Obituaries2012

The following are obituaries of members of Branch Number 1 of Sons in Retirement who have passed away in 2012. The obituaries have been obtained from the Obituary Column of either the San Francisco Chronicle or the San Mateo County Times. Please click on the names for additional details.

Bill joined SIR in July 1996 and was member 93.

William R. Bohannan

9/9/1928 - 8/24/12

After a long battle with multiple myeloma, while surrounded by his family, Bill succumbed.

Born in S. Dakota to William H. Bohannan and Rowena Hickey, Bill graduated from Rapid City High and enrolled in the army, serving in WWII, and received the Victory Medal. He graduated from S. Dakota School of Mines, with a degree in engineering in 1952. He worked for Phillips, Union Oil, Arabian American and Cooper Bessemer, where he met his bride, Jean. In 1964, Bill moved his new wife and daughters to Calif where he began a career with Bechtel traveling the world and welcoming his son Bruce in 1966. In 1988, Bill left Bechtel and consulted, retiring in 1990.

Bill was involved with the San Mateo Elks, SIRS, the API and his church. He had an incredible sense of humor, amazing wit, and gave his time generously and graciously.

Bill is survived by his son, William Bruce Bohannan, DDS, MD, (Beth Chagonjian, Esq.), stepdaughters Kim Peterson and Pam Roy and grandchildren.

Services at Transfiguration Episcopal, 3900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, on 9/8/12 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Int'l Myeloma Foundtn or American Cancer Soc.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on September 2, 2012

Al joined SIR in July 1990 and was member 400.

Albert Dow Coffman, Jr.

Albert passed away at his home in San Bruno on November 1, 2012. He was 74. He is survived by his wife, Eveline D. Coffman, his son, Benjamin Secor and his daughter, Michele Coffman Jorgensen; brothers, Daniel Donahoe Coffman and Michael Cresap Coffman; and sister, Martha Coffman Schriner; and his grandchildren, Jadd Reynolds and Lindsay Reynolds Bennett. His parents, Albert Coffman, Sr. and Mary Donahoe Coffman and sister, Nancy Ann Coffman Blasé preceded him in death.

He greatly enjoyed his job as a Bank auditor with Bank of America and several other banks spanning a 40 year career.

Family and friends may visit after 4:00 PM Monday, November 5, 2012 and are invited to a Funeral Liturgy service, Tuesday, November 6, 2012, 1:00 PM at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, 194 Millwood Dr. at El Camino Real in Millbrae. Services will conclude at the Chapel.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on November 4, 2012

John joined SIR Branch 1 in February 2005, was member 330 and the current Big Sir.

On Sunday, July 15, 2012 John Powers Danenhower suffered a fatal heart attack. A native of his beloved San Francisco, his home for most of his youth was across the street from Golden Gate Park's panhandle and just a few blocks from St. Josephs Hospital where he was born.

John is survived by his three siblings Barbara Mikesell of Medford, Oregon, William Danenhower of Castro Valley, and Donald Danenhower of Yountville. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert S. Danenhower and Elizabeth Powers Danenhower of San Francisco and sister Jane Danenhower Pearce of Coos Bay, Oregon.

When he was thirteen years of age, John volunteered at the Recreation Center for the Handicapped in The City and was soon a staff member. After graduating from Lowell High School in 1960, he joined the faculty of California School for the Deaf in Berkeley. To occupy his summers, he became a tour guide for Greyline. In 1972 he left the Bay Area to become Dean of Students at the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf, Portland, Maine. When he returned to California, John changed careers to year round tour guide with Greyline. In 1987 he joined San Mateo County Transportation and drove buses for Sam Trans until his retirement in 2005. During his varied and busy career he managed to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the education of the deaf and another in public administration. He was a member of the Teamsters Union and Amalgamated Transit Workers Local 1574. At the time of his death, John held the title of Big Sir, Sons in Retirement, Damian Reynolds Branch 1, San Mateo.

Although he never married and had no children, John was known and loved by his extended family and many friends throughout California, the Bay Area, and especially in San Mateo County where he had been a resident for more than thirty years.

At John’s request, no funeral services will be held. There will be an informal gathering for remembrance Friday, July 20, 2012 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Neptune Society of Northern California, 1645 El Camino Real, Belmont, 94002, 650-592-9880. There is very limited parking in the Society’s lot. Parking for those attending is authorized in the CVS Pharmacy lot next door, first driveway south of the Society.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on July 19, 2012

Jim joined SIR Branch 1 in January 2009 and was formerly member 389 but has been inactive since April 2011.

James Alfred Dingler, 77, passed away peacefully at his Palo Alto home on March 31, 2012 with his family by his side. Jim, son of James William Dingler and Edith Spradley was born on November 14, 1934 in High Point, NC. At age 4 he moved to Charlotte, NC where he spent his formative years. He graduated from Harding High School in 1953. Following graduation he changed his status from Reserve to Active Duty in the Navy. He spent his naval career in military transport service. His squadron flew sailors into many foreign ports; this was the beginning of a long love affair with travel.

After the Navy, he went to college on the G.I. bill and received a BS in Business Administration from Denver University. It was there in Colorado where he met his wife, Janice whom he was married to for 53 years. In 1967 he earned a MS in Banking from LSU and worked as a banker in NC, Nevada and CA. He held the title of Vice President and COO in several banks. In 1979 he developed a system for fixed asset accounting and formed his own company, Essex Systems.

His lifelong passion was stamp collecting and he owned an extensive collection winning many awards at Philatelic shows throughout the country. He wrote and published a highly regarded book on Brazilian Stamp Cancellation of the Empire Period. This hobby also awarded him with his dearest friendships.

Jim and Jan were worldwide travelers. They visited 30 countries gathering wonderful memories and friends. They were also ardent fans of Stanford Women's Basketball.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janice; daughters, Karen Conley, Laurie Dingler (Laurie Reynolds) and Anne Dingler; and son, Mark Dingler (Julia Dingler). He also leaves 4 granddaughters, Ellen and Julia Conley, Jillian and Catherine Reynolds and his beloved dog, Sugar.

Services will be held on Sunday, April 15th at 3:00 pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Chapel, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto,CA. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peninsula Humane Society or to the Palo Alto Junior Museum. www.rollerhapgoodtinney.com.

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on April 13, 2012

Ralph joined SIR Branch 1 in February 1985 and was formerly member 114 but has been inactive since September 2005.

Ralph W. M. Keating 1911-2012. Ralph Keating was an avid amateur composer of "Redskin", the Stanford University fight song, the National Fly Casting Champion in 1939, and contributor of time and specimens to the early California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Anne E. Keating, son John B. Keating, daughter-in-law Christy Cameron, as well as his daughter Susan M. Keating, son-in-law P. Mickey Williams, and grandsons, Paul and Cameron Williams. Ralph Keating was born on October 31, 1911 in Portland, Oregon to John Albert Keating and Hattie May Mitchell Keating. He moved with his family to San Francisco, California in the early 1920s where as a teenager he played golf, winning 1926 tournaments in Lincoln Park. He also volunteered at the new California Academy of Sciences by helping to construct the African Hall dioramas, a connection that he maintained into adulthood when he brought many live specimens to the Steinhart Aquarium from his travels in the Pacific, some surviving decades at the museum. As a teenager Ralph contracted polio, a time during which he learned to play the banjo eventually spending time in Warms Springs Georgia. He returned to San Francisco and took up casting, leading eventually to his 1939 National Fly Casting championship. Ralph graduated from Stanford University in 1937 with a major in Biology. At Stanford, Ralph played drums in the marching band, composed "Redskin", which Stanford would use for many years as their fight song, and contributed to the "Daily" as a theater arts reviewer. With the outbreak of World War II, Ralph joined Army Transport Service (later the Military Sea Transportation Service/Military Sealift Command) until his retirement in the late 1970s. He served on several ships, traveling the Pacific until the mid 1950s, when he moved to a position onshore. He married Anne M. Eichinger in 1954, and after the birth of their two children moved to Hillsborough in 1961, which remained his residence until his death. Ralph was an avid outdoorsmen and bird watcher, with lifetime memberships in the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club, California Academy of Sciences and Olympic Club in San Francisco. As a member of the Stanford Alumni Association, Ralph remained a devoted supporter of Stanford athletics, attending most Stanford football home games. He also maintained a lifelong love of the arts, especially the San Francisco Opera, was an active composer of songs and a poet. He played chess and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died peacefully at his home, Monday, June 11, 2012.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on June 17, 2012

Carl joined SIR Branch 1 in November 1990, was member 70 and Big Sir in 2003.

Carl W. Kuhlman June 4, 1925 - April 16, 2012 Carl W. Kuhlman passed .away peacefully on April 16, 2012 with family at his side. He was 86 years old. Carl was born on June 4, 1925 in Chicago, IL.

Carl was the loving and devoted husband to Nona McCalpin Kuhlman, his wife of 55 years. In addition to his wife, Nona, he is survived by his brother, Robert E. Kuhlman of Ladue, MO; son Bill with wife Rebecca Blair of El Cerrito, CA; son David with wife Martha Esch, and four grand children (Paul, Laura, Gregory and Madeline Kuhlman) of West Windsor, NJ.

Carl earned an undergraduate chemistry degree from Harvard University in 1945 at age 20, and a PhD from Washington University in St. Louis in 1953. He was a lifelong scientist, manager, teacher and mentor. Carl's management career took him from Mallinkrodt Chemical in St. Louis, MO; to Douglas United Nuclear in Richland, WA; to the Department of Energy in Washington, DC; and finally to Bechtel Corp. in San Francisco, CA. He retired from Bechtel National as a Vice President in 1987.

In retirement, Carl greatly enjoyed the friends he found in the Sons in Retirement, Branch No. 1 in San Mateo. He was honored to serve in various positions, including as "Big Sir" in 2003. Carl also enthusiastically supported Nona's volunteer work with the Assistance League of San Mateo County. He and Nona were active parishioners at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in San Mateo for thirty years.

A mass celebrating Carl's life will be held on Friday, April 27 at 11 AM at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo with a lunch reception immediately following in the parish hall. The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions honoring Carl can be made to the Assistance League of San Mateo County, 528 N. San Mateo Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401-2326.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on April 22, 2012

John joined SIR in October 1997, becoming an Honorary Life Member in April 2009. Among other positions, he had been Treasurer and Bulletin Publisher. John resigned from SIR 6/30/2012

Passed away in Burlingame on October 25, 2012. Dearly beloved husband of Nan Mahaffy. Devoted father of Dr. Sara Naureckas (Dr. Edward), Dr. Susan Hallman (Hugh), and Gregory Mahaffy. Cherished grandfather of Caitlin, Patrick, Eli, Louis, Marcus and Maureen.

A life long resident of the Bay Area, John spent his entire career in high school education as a math teacher and administrator at Aragon High School, then as SMUHSD finance director. He was a scorekeeper/timer for Cal Berkeley football and mens/womens basketball for 50 years. John was active in the Lions Club, Burlingame Rotary Club, SIR, and as a tour guide at Filoli.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mills-Peninsula Foundation www.mills-peninsula.org or First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame preferred.

From Sneider Sullivan & O'Connell's Funeral Home website on October 26, 2012

The following is copied from SIR Branch 1 Bulletin of September, 2012:

HONORARY LIFE MEMBER JOHN MAHAFFY HAS LEFT SIR

Branch 1 mainstay John Mahaffy has resigned from SIR for personal reasons. During his long tenure he surely made life a lot easier for the Big Sirs under whom he served. For several years he was treasurer, and kept the branch on the straight and narrow. He was one of those who, sometimes silently, did whatever was necessary to keep things going as they should. Like the bulletin. As part of the editorial board, it was John Mahaffy who formatted it into the smart looking issues you see each month. John served as the Secretary and Assistant Chairman for the Computer Group, and has conducted several classes in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Here are a few facts that John’s colleague, Phil Fisher, badge 167, recalls from their long careers in the education field. John was raised in Burlingame and graduated from Burlingame High School. He was accepted at UC Berkeley where he graduated with a degree in mathematics and later a fellowship in mathematics at Harvard University.

He was teaching at Mills High School in Millbrae where he met his future wife, Nan. However, after marrying they were told that married couples could not be at the same campus, so with the opening of Aragon High School John transferred there as a mathematics instructor. He became chairperson of the Math Department until he became an Assistant Principal there for several years. In 1987 he was appointed Director of Fiscal Services for the San Mateo Union High School District and retired in 1997.

John is a long-time official timer for Golden Bears Basketball.

Branch 1 and the entire SIR organization will miss you, John

Jim joined SIR in June 1986, becoming an Honorary Life Member June 11, 1997 and a Senior Honorary Life Member April 8, 2009. Jim resigned SIR January 5, 2012 for health reasons and moving to the East Coast.

On September 5, 2012 James F. McGill; beloved husband of Frances M. McGill (nee Mosher); devoted father of Linda Miller and her husband Sam, Karen Butner and her husband David and the late Kevin Joseph and Brian James McGill; grandfather of Robert J. Miller and Jennifer and Kristin Butner; great grandfather of Chelsea, McKenna, Jillian and Keegan.

Mr. McGill will lie in state at the Stella Maris Chapel on Tuesday September 11, from 10:30-11:00 AM at which time a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. Entombment Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School 357 Clermont Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11238.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on September 9, 2012

Gene joined SIR Branch 1 in July 1987 and was member 250.

(Courtesy U.S. Army)

Eugene Osborne Russell Jr.

Mr Russell, 93, died Saturday, April 21, 2012 at Carlmont Gardens surrounded by family.

Gene was born on May 10, 1918 to the late Eugene Osborne Russell and Bertha Mae Russell of Yarmouth, Maine. He graduated from Maine University with a BS in Chemical Engineering in 1922 before going to work for E. I. DuPont Company in Parlin, NJ as a Chemical Engineer. On 14 April 1942, Gene was called to active duty in the Army and served in the WWII European Theater as an Intelligence Officer until leaving the Army at the rank of CAPT on 13 Dec 1945. He returned to work at E. I. DuPont and on 5 June 1948 married Gertrude Elizabeth Russell, his loving bride of 64 years. Gene and Trudy moved from Parlin, NJ to San Carlos, California in 1949, where Gene went to work for the I.E. DuPont paint plant in South San Francisco as a Chemical Engineer. On Sept 9, 1951 Gene was called from inactive service into the Army and served honorably in the Korean War until Dec 16, 1952. He returned to work with E.I. DuPont in South San Francisco where he worked as Plant Foreman for over 35 years. His greatest joys were his family and working to improve his home.

Gene is survived by his wife Gertrude of 64 years, his son Bruce Russell, and daughters Ann Haworth and Sue Russell; also, grandchildren Michael Haworth and Kimberley Russell. Gene had a love for life and will be dearly missed.

Crippen & Flynn Woodside Chapel

Guillermo A. "Bill" Saavedra

September 13, 1934 - September 13, 2012

Bill joined SIR in November 1994 and was member 113.

No obituary was published and no services were held. Donations may be made to a charity of your choice or to Pathways Hospice.

Richard P. "Dick" Stark

June 11, 1925 - August 1, 2012

Dick joined SIR Branch 1 in May 1997 and was formerly member 356 but has been inactive since March 2011.

Richard (Dick) Paul Stark

Dick Stark was born in San Francisco, June 11, 1925, to Joseph and Camille Stark. He passed away quietly August 1, 2012, in Millbrae.

Dick was a Pioneer Student at Lincoln High School until he was drafted into the army and served in the European Theater during World War II.

Returning from the war, he went to work at his father's printing company, Stark-Rath Printing & Publishing, Co. which was well known in the industry from 1927 to 1982.

Dick is survived by his wife of 62 years Jeanne, daughter Susan Kent (Greg-deceased), son Michael (Amy), sister Janet Manning (John), grandchildren Michael and Laila, great-grandson Anthony, sister-in-law Peggy Botelho and many nieces and nephews.

Dick was an avid 49er and Giants fan. He loved to travel, golf and a good party. Private family services have been held.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on August 12, 2012

George A. Thompson

September 19, 1930 - October 18, 2012

George joined SIR in February 1996. His health caused him to become inactive April 2010.

George A. Thompson Resident of Fairfield Passed away on Oct. 18, 2012 at his home. He was a long time resident of Millbrae CA and moved to Fairfield due to medical issues to be closer to his family. He was 82. He is survived by his loving wife, Laraine; children Lynette, Robert (Kathy); grandchildren Peter, Tom, Dana, Nick, Anthony, Alana, Alex, great grandchildren Deven and Taylor. We love you always and will miss you Pops. He was born and raised in San Francisco and made his living as a salesman. He had a long association with the 49er organization, retiring as Supervisor of Ushers.

Family and friends are invited to attend George's memorial service on Sat. Oct. 27 at 11am at Fairfield Funeral Home at 1750 Pennsylvania Ave Fairfield Ca 94533. Arrangements under the care of Fairfield Funeral Home 707-425-1041

Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on October 24, 2012

Ronald E. Weber

June 17, 1938 - June 6, 2012

Ron joined SIR Branch 1 in May 2000 and was member 202.

Ronald Eugene Weber age 73, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2012. He was a graduate of the University of Colorado, had served in the US Navy and had retired as a captain with United Airlines. He was a loving husband to his wife Madelon, a wonderful father to his son Craig Weber, his daughter Corinne York and the biggest fan of his grandson Tanner York. Ron will be remembered for being a man of integrity, kind and gentle, yet strong in his convictions and Christian faith. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park 94025. Donations can be made on his behalf to World Vision, PO Box 70102, Tacoma WA 98481

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on June 12, 2012

Fred L. Yam

February 1, 1916 - July 15, 2012

Fred joined SIR Branch 1 in January 1989 and was member 35.

Fred Yam was born in San Francisco on Chinese New Year's Day, February 1, 1916 and passed away July 15, 2012. Fred graduated from Commerce High School in 1932 during the height of the Depression. He cherished his years growing up in Grass Valley and later working underground in the nearby Pennsylvania Gold Mine, before returning to San Francisco in 1939. In 1943 he went to work at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and progressed his way up through the ranks, holding various positions before retiring in 1976 as Ship Surveyors Supervisor. Fred then took up golf and became an avid player, enjoying the game into his nineties. Always active in community affairs, he was past president of various groups including the Peninsula Association of Chinese Americans, Foster City Optimist Club, and Foster City and Golden Hill Golf Clubs, as well as being active with the Sons in Retirement. He is survived by his wife Stella, son David and wife Paula, son Frank Ching, daughter Sabrina, grandsons Andrew and Michael, and sisters, Lucy Woo and Lily Lee. He is preceded in death by his first wife Emma in 1965. In accordance with his personal wishes there will be no public service. His remains will be cremated and interred at Skylawn Memorial Park. Donations in his memory, if desired, may be made either to the Community Baptist Church in San Mateo or the Central Peninsula Church in Foster City.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on July 19, 2012

John E. Young

June 27, 1925 - November 24, 2012

John joined SIR in January 1999. His health caused him to become inactive in September 2012.

Dr. John Edwin Young, age 87, passed away peacefully on November 24 , 2012 at Mills-Peninsula Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Oakland, California on June 27, 1925, he spent most of his childhood in Glendale, California. In high school, he became an Eagle Scout, was president of the student body, and was a major in the ROTC. He proudly served his country in World War II as a laboratory technologist in the Navy, and subsequently in the ROTC with the Army, achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

He received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from Stanford University, and did an internship at San Francisco General Hospital. His specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology was at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, where his exceptional performance led to his selection as chief resident. He was Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

He returned to the bay area in 1958, settling in Hillsborough, where the family lived for more than 50 years He was a well-respected and popular obstetrician/gynecologist in San Mateo for more than 27 years, also serving as Chief of the OB/Gyn Service at Mills-Peninsula in the 1980s.

In his spare time, he pursued many interests, including camping, hunting and fishing, biking, golfing, and enjoying the family's weekend home at Sea Ranch. After retiring in 1986, he enjoyed travelling , fly fishing, his membership in SIRS and the Peninsula Investment Club, and his many close friends.

He was the beloved husband for 61 years of Violet Koski Young, PhD, who passed away in June 2012. He is survived by his son John Young and his wife Pam, his daughter Dr. Diane Young and fiancé Philip Crowley, his son Bret Young and his wife Susan, and his daughter Tamara Young, as well as his beloved grandchildren Natalie and Christopher Young, Shannon and Ryan Mich, Dean and William Young, and Amber Cosand and her husband Matt, and great granddaughters Megan and Erin Cosand, as well as his nephews Drs. Daniel, Benjamin, and Thomas Young, and his niece Dr. Susan Crawford and their families. He was pre-deceased by his parents, William and Frances Young, and his brother, Dr. William Young. He will be remembered for being an excellent physician, for his love of life, for his outgoing and warm personality, his love for and pride in his family, and his love of the outdoors.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2 pm on Saturday December 8, 2012 at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame , California. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his memory to the Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 1501 Trousdale Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010; the Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine, 100 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201; or Our Lady of Angels Church.

From Sneider Sullivan & O'Connell's Funeral Home website on November 27, 2012