Lasting Memories
Jeffrey Thomas Kane
Nov. 2, 1955-Jan. 30, 2014
Palo Alto, California
Jeffrey Thomas Kane, beloved son, brother, husband and father, passed away at age 58 after a brief illness. Jeffrey was such a dear soul and will be so greatly missed. He is survived by his parents Thomas and Ann Kane of Palo Alto, his sister Linda Kane of Mountain View, his wife Molly (Hays) Kane of Palo Alto, stepson Rick Hays, daughter Elisabeth Kane, his two surviving aunts, and numerous cousins in the Lavender, Canfield, Sylvester and Andrews families.
Jeffrey Kane was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he lived until he was six years old. When Jeffrey?s father joined the faculty of Stanford University, the Kane family moved to Palo Alto. Jeffrey started school in the first grade of the first class of the newly established (presently named) Ruth Montgomery Jackson Hearing Center, embedded within the Palo Alto school system. The family moved from Palo Alto to Stanford two years later after their home, being built on the Stanford campus, was completed.
After a year spent in Brazil with his family, Jeffrey graduated from Gunn High School. He went on to attend college at Cal State Northridge and Cal State Stanislaus in southern and central California. Jeffrey returned to the Bay Area, landed a job as a library specialist in the binding and finishing department at Stanford University Libraries, where he worked for over 20 years. A back injury ten years ago brought him into early retirement.
Jeffrey met Molly Hays in 1997 through a mutual friend and quickly fell deeply in love. The couple was married the following summer. Jeffrey readily stepped into the roll of father to Molly?s nine year old son Rick. When Jeff and Molly?s daughter Elisabeth was born in 2002, he had fully realized his dream of becoming a family man. Jeffrey was a thoroughly devoted husband and father.
In his younger adult years, Jeffrey was a talented and prolific poet, as well as an exceedingly proficient chess player. On wintery days, he could often be found at the Stanford coffee house, quietly writing poetry, engaging in lively conversation, or intensely involved in a chess or occasional backgammon game.
Fine weather would bring Jeffrey outdoors. An avid cyclist, he would take to the foothills, or if feeling especially ambitious, ride on out to the coast. Backpacking in the sierras or red rock country was another favorite pastime. At home, long walks always cheered him and helped to clear his mind.
In recent years when Jeffrey became less mobile he followed sports in the newspaper and on TV, especially Stanford football and basketball, as well as the San Francisco 49?ers and the Giants.
Jeffrey was a highly intelligent, inquisitive, perceptive, personable and kind individual. He forged -- and kept deep, long-lasting friendships, many for life. His gregarious nature, keen wit, wry sense of humor, ready smile and bright green eyes drew people to him. His deaf and hearing worlds dovetailed seamlessly, blending naturally, separating effortlessly.
Feb. 27, 2022
I was very saddened to hear of Jeff's Mother's passing. I miss him every day. And I miss Ann also. She taught me quite a bit about Shaker furniture in what little time we had to talk with me taking care of Beth. I will miss both of Jeff's parents. Tom and Ann seemed like such nice, considerate in-laws.
May 29, 2019
I was a neighbor of Jeff's and we always greeted each other in passing. He had the most dazzling smile, and I could tell he was warm and caring. I never had a chance to know him, so I'm grateful to be able to read his story here.
Aug. 18, 2015
I have fond memories of Jeff from the late 1970's, when we both spent a lot of time at Synergy House on the Stanford campus. Jeff could throw a Frisbee with pinpoint accuracy, and had a devilish sense of humor. He seemed to always have a smile on his face.
May 13, 2015
I remember him not just as a father, but as a great person. I never knew anything about his personal life, because most of my life he was bed ridden, but I knew of his old poetry and intelligence that had been left behind.
March 4, 2014
I met Jeff only once during dinner with his parents. Because of his deafness we had little communication. I'm so glad to know who the real person was. What a wonderful, unique family the Kanes are!
March 4, 2014
While a graduate student I worked for a while in Binding & Finishing at Green Library. Working along side Jeff was one of the greatest pleasures of that job. As it sates in his obit. he was a very sweet and caring man, and quite a good poet. This is SO unfair!
March 1, 2014
Our son Douglas was a very good friend of Jeff for several years as they both lived at or near Stanford. Jeff visited our campus home and Doug always spoke of Jeff as a remarkable fellow and good friend. Doug moved east to graduate school, earning two degrees, and teaching in Omaha. He died hiking in Italy at age 47.
March 1, 2014
I knew Jeff from his time spent at Stanford Coffee House and then occasionally around town. The last time I saw Jeff, he told me about his new relationship and shared some of his poetry with me. I always enjoyed running into him. A fine remarkable man. I am glad he met you Molly.
Feb. 28, 2014
I was a friend of Jeff's during the end of his high school years and for a a few years longer. I haven't seen or spoken to him for 30 years. My memories of my time with Jeff are warm and filled with joy. He was and always will be one of the shining stars of my life. My best to you and to his mother, father and sister.
Feb. 26, 2014
Jeff and I actually met in 1994 through mutual friends. We started dating in 1996, moved in together in 1997, and got married in 1998. Jeff was a very active person until Stanford University let him go in 2004, always ready to give his two girls a kiss when he got home from work. For the last few years I took care of him, trying to get him to eat and walk around. By the time of his last illness he couldn't do much of anything by himself. His daughter, Beth, and I will miss him very much. Molly Kane