OBITUARIES OF MEMBERS OF SIR

for 2015

    The following are obituaries of members of Branch One of Sons in Retirement whose passing became known in 2015. The obituaries have been obtained from the Obituary Column of either the San Francisco Chronicle, the San Mateo County Times, family, or friends. Please click on the names for additional details.

    The following is a list of those whose passing became known in 2015:

Floyd Alfson

Christy P. Armstrong

Robert J. "Bob" Asselstine

Rolf R. Beier

Arnold "Arnie" Bookspun

Thomas P. "Tom" Byrne

Adrian A. Cohn

Edwin M. "Ted" Glasgow

Alex Kimmel

Les Krupp

Frank R. "Pat" Patterson

Paul A. Peuker

Alonzo Richardson

Victor T. "Vic" Subbotin

Edwin D. "Ted" Taylor

 

 

Obituary Details of Deceased Members

Floyd Alfson

January 7, 1930 - March 23, 2015


Sir Floyd Alfson joined SIR in August 1999 and was member 447 until he resigned in February. Floyd had been Secretary of the Computer and Economics Research groups until 2006, was Chairperson of Flyers and Posters 2002 – 2006, and had been Director of Special Events.

Christy P. Armstrong

March 18, 1915 - October 1, 2015


Super Senior Sir Christy Arsmstrong joined SIR in March 1997 and was member 69 until he became inactive in November 2014. Christy was a member of the Economic Research group and had been Luncheon Ticket chairperson in 1990 & 1996, Finance chairperson in 1995 & 1996, and Secretary of the Economic Research group in 2005 & 2006. The family advises there will be no services.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle 10/18/2015:




Christy P. Armstrong

March 18, 1915 - October 1, 2015

Christian Peter Armstrong. Christy Armstrong passed away peacefully on October 1, 2015, in Burlingame at the age of 100. A 2nd generation native of San Francisco, he was born at home in Bernal Heights on March 18, 1915, to John Peter and Katharina Armstrong. He was a graduate of Commerce High School and UC Berkeley's College of Commerce (now the Haas School of Business). After graduating, he worked as an underwriter for Hartford Accident & Indemnity Company and an auditor for the California Department of Insurance until he enlisted and began service in the United States Air Force in 1943. He was a sergeant and was stationed stateside, in San Francisco, supporting statistical and logistics operations. In 1946 he returned to the California Insurance Department, eventually rising to become Deputy Insurance Commissioner and Chief Examiner, and remained in that role until his retirement in 1979. He was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society, a founding member and national president of the Society of Financial Examiners, and received commendation from the California Legislature in recognition of his service. After retiring from the state, he joined Coopers & Lybrand as an executive consultant in insurance and continued his career until age 80.

In 1963, Christy met and married Lorna Mattson. Together they raised two children, Kristin and Eric, in Burlingame. He was an involved and caring father, and was very active in his community and his childrens' (and their childrens') lives. He was a devoted husband and partner to Lorna, and they enjoyed many adventures together traveling around the country and the world. He loved and cared for Lorna until her passing in 1996.

Christy had a strong faith and was very active in his church, the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame, where he served as a deacon and an elder. He loved and appreciated art and music, and was an avid piano and organ player. He supported numerous local arts and performance organizations and many area museums. He was also a devoted 49ers fan, and held season tickets from the Kezar days until their recent move to Santa Clara.

Christy remarried in 1997, to Mary Herman of Burlingame. Together with Mary, he lived a very active social life, and embarked on many more trips to far-flung destinations, sometimes bringing along the combined Armstrong and Herman families. He also continued his service to the First Presbyterian Church and joined Mary in supporting the Burlingame Library and other community organizations, including his alma mater.

Christy is survived by his wife, Mary, his children Kristin Armstrong Mastrangelo and husband Walter Mastrangelo, Eric Armstrong, and Susan Herman (husband Doug Johnston), and his grandchildren Tracy Mastrangelo Smith (husband Aaron Smith), Vittorio Mastrangelo, Maxwell and Owen Armstrong, and Zachary Johnston (Go Bears!). His family held a private, family memorial. Donations in Christy's memory are welcomed, to the donor's cause of choice.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Oct. 18, 2015

Robert J. "Bob" Asselstine

November 2, 1949 - March 11, 2015


Former Big Sir Bob Asselstine joined SIR in July 2005 and was member 55 until he resigned in June 2010 to move to Michigan where he had family. Bob had been Big Sir in 2008 and served as Secretary of the Economics Research group in 2006 while also serving as Registrar and the Store. Bob's passing was reported to Branch One on April 8.


The following details are from the Borek Jennings Funeral Home website, Hamburg, MI:




Obituary for Robert J. Asselstine His Legacy...Age 65, died suddenly March 11, 2015 at his home. He was born on November 2, 1949 in Detroit the son of John and Mary Asselstine. Robert married his loving wife Kathleen Burke on February 19, 1994. Bob had an entrepreneur spirit throughout his life, most recently as a private mortgage lender. He was an accomplished sailor, general aviation pilot, and loved to snow ski. Bob was a Deacon Elder for Stephen Ministries. He also mentored men coming out of prison with 2nd Chance Ministries. He will be best be remembered as the glue that held his numerous friends together.

His Family... In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his Mother, Mary Asselstine of Dearborn; his stepson, Michael Clark of South Lyon; his brothers in law, Timothy Burke of Ann Arbor and Daniel Burke of IL.

His Farewell... Bob's family and friends will gather on Friday, March 20, 2015 from 2:00-8:00PM at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel where Bob's Community Farewell will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 11AM, Rev. Bill Donahue as celebrant. In lieu of flowers please give to the Wounded Warriors Project. Please leave a message of comfort to the Asselstine family by calling 1-877-231-7900 or sign the guestbook at borekjennings.com

In Lieu of Flowers please give to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Rolf R. Beier

May 6, 1923 - July 30, 2015


Sir Rolf R. Beier joined SIR in July 2003 and was member 453 until he resigned in August 2014 to move closer to family in Oregon. Rolf served as Secretary of the Computer group from 2004- 2006, Secretary of the Genealogy group part of 2004, and Secretary of the Economic Research group 2004-2006.

Branch One was notified of Rolf's passing 8/12/2015. Services were already held in Oregon.

The following was published in the Bend, OR Bulletin August 6, 2015:

Rolf Beier died peacefully at home with his wife and family July 30, 2015. Supportive care by hospice made the journey healing for all. Born in Halle, Germany in 1923, he moved to the US after conscription into the German army had sent him to the Russian front in WWII. Rolf met his wife, Florence at an international student seminar for peace in New Mexico, then spent the rest of his life devoted to ending war. His occupations included geology and plastics manufacturing.

The family moved frequently, including New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, Montana and Ankara, Turkey, and settled in Jackson, MI until 1980. Rolf and Florence then lived in San Mateo, CA, for 35 years before they moved to Touchmark in Bend to be close to family. Rolf cared deeply about social justice. He also loved travel, skiing, and the beach and could fix anything. He enjoyed being with people, charming everyone. His conversion to Judaism in his 80’s was a source of pride for him.

Beiers had three children, Randall Rolf Beier, who died in 2000 at age 49, Marlis Beier MD (Bend, OR) and Karin Beier Sentir (Indianapolis, IN). Rolf camped and traveled with his four grandchildren, Marissa Groza, Anneliese Sharpe, (both Bend, OR) Gavin Sentir (Boulder, CO) and Alexis Pearman (Indianapolis, IN). He adored his three great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be held at Touchmark on Sunday, August 9, from 4-6 pm.

Published in The Bulletin, Bend OR, on August 6, 2015

Arnold "Arnie" Bookspun

June 1, 1928 - June, 2015


Sir Arnie Bookspun joined SIR in March 2011 and was member 211.

Thomas P. "Tom" Byrne

April 7, 1936 - September 5, 2015


Sir Tom Byrne joined SIR in March 2013 and was member 448 until he was terminated in March 2015. Tom was a member of the Fishing group.

Branch One was notified of Tom's passing 9/29/2015. Services were already held.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle 9/13 - 9/20/2015:




Thomas Patrick Byrne

On September 5, 2015, the world lost a true gentleman. Thomas Patrick Byrne, son of Theresa and Thomas Byrne, born April 7, 1936, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born in San Francisco, CA, the eldest of six children. He was a brother to Mary Hansen, the late Cecilia Snyder, Michael (Barbara), Terrance, and Martin (Debbie). Tom attended St. Paul's grammar school as well as MaryKnoll Seminary, and graduated from Riordan High School in 1954. In 1956, he enlisted into the U.S. Army and served in Korea as part of the Sharp-Shooter Eighth Army Rifle and Pistol Team.

Tom married the love of his life, Maureen McCue, on September 27th, 1958, and they settled in Burlingame to start their family. He was a cherished father to Monica Truettner (William), Michael (Mary Jane), Michelle Kozlowski (Carlos), Melisa Albrand, Mary Agnes Boals (Stephen); a beloved grandfather to Cody Byrne, Callie Grieser (Josh), Michael Truettner, Ryan Truettner (Meredith), Will Truettner, Natassia Kozlowski, Ian Kozlowski, Sofia Kozlowski, Mathieu Albrand, Stephen Boals, Ryan Boals, and Caroline Boals; and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Tom's sixty year career in construction began at Scott Mechanical. In 1967, he established Byrne Construction. He was passionate about his work, which included building homes in both Burlingame and Lake Tahoe. He enjoyed playing and following golf, being a fan of Notre Dame, and fly fishing. Tom focused his life on faith, family and friends. He was a long time parishioner of Our Lady of Angels parish, and a stalwart of the community.

Friends may visit Friday, September 25th after 10:00am at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am. A reception will follow. Donations may be made to Archbishop Riordan High School Scholarship Fund, 175 - Phelan Ave, San Francisco, CA 94112 or the Capuchin Franciscans c/o Our Lady of Angels Church.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle from Sept. 13 to Sept. 20, 2015

Adrian A. Cohn

July 2, 1922 - November 24, 2015


Senior Sir Adrian Cohn joined SIR Branch One in March 1992 and was member 459. Adrian had been a member of the Fishing group.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle 12/1/2015 - 12/3/2015:

Adrian A. Cohn

Adrian died peacefully at home at age 93 on Nov 24, 2015. Born in Chicago, he spent most of his life in California. He had a passion for teaching and co-authored 5 college textbooks. Adrian retired at age 88 from the College of San Mateo where he taught English for 47 years and helped create the campus Writing Center. He received his PhD from the Univ of Wisconsin and served in the Air Force in the Pacific during WWII.

Family and friends fondly remember his kindness, keen sense of humor, and love of good food and wine. Adrian is survived by his wife of 71 years, Barbara, daughter Sara, son Simon (Janet), grandson Jonathan (Jaimie Baron), granddaughter Rebecca, and great grandson Kai.

A memorial service on Thursday, Dec 3, 11:30am will be at Skylawn Funeral Home, Hwy 92 at Skyline Dr, San Mateo. Donations in his honor may be sent to San Mateo Community College Foundation, 3401 CSM Dr, San Mateo, CA 94402.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle Dec. 1 - 3, 2015

Edwin M. "Ted" Glasgow

August 15, 1935 - December 12, 2015


Sir Ted Glasgow joined SIR Branch One in October 2003 and was member 395 before becoming inactive last February. Ted had been Secretary of the Genealogy group before April 2005.

The following was posted on the Crosby N. Gray & Co. website www.crosby-ngray.com. Most will also be published in the San Francisco Chronicle 12/16/2015:

Edwin "Ted" Glasgow, Jr.
8/15/35 - 12/12/15

Born in San Francisco, and raised in Burlingame, Ted Glasgow was known for his humor, compassion and caring approach to life. After graduating from Burlingame High, Ted received his degree in Pharmacy from Oregon State. Ted became co-owner of Home Drug Co., a family business operated with his brother, Don, for 38 years. Following retirement, Ted was active with the Elks Lodge, bocce ball, and served two years on the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury, with one year as the foreman.

Ted is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carmela, two sons, Garrett (Akiko) and Glenn (Alaina), five grandchildren, and his brother, Don. He is preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Dolores Glasgow, and sister Nancy.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to a charity of choice.

A rosary will be held 7 - 9 p.m. Friday 12/18 at:
Crosby N. Gray & Co.
2 Park Rd.
Burlingame, CA 94010
(650) 342-6617

A Funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon Saturday 12/19 at:
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
600 Columbia Dr.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 347-0701

Alex Kimmel

July 29, 1939 - November 7, 2015


Sir Alex Kimmel joined SIR Branch One in October 2012 and was member 168. Alex played drums in the SIR-Enaders.

A Celebration of Life for Alex will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 16 at Skylawn Memorial Park.

The following was published in the Half Moon Bay Review 11/18/2015:



R. Alex Kimmel, 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Half Moon Bay on Nov. 7, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, son Brian, daughter Pamela and grandson David Jr.

Born in Greensburg, Pa., in 1939, to Mary and Edward, he was the youngest of three children. Following in older brother Ed Jr.’s footsteps, he began playing drums at an early age. His passion grew and he became a part of many bands. The first group he was in, the Gay Tunes, played backup for Connie Francis, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Dion and the Belmonts and Trini Lopez.

In 1962 he moved to California to pursue his musical dreams. There he met Patricia, and they married in 1966 and settled down in Half Moon Bay. He worked as a Prudential Insurance agent for thirty years. He also opened the local music store at Shoreline Station in 1983.

He was very active in the community, joining the Coastside Writers Group and the Sons in Retirement. His passion for music continued through his retirement. He played with several bands including the San Mateo Elks Concert Band, the Senior Friday Night Band and the Half Moon Bay Sit-Down Marching Band. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Private services will be held at Skylawn Memorial Park.

Les Krupp

July 2, 1922 - November 12, 2015


Sir Les Krupp joined SIR Branch One in April 1992 and was member 64 until his termination in September 2014. Les had been active in the Economics Research group serving as its Secretary from 8/92 through 2006. He had also been the Asst. Chair of the Stock Study group from 5/96 through 2006.

The following will be published in the San Francisco Chronicle 11/22/2015:




Lester Alan Krupp

July 2, 1922 - November 12, 2015

Les Krupp died peacefully in his home on November 12, 2015, supported by his loving wife of 38 years and many family members. He was born in Tucson, AZ, on July 2, 1922, and grew to adulthood in Los Angeles. He attended Stanford University and served in the US Navy from 1943-46. Les was married to AudreyAnne Newman from 1949 until her death in 1972. He married Patricia Jo Newman in 1977.

Les worked in the direct mail advertising business, beginning with Krupp's Direct Mail in Los Angeles and then as executive vice president of MMI in San Francisco. He was an active member of SIRS of San Mateo.

After retirement, Les and Patty discovered a passion for travel. Over the next 20 years they traveled frequently to national and international locations, and in the late 90s they purchased a small RV and began to explore the nation, traveling well over 100,000 miles in a series of journeys. These adventurous months-long trips-always accompanied by their canine companions-enabled Les and Patty to visit friends and family across the nation and their favorite scenic destinations.

Les will be missed by his beloved wife Patricia Krupp, children Lester Jr., Lisa, Erika, Adam, and Jonathon, grandchildren Thad, Ben, Alec, Evan, LilyAnne, Cali, and Bay, and two travel-wise dachshunds, Jordie and Bella.

In appreciation for the care Les received, donations in Les's memory can be made to Mission Hospice & Home Care at 1670 S. Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94402.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Nov. 22, 2015

Frank R. "Pat" Patterson

December 9, 1926 - July 26, 2015


Sir Frank R. "Pat" Patterson joined SIR in September 2001 and was member 396.

Branch One was notified of Pat's passing 8/5/2015. The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle 8/1 - 8/3/2015:




Frank R. Patterson, Sr.
December 9, 1926 - July 26, 2015
Frank Raymond Patterson, Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, after a brief illness. He was 88 years old.

Frank was born in 1926 in San Francisco to parents William E. and Edith A. Patterson. He attended Polytechnic High School, then joined the Navy during World War Two. He later served in the Korean War as Petty Officer with the VF-194 Fighter Squadron aboard the USS Valley Forge.

He spent fifteen years working as a machinist while also earning his teaching credential, which led to a 28-year career as a vocational educator teaching machine shop at John A. O'Connell High School in San Francisco. Frank was also very active as a member of VICA (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America).

In 1953, he married his wife, Mildred. During their 62 years together, they enjoyed traveling and spending as much time as possible with their children and grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his twin brother, William. He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred, his sister Launa (Steve) Hovland, sister-in-law Glenevere Frey, brother Jean (Shirley) Patterson, sons Frank (Bertha), Stephen (Shelley), David (Viki), Robert (Zhanna) and grandchildren Rachel, Sam, Ian and Elisa.

Services and internment will take place at 11am on August 3rd at the Crystal Springs Chapel at Skylawn Memorial Park, followed by a reception and celebration of Frank's life at the Elks Lodge in San Mateo.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on August 1-3, 2015

Paul A. Peuker

March 20, 1929 - October 3, 2015


Sir Paul Peuker joined SIR in July 2001, transferring in to Branch One in September 2013 and was member 428. Paul sang Bass in the Carlmonteers. Per Paul's wishes there will be no services.

Alonzo Richardson

March 6, 1917 - May 18, 2015


Super Sir Alonzo Richardson joined SIR in August 1991 and was member 263 though he had been inactive since September 2013. Alonzo had been Secretary of the Economic Research group 2004-2006.

Branch One was notified of Alonzo's passing 7/1/2015.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle 6/14/2015:




Another member or the Greatest Generation has passed. At 98 years old, Alonzo Richardson leaves behind a legacy of devoted love to his previously departed wife Margaret, faithful service to his church and country, and keeper of stories to the next generation. He lived life fully and was sharp witted to the end.

Alonzo was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years Margaret Richardson. Alonzo is survived by sons David Richardson and Philip Richardson, spouses Sandra Richardson and Mary Richardson, and granddaughters Megan Richardson, Laura Richardson, and Lisa Johnson.

Alonzo was the middle of two brothers (Edward and Eldon) and is survived by his sister Laura Leigh Hicks. He was a 1939 graduate of Georgia Institute of Technology with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. He served in the 451st Bombardment Squadron of the 9th Army Air Corp in the European theater of World War II from 1942 to 1946. He served as Manager of Engineering for the Gaylord division of Crown Zellabach for the majority of his career working in the corrugated paper industry.

Friends are invited to a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame on Monday, June 22 at 1:00.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on June 14, 2015

Victor T. "Vic" Subbotin

May 20, 1932 - March, 2015


Sir Vic Subbotin joined SIR in August 1997 and was member 319 though he had been inactive since June 2013. Floyd had been Assistant Chair of the Luncheon Committee and had performed several audits for Branch One.

Edwin D. "Ted" Taylor

August 23, 1927 - July 29, 2015


Sir Edwin D. "Ted" Taylor joined SIR in January 2008 and was member 264 until he resigned in September 2014.

Branch One was notified of Pat's passing 8/9/2015. The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle 8/9/2015:




Edwin David "Ted" Taylor

August 23, 1927 - July 29, 2015

Ted was born on August 23rd, 1927 at Los Angeles General Hospital to Annida Denison Taylor and Richard Holmes Taylor. He had two siblings -- Denison Taylor resident of Smyrna, TN and Joan Taylor formerly of Cerritos, CA and now deceased. Ted, Denny and Joanie were lifelong members of the Denison Society by way of their mother's family. Ted graduated from Carpinteria High School. Among his many youthful endeavors, he lifeguarded at Carpinteria Beach. Ted matriculated at Whittier College and University of California at Santa Barbara but then transferred after one year on an NROTC scholarship to Stanford University where he graduated in 1951 with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. While at Stanford, Ted played on the Varsity Football team. He was also President of the Theta Delta Chi Fraternity where he remained active his whole life. Ted went back to school at Notre Dame de Namur University to earn a Masters in Business Administration just before he turned sixty.

Ted served our country twice -- once in the Navy in 1944 and then as an enlisted officer post college graduation in Quantico, Virginia for Marine Corps officer training and one year in Korea on active duty. He received a Marine Corps letter of commendation for his service there. Upon return from Korea, Ted married fellow Stanford student and the love of his life Polly Hoover Taylor, daughter of Paul and Evelyn Hoover, in 1953 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Polly and Ted lived on base at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina while he completed his tour. After his military service, they moved to upstate NY where Ted joined General Electric Corporation's training program. One year later, Ted and Polly returned to California where Ted was offered a position at Eitel McCullough in San Bruno and ultimately settled into a long and decorated engineering and management career at Litton Industries where he served in roles from strategic acquisitions to VP of marketing. His travel schedule rivaled any and took him frequently to Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

In 1955, Ted and Polly welcomed their first child, Denison Hoover Taylor, into the world. Kathryn Ann Taylor, their second child joined the family in 1958. Ted served many civic institutions including the Mayor's Task Force on Civil Rights, St. Paul's Episcopal Church Vestry, and as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader. In 1962, he invented and prototyped with a fraternity brother an electric car in anticipation of an oil crisis. Polly also worked vigorously on SF Junior League, Coyote Point Museum -- including chairing four Decorator Show Houses -- Girl Scouts, School PTAs and many other boards. The couple built a network of close and active friends at the Peninsula Tennis Club, the Hillsborough Racquet Club, the Burlingame Country Club and the Town and Country Club of SF. Ted especially treasured his membership in the San Francisco Flycasters Club. The family enjoyed summer vacations at Glenbrook Inn on Lake Tahoe. With Polly, Ted threw a Hot Dog Party every August from 1958 to 2011 which grew in size to over 200 people. Tragically, Denny, an eagle scout, passed away in a wilderness accident at the age of 22 in 1978. Kathryn lives in SF with her husband, Tom Steyer who is currently an advocate for clean energy, and is co-CEO of Beneficial State Bank, a social enterprise. Kathryn and Tom have four children who have been the apples of their grandparents' eyes -- Sam, Gus, Evi and Henry Steyer. Through and with them, Ted plumbed the worlds of myriad sports, and BattleBots. Ted never missed an opportunity to engage in vigorous debate but he also could listen when it really mattered. He meant the world to his family and friends and will be sorely missed.

In lieu of flowers, please be generous to your favorite non-profit, visit a wild place, or be kind to a fellow human being in Ted's memory.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on August 9, 2015