, just as she liked it. Joan passed away after a devastating battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Joan – Honey, Mom, Grammy, Joanie, sister, teacher – was born and raised in Lebanon, New Hampshire, daughter of Raymond and Margaret Kelly. Her lifelong grit and determination buoyed her as she became a single mother at age 16, persevered to the top of her class at Lebanon High School, and as she supported herself and toddler while working at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. No dream was too big for Joan, and in 1973 she decided to change her life. All at once, Joan sold her belongings, purchased a red Volkswagen Beetle convertible, picked up her daughter from preschool, and drove West. With the Bug transformed into a makeshift camper (replete with flower planters), she and Traci chased the California dream all the way from their small New Hampshire town to a new life in Palo Alto, California. Joan enrolled at Foothill College while working at Stanford Un...

Mary Finlayson
Dec. 5, 1933 - Feb. 12, 2024
Woodside, California

Mary Finlayson passed away of a subdural hemorrhage in the early morning of February 12, 2024 at her home in Woodside, surrounded by her family. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday, as well as the 70th anniversary of meeting her beloved husband Norris for the first time in January 1954. Mary Ann Ellis was born in Berkeley, California on December 5, 1933, the first daughter of Dr. Grant Ellis and Mary Laurine Holmes Ellis. A few years later, the family welcomed her younger sister Laurine ("Renie"), who became a lifelong best friend. Mary revered her father, a soft-spoken, highly intelligent, and hardworking man who was a beloved and respected family doctor in the community. Dr. Ellis deeply loved their mother, who was a force of nature: tall, beautiful, outspoken, opinionated, and fascinated by art, music and literature. The Ellis home was full of love, culture, and lively debate. Mary's life was also enriched by the presence of an extended family of Ellis and Holmes uncles, aunts and cousins whom she loved and was so proud of, and with whom she shared countless adventures and celebrations. From childhood, Mary embraced life with curiosity and a gift for bringing ot...

Russ Peach
Sept. 9, 1935 - Feb. 10, 2024
Woodside, California

Russ Peach passed away from cancer while on hospice at his home in Minnesota with his sister, niece, and great niece by his side and is survived by his 2 sisters and many nieces and nephews. Russ was born on September 9, 1935 on a farm in Centuria, Wisconsin. He had 9 siblings. In 1954, at the age of 19, Russ left his country life and made his way to San Francisco, California before settling in Woodside. Whether you had horse property and needed arena and drainage work, fences to be mended, barns to be fixed up, a home to be remodeled, or you had fields that needed yearly mowing, Russ Peach was a household name. Always wearing a John Deer hat and never too far from his tractor Russ was known by everyone. Russ spent 69 years in Woodside and was always available for a hang out at the Pioneer, dinner at Harry’s Hofbrau, horses to be boarded on his property, or any tractor service work you may need. Woodside doesn’t feel the same without him. He will be missed by many. There will be a celebration of life for Russ at the Pioneer on March 16th from 4-6pm....

Shirley Ann Powers
March 7, 1936 - Feb. 7, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Grande Dame Shirley Powers passed away with her daughter and grandson by her side on February 7th, 2024. After spending her childhood freezing through the Wisconsin winters, she was thrilled to earn her bachelor’s degree in music and land in sunny California. Shirley dedicated her life to avant-garde pursuits such as combining her jazz compositions with her poetry, conquering every hiking trail in the Bay Area, kayaking through bevies of otters in Monterey Bay, and publishing poetry in progressive women’s anthologies. She had two great passions: fighting for social justice and John, her partner of 42 years. Together, they worked for change with endeavors such as producing content and working cameras for a local cable TV news show, marching to protect women’s right to choose, and singing with the international peace group, the Raging Grannies. Working with the Grannies allowed Shirley to combine her love of music, theatricality, and political protest. She took great pride when her local chapter was included on the FBI “To Be Watched” list. Beyond her high energy, charismatic, funny personality, Shirley was a big ball of love. She loved her daughters, Erin and Colleen, and ...

Shirley Jean McKelvey
Feb. 2, 1937 - Feb. 7, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Shirley Jean McKelvey was a prolific painter, had an amazing memory, and was an avid reader. She loved to learn about the world and other people, and to encourage and inspire others. Shirley was born on February 2nd, 1937, Groundhog Day, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Agnes Partin McKelvey and Rance McKelvey. As a child, Shirley and her parents lived in Cleveland, Ohio; and Manchester, Memphis, and Tullahoma, Tennessee. Shirley majored in social studies with an emphasis on history at Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. She had several teaching jobs throughout her life. She married John Schlumpberger while living in Key West, Florida, and they had their first child there. They moved to Buffalo, Minnesota, and she had three more children while living in Buffalo. The first of those children died two days after birth. The family moved to Huntsville, Alabama and then to Hollywood, Florida. In 1970 the family moved to Palo Alto, California, where Shirley lived for the rest of her life. Shirley played tennis for most of her life and also taught tennis. She was a member of the Palo Alto Tennis Club, and remained close friends with many of the tennis club members thro...

Zhiwei Xiao
Dec. 14, 1972 - Feb. 6, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Zhiwei David Xiao passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2024, after an intense battle with cancer, with family and friends by his side. A loving father, husband, son, and friend, Zhiwei was born in 1972 in Xiaogan, Hubei, China. As a child, he loved to help out on his family’s farm, learn in school, and spend time outdoors. He was the first in his family to enroll in college, attending Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Tsinghua University, where he met his wife Hongxia. After moving to the United States in search of new opportunities, knowledge, and education, he settled in the Bay Area at the turn of the century, landing a job at Cisco. Zhiwei became a resident of Palo Alto in 2000 and remained in the Silicon Valley technology field for more than two decades. Over the years, his experience in computer engineering led him to Broadcom, Amazon, Zingbox, Palo Alto Networks, and Apple. His dedication, kindness, technical leadership, passion, work ethic, and constant appetite for learning made him an admired and respected colleague. In his spare time, he loved to travel, spend time with family, traverse the outdoors, watch sports, play basketball, and lear...

Richard (Dick) Nye Clark
Sept. 20, 1934 - Feb. 5, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Richard (Dick) Nye Clark, industrial designer, ingenious artist, social activist, and community champion, died on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Stanford Medical Center of heart failure. He was 89. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 20, 1934, Dick grew up in the company of two older sisters, Sylvia (Sally) and Catherine (Kitty). He was a Cub Scout, spent summers working on the family dairy farm in Ohio, and served as president of his class at Eastern High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Michigan in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy that year, serving as Lieutenant Junior Grade for four years. After finishing his military duty, Dick headed west to San Francisco and never looked back. In 1961, he began his career at what later became known as Ford Aerospace in the Human Factors Laboratory. During his 29-year tenure, he worked on design projects ranging from NASA mission control consoles to satellite tracking systems in Hawaii. After retiring in 1990, he embarked on another chapter of his life, devoting himself to his artistic pursuits and social activism. Dick was a long-time resident of Palo Alto, where he me...

John Erwin Tabor
Aug. 14, 1937 - Feb. 3, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dr. John Erwin Tabor passed away on February 3, 2024 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 86. He was born on August 14, 1937 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Charles and Anna Tabor. John spent his youth in the Detroit Lakes area and attended St.Olaf College where he received dual degrees in history and chemistry, then went on to get his degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. John served four years in the US Navy and was discharged with the rank of Lt. Commander. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. John and Pearlann were married in December 1967 and settled in Palo Alto, California where they raised their family. John became a partner at the Palo Alto Dental Group where he dedicated himself to providing excellent care to his patients for over three decades. In 2008 they moved to Denver, Colorado to be near their grandchildren while they grew up. He had a strong passion and curiosity for the arts, sciences, literature, nature and travel. John was a man of integrity, wit and compassion who touched the lives of many with his generosity of spirit. May we find comfort in our memories as we celebrate a well-lived life and pay forward his kindness towards oth...

Annette Schaumann
Aug. 6, 1932 - Feb. 3, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Annette Patti Schaumann 8/6/1932 to 2/3/2024 Born to Sicilian immigrants who worked each Two jobs after coming to the US through Ellis Island legally. Annette had to start dinner and care for her younger brother at age 8. It was hard times with the recession & then the war. Her parents had to get milk on credit for the new baby her brother. There was a car accident where she and her mother were injured and that resulted in a settlement where they were able to buy a 6 family Brownstone in Ridgewood, New York. She helped her father with maintaining and painting the units at an early age. During High School Annette would take multiple buses & trains to learn fashion design. After High School she became a fashion designer. She would see dresses in the windows of stores like Sacs Fifth Avenue and draw the design on Newspaper & make a similar dress. It was a man’s world in that industry, and she was not willing to do the things it took to make it there. She made some beautiful outfits for Suzanne. She was an amazing athlete playing handball, basketball & softball – often being the only girl competing with the boys at a time when girls did not play sports. She taught the ...

Yolanda Font
April 30, 1930 - Feb. 3, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Yolanda “Lolly” Font, age 93, passed away on the morning of Saturday February 3rd as a result of a stroke and advanced dementia. She died peacefully at her residence at Palo Alto Commons. Lolly was born Yolanda Theresa DeIorio in Utica, New York on April 30, 1930. She was the oldest of 4 children in a large, Italian family. Lolly had a passion for learning throughout her life. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Utica College and a Master’s degree in Education from Syracuse University, and a PhD from the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Lolly married John Francis Font on August 14, 1954, to whom she was married for twenty three years. Lolly and John had five children – John, Lauren, Daryl, Shelly, and Erika. In 1963 when Dr. Font accepted a faculty position at Stanford, Lolly and the family moved to Palo Alto, California. Lolly embraced the role of busy mother of five children. She volunteered with the PTA at the children’s elementary school, and eventually worked as Preschool Director at Dr. Font’s Beacon School in San Jose, CA. The Font family enjoyed camping in Yosemite, Big Sur, Russian River and Sunset Beach where they w...

Morris Brown
Nov. 27, 1938 - Feb. 2, 2024
Santa Barbara, California

Morris Brown was a scientist, entrepreneur, aviator and community activist. As a young boy in Bremen, Indiana, Morris showed the determination and curiosity which he would carry with him throughout his life. He built his own radios and loudspeakers and is remembered to have once pointed to the moon and said “I’m going to fly there one day.” His rigorous academic determination earned him a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in three years, a Master’s of Science from the University of Wisconsin the following year, and a PhD in chemistry from Stanford just two years later, in 1962. He continued his research in organic chemistry at Harvard, working with Nobel Laureate Robert Woodward, and went on to teach briefly at Caltech. While at Caltech, he obtained his pilot’s license and met his wife Denise. Returning to Menlo Park, where he would reside for over 50 years, Morris worked briefly in the pharmaceutical industry before launching the avionics company Moavco, channeling his passions for flying and electronics into a business housed at the San Carlos Airport. In the early 1980s, Morris bought an original IBM PC and taught himself how to program. M...

Jeane Greenawalt Johnson
June 25, 1926 - Feb. 2, 2024
Los Gatos, California

Jeane Greenawalt Johnson died February 2nd 2024, at The Terraces in Los Gatos. She was 97. Ms. Johnson was born on a farm near Princeton, Kansas, child of F. Ralph and Marie Greenawalt. The family relocated to a farm near Paola, Kansas. When she was in the seventh grade. She became a 4-H member, which piqued her interest in a home economics career. She graduated from Paola High School and then Kansas State University with a BS degree and later a BA from San Jose University, in her chosen fields of home economics and education. She received many honors including Mortar Board, Omicron Nu, Phi Kappa Phi, as well as scholarships. She spent over two years as a home demonstration agent in western Kansas before accepting a similar position in Ventura County, CA. as 4-H home advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension Service She was married in 1951 to Louis Bruce Johnson, a fellow Kansan and K-State engineering graduate. Four years later they moved from Oxnard, where her husband was employed at Point Mugu Naval Air Missile Test Center, to Portola Valley, CA. By this time two daughters were born to them. She never lost her interest in young people, becom...

Jean Fung Gong
Feb. 5, 1926 - Jan. 31, 2024
Palo Alto, California

On January 31, 2024, five days before her 98th birthday, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and cherished friend Jean Char Gong died peacefully at home in Palo Alto, California, where she had lived for 70 years. Jean was born in Honolulu, February 5, 1926, to Marguerite Liu and On Char. A gifted student, Jean earned a BA from Brigham Young University and an MA in Education from Stanford. Jean and Walter A. Gong met and fell in love at Stanford. They were married on July 7, 1951, and later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jean taught elementary school at Fairmeadow and El Carmelo for 32 years in Palo Alto. She will be remembered for her faith, generosity, nurturing of children, service to the community, passion for flowers, and deep love of friends and family. Jean cherished being a member of the Char, deJong and Gong families. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her eight siblings and their spouses, and her husband Walter. Her children Gerrit (Susan), Brian (Sue) and Marguerite (Russell Hancock), 11 grandchildren (and seven spouses), and 18 great grandchildren, will build on her lega...

Edward Moore
March 19, 1934 - Jan. 27, 2024
Redwood City, United States

Edward Albert Moore died peacefully in his sleep January 27, 2024, at his home in Redwood City, CA. He died of pulmonary disease just a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday. How does one describe a multi-talented, many-faceted, good man? Edward was an actor, theatre director, set designer and playwright with credits in a national playlist. He started theatre groups in Cleveland, OH; New Zealand and Western Samoa. He was a published science fiction writer, an artist, antique restorer, creator of museum displays, intricate wood puzzles and other artistic projects. His popular garden sculptures often disappeared from his front yard soon after they were displayed. He was an adventurer, ran the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, trekked through national parks in the US and parks in Australia and New Zealand . Edward taught and played the ukulele throughout the peninsula for 15 years. He delighted in composing exercises and etudes to challenge friends in his music groups. He remained active and involved despite his illness, as a member of the National Horseshow Pitching Association. He recently returned to a previous hobby --creating Japanese bonsai tree art. He is...

Henry Robert Dulik
Nov. 8, 1935 - Jan. 26, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Henry Robert Dulik, known by Bob, passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 26, 2024. The son of two Slovakian immigrants and raised in San Francisco, he was always very proud of his Slavic roots, traveling several times to the tiny village of Bukova in Slovakia where his father was born. Bob’s father remembered surviving the massive San Francisco earthquake in 1906 and later set up the San Francisco Ironworks with several Dulik brothers, who had also immigrated to California. Bob worked at the Ironworks and attended Stanford University, graduating in 1956, before starting his own business on the Peninsula, Hak-Mil Products, which built custom-made furniture for restaurants. Bob’s true passion was food. He was a “foodie” long before the term was ever invented. He loved nothing more than exploring every nook and cranny of the San Francisco Bay Area for new restaurants; the more local and authentic, the better. His intense love of food, cooking and friends permeated the Dulik household, which became a hub of summer BBQs and big festive, memorable dinners for family and a wide circle of friends from in and around Sharon Heights. No one ever remembers leaving h...

Linda Ann Kane
Dec. 31, 1953 - Jan. 26, 2024
Mountain View, California

Linda Ann Kane, 70, of Mountain View, CA passed away on January 26, 2024 at Redwood City’s Mission House hospice after a lengthy illness. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 31, 1953 to Thomas and Ann Kane. Her father’s engineering professorship brought the family to California eight years after Linda’s birth. With Stanford campus as a prized playground, Linda grew up happily exploring its vastness alongside her younger brother Jeff. Their youthful activities included refreshing dips into Lake Lagunita and robust family mini-treks to the newly constructed Stanford Dish radio antenna situated atop the nearby foothills. Inspired by her parents’ love for travel and adventure, Linda became an intrepid globe trotter and refined cultural connoisseur. Visits to her father’s beloved homeland in Vienna and summer respites at her mother’s Massachusetts colonial family homestead both grounded and expanded her. These hallowed familial touch points helped shape Linda into a profoundly thoughtful, multifaceted soul. Wherever she traveled, Linda absorbed foreign languages easily. She was fluent in and loved all things Italian. She possessed a hunger for know...

William Field Meyer
June 28, 1936 - Jan. 25, 2024
Davis, California

William Field Meyer June 28, 1936 - January 25, 2024 A beloved husband, father and grandfather (“Epah”) passed away on January 25, 2024. He was a heart-attack survivor who managed to live years beyond his doctor’s projections. He will be remembered as someone with a deep faith in God, patriotic to his country, dedicated to his family, and enthusiastic to his various professional pursuits. Bill was born in Nashville, Tennessee, grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Alton, Illinois when in high school. Freshman year in college was attended at Purdue University and Bill graduated with a BS and MS in Engineering at the University of Missouri. Bill was a naval officer aboard the USS Coral Sea and attained Officer of the Deck. After his discharge from the Navy Bill and his wife Bette settled in Menlo Park in 1969, and he became a corporate manager and director at AT&T Long Lines, Transamerica, and Seagate Technology. The couple moved to the Monterey area in 2003. He later authored news articles and 2 books. He became an independent consultant for several years as well as an adjunct professor at Cal State San Francisco and Cal State Monterey Bay. He was activ...

Marjorie Cassingham
March 9, 1924 - Jan. 24, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Marge Cassingham, a 55-year resident of Portola Valley, died January 24, a few weeks before she would have turned 100. A gifted musician and classical pianist for 90 years, Marge was active in the Palo Alto Two Piano Club; her living room in Ladera was a favored place to practice as it had plenty of room for its two Steinway grand pianos. In Los Angeles, she was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity from 1942 to her death, and a member of the American Association of University Women after earning her degree in music from Occidental College. Marge “received just about every award that SAI gives,” SAI’s executive director said. She was a secretary at Bendix Aviation, and helped charter a nursery school at her church. After having four children in southern California (Carol Swanson of Oregon, Curt Ryan Cassingham (and wife Bonnie Meeder) of Oregon, Brian Cassingham (Anne) of Florida, and Randy Cassingham (Kit) who travel internationally full time), Marge and her husband Larry moved to Portola Valley. She continued her outside work as a project secretary for Syntex Laboratories, then the office administrator for a Silicon Valley consultancy. Her childr...

Andrew J Pierson
1978 - Jan. 22, 2024
Mountain View, California

Andrew M. Pierson (Andy) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on January 22, 2024 in Mountain View, CA. Andrew bravely faced a glioblastoma (brain tumor) diagnosis with humor, positivity and light. Andrew was born in 1978 in Hackensack, NJ, but spent most of his formative years in Owego, NY. He graduated from Cornell University (2001/2002) with a Bachelors and Masters of Engineering and from Rochester Institute of Technology (2012) with a Masters in Project Management. Before his passing, Andrew was a gifted software engineer and manager at companies TiVo, Harris RF, Amazon, and Meta. His humor and bear hugs were contagious and you could often find him laughing with friends and family over the silliest things. He was a tinkerer and creator at heart, constantly building, making, and fixing projects. Andrew’s favorite memories were adventures with his family and extended family as well as gaming nights with his brothers-in-law, Jon and Ilya, and best friend, Kevin. He was known for his “dad joke” t-shirts and “party” shirts that he proudly wore to various events. Most of all, Andrew’s kindness was contagious and powerful. His outlook on life is...

Janet Lee Jurian
Dec. 10, 1950 - Jan. 21, 2024
Woodside, California

Surrounded by love and family, Janet Lee Jurian of Woodside, CA, passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2024, after a fifteen-month battle with brain cancer. Janet was born on December 10, 1950, the daughter of the late John N. Duzanica and Lillian Garibaldi Duzanica. Raised in Menlo Park, Janet attended St. Raymond's parish school, Holy Cross High School (Class of 1969), and College of San Mateo. She remained a resident of the peninsula her entire life. Janet attended nursing school, worked in school nutrition (Stanford University and Monte Vista High School), and later transitioned to dental office administration. However, she was most well known for her lifelong secondary occupation of crafting beautiful wedding and special occasion cakes. Outside of work, Janet could most often be found on horseback; she was an avid western trail rider who revered her horse community. Janet was a woman in perpetual motion-- from boxing to pickleball, reading, cooking, line dancing, photography, travel-- the list went on. Even after “retiring”, she continued to be active, working for her son's business and riding her horse until October 2022 when cancer rendered her unable. ...

Robert Michael Heneveld
Sept. 5, 1943 - Jan. 16, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Robert Michael Heneveld was born on September 5, 1943 in Auburn, Washington and passed away on January 16, 2024 in Paso Robles, California after bravely facing the many challenges of dementia. He was affectionately known as “Mike” to his friends and family. His parents, Mary Jayne and Robert Max Madison, later added his sister Katherine Rose to their family. His father, a valiant Air Force Captain, tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 7, 1949. Mary Jayne later remarried to Charles Heneveld. It was during this time that Mike's name changed from Madison to Heneveld and the Heneveld family expanded to include Mike’s two half-brothers, Mark and Jon. Mike's life was filled with many chapters, each marked by his unwavering dedication to family and a commitment to his dental profession. He embarked on a journey that included two marriages and the joy of fatherhood. His first marriage to Sally Dudley led to the birth of two beautiful daughters, Christy (Story) and Lindsay (Pera). He found love once more when he married Barbara Leech, gaining a step-daughter, Jamie (Howe) and settling in Palo Alto, California. Education was of paramount importance to Mi...

Michael Alan Bena
April 2, 1943 - Jan. 15, 2024
Erie, Colorado

A kind and loving man to all who knew him. He was devoted to his daughter Michelle Hickerson and his three granddaughters; Aislinn, Mary and Scarlett were a joy to him beyond words. He loved being a part of their lives, even more since he moved to Erie, Colorado to be near them all. Mike had a good relationship with son inlaw Jeff and appreciated all the ways he helped him. Michael's creative life began at an early age, building anything for his parents, Al J. and Evelyn M. Bena in Palo Alto. And at his father's business, AJ's Quick Clean, also in Palo Alto. He graduated from Cubberley High School in 1961. He majored in art at San Jose State and his projects there in painting, clay and finally wood mixed media with music were worthy of the finest galleries. Master's degree in art 1967. His love of the ballet in San Jose, SF and Colorado manifested in dedicated support over many years and is a legacy that we hope will be appreciated by all who were a part of those organizations. He rarely missed a rehearsal or performance and frequently brought flowers to the dancers, another example of his thoughtfulness. He loved and appreciated wild animals, making friends of sq...

Diane Marie Welles
Oct. 1, 1939 - Jan. 15, 2024
Gilroy, California

Diane Marie Welles, 84, of Gilroy, California, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on October 1, 1939, in South Gate, California, to the late Verne Christensen and Golden Hodges. Diane graduated from California High School in Whittier. The same year in 1957, she was a princess on the Whittier Rose Parade float. She also graduated from the Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing. She worked a variety of jobs over the years including many years at the Opera Co in San Francisco and Mills Florist in Palo Alto where she met many creative and interesting people. She was passionate about helping others, especially during her many years researching genealogy. She loved books, collecting and reading everything she could, writing, and spending time with her family. Diane is survived by her five children, Bryant Davis, Mark Davis, Greg Davis, Karen Davis, and Paul Welles; her three grandchildren, Evan, Chandler and Zachariah; her great-grandchild, Carter. She is also survived by many nieces, cousins, daughter-in-laws, and friends. Diane was preceded in death by her brother Dale Christensen, who passed away in 2017; a...

George Stanley Turnbull
Sept. 10, 1929 - Jan. 11, 2024
Los Altos, California

George Stanley (Stan) Turnbull Jr., 94, passed away on January 11th at his assisted living residence in Los Altos, CA. after a brief illness. He was born on September 10th, 1929, in Eugene, Oregon to parents George and Mary Lou Turnbull. By his own account, Stan lived a happy and idyllic childhood in Eugene, where he and his friends enjoyed the college town and often sneaked into University of Oregon sporting events. He attended Eugene High School, where he was editor of the school newspaper. He followed the family tradition of journalism, graduating from the University of Oregon’s school of journalism, of which his father was a founding member, and his mother a graduate. After University, he spent two years in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed in Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Colorado. He returned to academia after the army to obtain his master’s degree in journalism from Stanford University. His first professional job was for the Wall Street Journal, initially in San Francisco, and later in Los Angeles. He found that he preferred San Francisco and relocated back, eventually taking a job in the advertising and publicity department at PG&E. He had a fulfill...

Susan M. Basso
Feb. 22, 1941 - Jan. 7, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Sue Basso was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on February 22, 1941 to Ruth and Claude Artero. After spending her first 2 ½ years of life in South America, the family moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Danville, California. During her senior year at San Ramon High School Sue traveled as an exchange student to Patros, Greece, and the experience sparked a lifelong passion for travel. Sue attended Stanford University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in International Relations. While a senior in college, she met her husband, Lawrence Basso, who at the time was a student at UCSF Medical School. They married on February 24, 1963 and went on to raise three children while living in Menlo Park. Later in life, Sue’s children chose to raise their own families in the area - Sue found joy in helping to raise her five grandchildren, being known to them as “Granny Sue”. Sue loved to read and could usually be found sitting amongst piles of novels, biographys, newspapers and investment magazines. She was an astute self-trained stock investor. Sue loved to swim (weather permitting) and play the piano every day. Later in life, she earned a teaching credential at Notre Da...

Lambert Tyler Dolphin
May 24, 1932 - Jan. 1, 2024
Santa Clara, California

Lambert Tyler Dolphin Jr. passed away in Santa Clara on January 1, 2024 after a brief illness . His body is laid to rest in the Purissima Cemetery (Spanish for “The Purest”) in Half Moon Bay. Lambert was born in Shoshone Idaho on May 5 1932 to Lambert and Audrey Dolphin. Sadly, Lambert’s parents separated when he was 12, and he moved with his mother and sister, Susanne, to San Diego during the early years of World War II. Two years later Lambert’s mother died of kidney disease at 39. Despite these horrible family setbacks, Lambert was voted “Most likely to succeed” in High School. Lambert received an AB degree with high honors in physics and distinction in mathematics from San Diego State University in June 1954. Lambert’s academic prowess kept him from going to war as his professors wrote letters to the draft board that his potential in math and physics was worthy of keeping him in school. His professors also wrote recommendations to Stanford for grad school. After two years of graduate study in Physics and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University (1954-1956), Lambert joined the staff of SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute), in...

Rivera Rozella Cole
Feb. 1, 1936 - Dec. 29, 2023
Belmont, California

Rosie Cole, a.k.a. Rivera Rozella Boyd Cole, passed away at Silverado in Belmont Hills, California on December 29th, 2023 after living with dementia for about five years. She was born February 1st, 1936 In Los Angeles, California to Walter Newlin Boyd and Bertha Brodie Boyd. She had one younger sister, Milana, who preceded her in death in 2011. Rozella met Creswell C. Cole Jr. while they were both attending Stanford University. They married in 1955. In 1957 daughter Karen came along, and son Creswell Chapin Cole III followed in 1959. They lived in Menlo Park. Rosie joined the Peninsula Volunteers in 1960 and dedicated herself diligently to their mission of serving the local community, with an emphasis on the senior population and their specific needs. In 2010 she was recognized by the PVs as a member of the Golden Circle for her 50 years of service. She also had a short-term career with the Menlo Park branch of Wells Fargo Bank. She began as a teller and moved up to Assistant to the Investments and Securities Broker. Rosie was a skilled seamstress, a talented craft maker, gift wrapper, home decorator, cook, and gardener. She enjoyed travel at home and abroad, as well as co-te...

Samuel Robert Anderson
Aug. 6, 1940 - Dec. 24, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Sam Anderson lived an active life of daily walks, gardening, and socializing with family, friends, and neighbors for the last four years, despite a lung cancer diagnosis in 2019. He died, surrounded by his family, of complications from pneumonia on December 24, 2023, at age 83. Samuel Robert Anderson was born on August 6, 1940 in El Paso, Texas, to Pollyanna Gibson and Samuel Lewis Anderson. His family moved to San Francisco, California, during the war years, and then to Palo Alto, where Sam and his brother John Dennis (b. 1944) attended Jordan Middle School, Palo Alto High School and newcomer Cubberley High School, where Sam was in the inaugural class of 1958 and Cubberley’s first student body president. Sam was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 57 and an Eagle Scout. In the fall of 1958, he left for Dartmouth College, sight unseen, where he used his beautiful singing voice in the Handel Society Choir and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. An avid reader of literature and poetry, he majored in English. In the summer of 1959, Sam worked at Wawona in Yosemite and met Marilee May, also a college student in a summer stint at Wawona.They were married in Sam’s senior year a...

Steven George Joki
Dec. 4, 1954 - Dec. 23, 2023
Palo Alto, California

We lost a very special person when Steven George Joki passed on December 23, 2023. Steve, the first son of Esther and George Joki, was born on December 4, 1956, in Idaho Falls, ID. Steve grew up in Palo Alto and attended school at Ortega Elementary, Wilbur Junior High School, and graduated from Cubberley High School in 1973. During his school years he was involved in Boy Scouts, track and field - breaking Regional Athletic and school records running the 8/80 and 4/40, and he learned how to fix everything and anything on a car, which turned out to be a very helpful skill. While working in construction, he also attended college, ultimately earning his B.S. in Geology from Cal State Hayward (now California State University East Bay). He also dabbled in electrical and mechanical engineering and utilized these skills in his construction business, Steve Joki Custom Woodworking. One thing that certainly can be said about Steve -- he felt most at home with nature and the outdoors. His early days were spent roaming with friends at Foothill Park, the beach, and at Boy Scout camps. Growing up, his family had always taken camping vacations, and Steven developed into an avid backpacker wh...

Robert Hunter Aaronson
Jan. 17, 1955 - Dec. 12, 2023
Menlo Park, California

OBITUARY ROBERT H. AARONSON 1955-2023 Robert Aaronson died unexpectedly at 68 years old on December 12, 2023. He was born in New York on January 17, 1955 to Violet (Gellert) Aaronson and Allen Aaronson. He graduated from MIT and went on to graduate from Stanford Law School. He started his law career working for the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office doing child abuse law. Later he moved to a litigation section of the City Attorneys Office. More recently, he worked as an independent police auditor for many years, until he retired in January 2022. He found his work very satisfying, especially in Santa Rosa where he was determined to help solve the difficulties faced by the homeless population, working closely with citizen activists. He was dedicated to helping others and found it important to help improve the world. He loved learning and read extensively throughout his life. He was a collector of fountain pens, watches, and coins. He also loved music and spent some years as an avid motorcycle rider. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth Fitch Aaronson, and his three children, Pearl Aaronson, fka Michael Aaronson, David Aaronson, and Emily Aaronson. ...

George Waltuch
Aug. 28, 1934 - Dec. 12, 2023
Los Altos Hills, California

Dr. George Waltuch, 89, passed away on December 12th, at Stanford Hospital with his beloved family at his bedside. George, son of Egon and Gertrude Waltuch, was born into a prominent family in Vienna, Austria in 1934. At age 4, several days after Nazi tanks rolled into the city, with help from a grateful patient (and Nazi official) of his father’s medical practice, the family escaped via the Queen Mary to Ellis Island before settling in Forest Hills, Queens, NY. A great lover of his adopted country, George spent much of his youth playing baseball and making egg creams at his afterschool job. He was a lifelong Yankees fan who knew the stats of each player by heart. At Bard College, George was first baseman on the baseball team and the editor of his college newspaper, frequently pulling all-nighters to get the paper out. He was an excellent writer and attributed this skill to his unwitting “teachers”, the sports writers at the New York Times. As a freshman, over a plate of chicken livers, he met his future wife, a lively and lithe student of dance, Anne Bogart, with whom he spent the next 70 years. After medical school and residency at NYU, Anne and George moved t...

Ann Montgomery Robinson
July 8, 1939 - Dec. 7, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Ann M. Robinson, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, passed away on December 7, 2023, surrounded by family and caregivers. Ann was born the first child of John H. Montgomery and Virginia E. Price on July 8, 1939, in Champaign, Illinois. As a child, Ann moved with her parents and younger brother, from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to Chevy Chase, Maryland, and then to Austin and Fort Worth, Texas, and learned to make friends anywhere she lived. Ann told stories about the schools she attended, the neighborhoods she lived in, the people she met, and the summers she spent with her tight-knit extended family in Terre Haute, Indiana. Ann graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1957 and headed to Texas Tech University. She joined the sorority Gamma Phi Beta and had fun and enjoyed college life while earning a bachelor’s in Advertising Art and Design. After graduating in 1962, Ann moved from Lubbock to Dallas, where she worked as a Graphic Artist for the firms Ling-Tempco-Vought Company and G. Fredrick Shepherd; as an Art Instructor for the Dallas Independent School District, the Art Department at North Texas State University, and Southern Methodist University; and as...

Marilyn Joyce Wallace
Aug. 3, 1935 - Nov. 25, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Marilyn Joyce (Weil) Wallace passed away on November 25, 2023, at the age of 88 in Pleasanton, California. She was born on August 3, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. She was a beloved wife, mother, and devoted member of the community. Marilyn had a life-long passion for education, and her own educational journey began in Oakland and Piedmont, CA where she attended grammar and middle schools. She graduated from Piedmont High School in June 1953, then entered the University of California, Berkeley in September. At Cal she joined and lived in the Phi Mu Sorority. She pursued a bachelor's degree in mathematics and also participated in a special teacher intern program which enabled math and science graduates to teach high school immediately after graduation. Marilyn received her degree and teaching credential from UC Berkeley in June 1957. Marilyn's career as a math teacher began in September 1957, at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, CA. It was during this time, at a UC Math Department picnic, that she met Graham Wallace, a UC math graduate student. Marilyn and Graham married on June 13, 1959, the start of a 64-year marriage. Marilyn continued teaching in San Francisco unt...

Michael John Driscoll
May 1, 1950 - Nov. 15, 2023
Fortuna, California

Mike loved the beauty of nature and spent a great deal of his free time hiking, backpacking, and camping. He was an avid fisherman and reader. He could inform you extensively on most any animal, bird, or reptile about which you might inquire. His devotion as a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants was well known to all who knew him. He loved geology, and collected many beautiful rocks along with exquisite pieces of driftwood which he often gave as gifts. His choice of Fortuna, Ca. as his home of 40+ years placed him in short distance from the redwoods, rivers, and ocean. He had many professions throughout his life including carpentry, tree trimming, bartending, and restaurant management. He was blessed with a wonderful community of friends and his family who loved him dearly. He touched many lives and will be truly missed. He is survived by his mom, Sabra Driscoll, his siblings; Zoe & Keith Schirmer, Will & Rebecca Driscoll, Barbara Larsen, and Mia Driscoll, along with many nieces & nephews. Michael passed away of esophageal cancer five months after diagnosis. With the help of his two closest friends, he returned home to Palo Alto where his siblings and mom were ab...

Zelma Teicher
July 23, 1930 - Oct. 18, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Zelma Teicher, a loving mother, musician, educator, globe-trotter and longtime downtown Palo Alto resident, passed away from dementia, on Oct.18, 2023. She was 93. Born in NYC., she grew up in Roxbury, Mass. where, at age 10, she learned piano. Until her death, passers-by her historic downtown Palo Alto home could hear daily piano medleys of traditional Russian folk music effortlessly segueing into the Big Band songs of the 1930s & '40s. With a double major BA in Biology & Sociology, from Suffolk University, she later was the first class of “Returning Students” at San Jose State University, earning her Masters degree in Latin American Studies. She enjoyed a variety of careers: Social work; teaching ESL at PSU's Operation Plus Program; Vista Volunteer; Owner/operator of San Salvador Cafe, in Palo Alto, CA.; working for the U.S. Army at Fort Ord and in Wiesbaden, Germany; Ranger at Alaska's Denali State Park, and “Greeter” at Alcatraz Island, in SF, CA. Fluent in Spanish and Yiddish, she traveled extensively befriending people of many ages, races and creeds. She was an “honorary” citizen of Tanzania, member of the Gypsy Lore Society, belly dancer, avid reader, took ...

Laszlo Fono
Jan. 5, 1929 - Sept. 23, 2023
Atherton, California

A Life Well Skied www.TheFonos.com Laszlo Fono, a champion skier born in Budapest, courageously escaped the oppression of Communist Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution with his wife Paulette, emigrating to America for freedom in 1957. They spent 8 years in Denver, Colorado. True to form, in 1958, the unstoppable Laszlo won the US National Cross Country Skiing Championship in 30km. In 1965, the couple and their new born daughter Andrea, moved to San Francisco where Laszlo was best known as co-founder of The Magic Pan restaurant, introducing French crêpes to America, expanding to over 48 Magic Pans nationwide. As visionary restauranteurs, together with his business partner Paulette, they spent fifty years creating multiple successful trend-setting European eating establishments known for their menu and design concepts. In 1974, the Fonos opened Paprika’s Fono in Ghirardelli Square as a celebration and tribute to their Hungarian heritage. Culminating in unique eateries at Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto CA: the Italian café and gelateria Bravo Fono (1979), Café Andrea (1987), Madam Paulette’s (1987), and Babbo’s (1989) mediterranean style restau...

Stewart Dillon Silverberg
June 2, 1979 - Sept. 5, 2023
San Jose, California

Stewart Dillon Silverberg passed away on September 5, 2023. Stewart was born on June 2, 1979 in San Diego to Carol Stewart and Rudy Silverberg. The day he was born, the attending delivery nurse said, “your son looks just like an elf! Dictionaries characterize an elf as capricious, mischievous, and occasionally delivering some sharp pains! A mischievous soul, Stewart certainly turned out to be just that. Of course, throughout his life he developed many other talents, as well as friends. Stewart grew up in Menlo Park and Redwood City where he was graduated from Woodside High School. While school wasn’t his long suit, he preferred to hone his other talents and focus on his love for people. His natural salesmanship allowed him to experience many different opportunities the Bay Area had to offer. Stewart became an enthusiastic golfer due to many buckets of balls and afternoons on the golf course with his Grandmother. He loved to play dominos with family and friends and was lifelong 49er fan. Stewart loved music, taking his siblings to concerts and dancing. He truly loved the holidays when he could spend time with his ever expanding family, enjoying good food, laughter and j...

Heather Duke Vail
Oct. 1, 1963 - Aug. 6, 2023
Redwood City, California

Heather Denise (Duke) Vail, 1963-2023 Surrounded by loving family and friends Heather passed away on August 6th in Redwood City at age 59 after long battles with multiple serious health ailments. Born in Berkeley in 1963, her family moved around mostly Northern California frequently before settling in Ashland, Oregon where she spent most of her formative years and made many friends and lifelong memories. At Ashland High School she played trumpet in marching band and was first trumpet in the school’s pep band and jazz band “Jazzmania”, which competed in many statewide and regional tournaments. Towns she lived in before Ashland include Santa Clara, San Jose, Sacramento, Crescent City and Roff, Oklahoma. Heather attended San Francisco State and Southern Oregon University, where she graduated with a degree in newsprint journalism. She moved back to the Bay Area in the late 80’s, where she began her career as corporate secretary at Duke Scientific Corporation in Palo Alto, eventually retiring in 2005 after the successful sale of the company. She lived in Redwood City for almost 30 years, where she raised her two children, who she loved more than anything, and alwa...

Jane McCleave Trautmann
July 9, 1938 - April 29, 2023
Seattle, Washington

Jane Trowbridge McCleave Trautmann passed away on April 29th in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by friends and family. She was 84 years old. Jane was born July 9th, 1938, in Oakland, California and spent her childhood in Piedmont, California, where Jane attended Anna Head elementary and Piedmont High School. Jane received a BA from UCLA, where she graduated in 1960. Jane joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was actively involved in other activities and clubs on campus. Jane met her husband, John, in Southern California and married in 1961. The newlyweds moved to San Francisco and enjoyed a brief three years in Newington, Virginia (1968 to 1972) early in their marriage. They would then move back to Northern California and settle in Palo Alto (1972), where they lived for 35 years. Jane and John welcomed daughter Nancy into the world in 1962, Tom in 1964 and Jeannie in 1968. Jane’s beloved John sadly died from Alzheimer’s when he was 75 in 2010. Seeking adventure, Jane built a house in Reno, Nevada, where she lived for five years. There, she created a close-knit community of friends and found comfort and support in a local church. A devoted grandmother, Jane chose to m...

William Francis Poulson
June 17, 1931 - Feb. 5, 2016
Redwood City, California

William Poulson died on Friday, February 5, at Brittania House in Redwood City from complications of Parkinson's disease. He is survived by Ann, his loving wife of 62 years, his daughter Elizabeth, and two grandchildren, Maya and Luca, as well as his sister, Yvonne Schuster of Santa Rosa, and sister-in-law Mary Patzer of Chantilly, VA. His son, William Sidney, predeceased him in 1998. Bill was born on June 17, 1931, in Los Angeles, the first child of William Poulson Jr. II and Frances Amelia Smith Poulson. The family moved to the Bay Area during World War 2, and settled in San Mateo, where Bill was a graduation speaker at the 1949 commencement at San Mateo High School. He continued his education at Stanford University, as a speech major. He met the love of his life, Ann Patzer, at Stanford. They married after his graduation in 1953. Bill spent the following four years on active duty with the Navy, and during that time both his children were born. He served both on board ship (the USS George Clymer) transporting troops home from the Korean War, and on shore at the Naval Receiving Station, Skaggs Island (near Sonoma) where he was assistant officer in charge. Following his d...