Obituaries 2017

The following are obituaries of members of Branch One of Sons in Retirement whose passing became known in 2017. The obituaries have been obtained from the Obituary Column of either the San Francisco Chronicle, the Mercury News, family, or friends. Please click on the names for additional details.

Emeritus Sir Rich Arrighi joined SIR Branch One in July 1993 and was member 379. Rich had been Holiday Lunch chair in 1996, Ladies Day Lunch chair in 1997 and 1998, and Ladies Day Lunch asst. chair in 1999.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle November 22, 2017:

Richard Lawrence Arrighi

May 8, 1929 - November 18, 2017

Rich passed away at his home in Burlingame at the age of 88. He was widowed from his loving wife, Norine, in December of 2013 after 62 years of marriage. They met when they were only 15. Rich is survived by his children, Yvette Royce, Roger Arrighi (his wife Jennifer) and Paul Arrighi (his wife Crista Lucey); five grandchildren, Michele Schmitt (her husband Josh), Roger Royce (his wife Monica), Todd Royce, Megan Fulton (her husband Chris) and Timothy Arrighi. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Tornabene. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Guido and Rena Arrighi, his brother-in-law, Tony Tornabene, and his son-in-law, Randy Royce. He was a devoted husband and was blessed to live long enough to know three great-grandchildren; Brooke Royce, Andrew Fulton, and Hudson Schmitt. A fourth great-grandchild is due the end of January.
He worked as a financial analyst for 35 years at Chevron Oil in San Francisco. Rich enjoyed watching sports on television, especially baseball, golf, football, and basketball. He also loved to reminisce about his own glory days on the fields and courts of the many sports in which he participated. Throughout his married life, Rich played in many golf tournaments as a member of the French Athletic Club. He was also a member of the SIRS (Sons in Retirement).

Family and friends may visit from 3-4 PM, Sunday, November 26, 2017 and are invited to the Vigil service at CHAPEL OF THE HIGHLANDS, 194 Millwood Dr. at El Camino Real in Millbrae. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, November 27, 2017, 11 AM at Our Lady of Angels Church, 1721 Hillside Dr. in Burlingame. Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle November 22, 2017.

William W. "Bill" Dashiell

December 16, 1922 - January 20, 2017

Senior Sir Bill Dashiell joined SIR Branch One in July 2000 and was member 308 until he became inactive August 2013. Sir Bill was Secretary of the Genealogy group November 2002 to July 2003.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle January 26, 2017 and the Mercury News January 27, 2017:

BillDashiell

William Wales Dashiell, II
December 16, 1922 - January 20, 2017
William Wales Dashiell, II was born December 16, 1922 in Berkeley, California to John Jay and Helen (Frawley) Dashiell. Bill grew up in Beverly Hills, California and graduated from Beverly Hills High School in 1941. He had been accepted at Stanford, but chose to attend the Merchant Marine Academy at Coyote Point in San Mateo.

Bill proudly served in the U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine delivering cargo and troops in the Pacific, Mediterranean Middle East, and Atlantic war zones. He circumnavigated the globe twice surviving torpedoes and bombings.

After the war, Bill went to work for Matson Navigation Company where he met his wife, Edna Faye ("Billie") Powers. They were married October 20, 1946 in San Rafael, California at the Episcopal Church by The Reverend J. Owings. Their son, William Wales Dashiell, III is no longer living.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge of San Mateo, Kiwanis Club of Greater San Mateo and the SIRs of San Mateo.

Bill is survived by his wife Faye and many nieces and nephews to whom he generously gave advice and guidance throughout his life whenever asked.

As requested, there will be no service.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on Jan. 26, 2017 and the Mercury News on January 27, 2017

William J. "Bill" Dickson

June 17, 1923 - November 13, 2017

Past Big Sir Senior Sir Bill Dickson joined SIR Branch One in March 1998 but had been inactive since June 2015. Bill had been The Store asst. chair 1999-2001, Walking chair 1999-2001, Computers secretary 1999-2006, Registrar chair 2001-2002, Big Sir 2005, Roster asst. chair 2005 and Nominating secretary in 2006.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle November 16, 2017:

BillDickson

William Joseph Dickson

William Joseph Dickson passed away peacefully on November 13, 2017 in Los Gatos, CA with family at his side. He is survived by his loving wife, Alice, his children: Margaret, William and James, and his grandchildren: Christopher, Sean, Jade and Annemarie. He lived in San Francisco for over 50 years and the Bay Area his entire life. A modest but heroic WWII Veteran, Bill served in the Army Air Corps on B-17s completing 35 missions over Europe. He proudly worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers for his entire career, managing the west coast waterways. Bill volunteered at Holy Name Church as well as the Boy Scouts. He participated in and later led branch 1 of the SIRs. Always known for his kind spirit, good humor, sharp intellect, honor and willingness to help, he will be missed dearly by all he touched.

A visitation and rosary service will be held at 10AM on Saturday November 18th @ Holy Name Church in San Francisco, immediately followed at 11AM with his funeral mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions are encouraged to a charity of your choice.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle November 16, 2017.

Frederick F. "Fred" Gerhauser

August 3, 1929 - August 15, 2017

Sir Fred joined SIR in 1997 and transferred into Branch One in January 2013 and was member 273. Fred had been Big Sir of Branch 90 and also published their Bulletin. Upon joining Branch One, he published the Branch One Bulletin through November 2015.

The following was published in the San Mateo Daily Journal September 6, 2017:

Frederick Farr Gerhauser passed away at home on August 15, 2017 surrounded by his loving family, following a long and fulfilling life. He was 88.

Fred was a modern Renaissance Man: Beloved Husband and Father. High-tech Business Executive. Accomplished Artist and Musician. Skilled Sailor. Loyal Friend. Race Car Driver. Garage Tinkerer. Inveterate Punster.

The youngest of four brothers, Fred was born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio. His family spent many happy summers on Cuttyhunk Island, Mass. and later in Blue Hill, Maine, where Fred developed his lifelong enthusiasm for sailing and the sea. He attended the Hawken School, Western Reserve Academy, and then The Cleveland Institute of Art and Ohio Wesleyan University for college, where he studied both fine art and business. Fred was a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force Reserve (Air National Guard of Ohio) from 1951-56.

Following a brief stint in advertising, Fred headed west to California where he met the love of his life, Helen; they were married for nearly 58 years. Fred embarked on a long and successful career in high-tech manufacturing and materials management, first in the burgeoning aerospace industry in Los Angeles and later in the high-tech and electronics industries in the Bay Area. For the last 15 years of his business career, Fred served as Corporate Director of Materials at Varian Associates in Palo Alto.

Throughout his life, Fred continued to nourish his interests and passions, whether working on sports cars, traveling abroad with his family, creating art, tinkering with inventions or enjoying classical and jazz music.

Fred raced an Atlantic Class sloop for many summers in his youth and later shared his passion for sailing with his family and friends, enjoying many wonderful cruising trips as well as a few voyages better described as “adventures.” For his 40th birthday, Fred and a small crew intrepidly sailed 2800 nautical miles across the Pacific in a 40-foot yawl, from Maui to Los Angeles. Known as “The Flying Fox,” Fred also raced Porsches in his early adulthood, primarily a 356 Super Speedster and a GT Carrera Speedster, at Laguna Seca and other venues. Over the years he enjoyed owning eight sports cars, including a rare Mercedes Benz 300 SL Gullwing and a Porsche 550 Spyder.

After retiring from Varian, Fred enthusiastically devoted himself to creative work including photography and serigraphy and regularly exhibited his artworks in regional venues. His prints and photographs received several local awards, including a one-year scholarship (at age 75!) to Academy of Art University in San Francisco and the 2007 Diamond Award given annually to recognize an outstanding artist of San Mateo County. Of particular note are his inspiring photographic projects documenting survivors of Hurricane Katrina, homelessness, and the courageous women of Hope House. Fred also had a lifelong affinity with animals, and over the years he created a splendid series of cat portraits. Memberships in art-related organizations included The Peninsula Serigraphers, The Belmont Arts Council, The Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain and the Zone III Photographic Society, a group that he led for several years.

Fred also greatly enjoyed music, including both piano and voice, which he believed was the most beautiful instrument. During his 20s, Fred belonged to a six-part harmony singing group that appeared on regional television, made local commercials, and entertained at social events. In more recent years, Fred lent his smooth baritone voice to his church choir. He played jazz piano for over 35 years and was a longtime SF Symphony subscriber. Fred’s additional memberships included E Clampus Vitus and SIRs – Sons in Retirement, a fraternal organization in which he held several leadership positions.

While Fred’s sharp intellect, strong character, natural charm and artistic soul will be dearly missed by those who knew him, his satisfying 88 years exemplify a balanced life, well lived.

Surviving Fred are his loving wife Helen and his devoted children, Amy (and husband Jaye) of San Angelo, TX, and Lisa of San Francisco, CA, and many dear friends and relatives.

The Gerhauser family wishes to thank the Trinity Presbyterian Church community and Pathways Hospice and Caregivers. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 24th at Trinity Presbyterian Church in San Carlos. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s name to your local Hospice or Humane Society.

Published in the San Mateo Daily Journal September 6, 2017.

James F. "Jim" Gilheany

March 23, 1930 - June 27, 2017

Sir Jim Gilheany joined SIR Branch One in March 1994 and was member 227 until he resigned November 2015 for health reasons. Sir Jim was Chair of Luncheon Tickets 1996, Asst. Chair of the Gardening Group in 1997, Secretary of the Economic Research Group 2000-2006, and was instrumental in Bulletin Distribution until his resignation.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle July 1-3, 2017 and the Mercury News July 3, 2017:

James F. Gilheany

At age 87, passed away in San Mateo due to cancer.

Son of the late Thomas J Gilheany and Louise Hiland Gilheany. Born in Troy, N.Y. and raised in Stillwater, N.Y. A member of the class of 1947 at Stillwater High School. Graduated from Siena College with a B.S in physics and from U. C. Berkeley with an MBA. A navy veteran (1954-1957) serving as a special weapons officer on the USS Randolph (CVA 15). Initially employed as an engineer in the aerospace industry. later worked as an operations consultant for Matson Research Corp. Then was employed in ocean shipping management for several international mining companies. Retired after 23 years with BHP Minerals and its acquired companies Utah International and Marcona Corp. Longtime resident of San Mateo, CA.

Survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Alice Mullin Gilheany and his children – Thomas (Jennifer), James jr. (Patricia), and Ann(Greg) Snelling, also his grandchildren: Margaret, Patrick, Catherine, Alice, and Emily. Also survived by a brother William of Latham, N.Y. and sister-in-law Rosary of Pompton Plains, N.J.. Predeceased by brother Thomas of Pompton Plains, N.J and sister-in-law Esther of Latham, N.Y.

A Vigil Service will be held on July 5th at 7pm, at Crippen & Flynn Carlmont Chapel in Belmont, CA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 6th at 10am at St. Gregory's Catholic Church in San Mateo. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma.

In lieu of flowers, we believe Jim would hope that you take a moment to appreciate the beauty in life, and share it with someone you care about.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on July 1-3, 2017 and the Mercury News July 3, 2017

Robert S. "Bob" Harmon

April 30, 1922 - February 14, 2017

Honorary Life Member Senior Sir Bob Harmon joined SIR Branch One in August 1995 and was member 282. Sir Bob was Big Sir in 2000. Among his many other duties were Nominating Secretary 1996, Raffle Chair and Asst. Golf Chair 1997, Mystery Tour Chair and Asst. Model Building Chair 1998, Trips & Tours Chair 1998-1999, Recruiting Chair 1998-2001, Spring Luncheon Secretary 2001-2002, New Members Asst. Chair and The Store Asst. Chair 2002-2006, Nominating Secretary 2004, and Activities Asst. Chair and Poker Asst. Chair 2004-2006.

The following was published in the San Francisco Chronicle February 19, 2017:

Robert S. Harmon, Sr.
Robert S. Harmon, Sr. was born April 30, 1922 in San Francisco, CA and passed away February 14, 2017 in Placerville, CA at the age of 94. Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty, children Robert Harmon, Jr. and Susan Kupferman, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Gary and granddaughter Leanna. Upon graduation from high school in 1942 he joined the U.S. Navy during WWII assigned as a machinist mate on the destroyer USS Taylor in the Pacific Region. Upon honorable discharge he returned home to San Francisco then began his automotive career, lasting until retirement. He was a private pilot, built family boats for recreation and enjoyed bird hunting. Other interests included Sons In Retirement (SIRS) of San Mateo County and volunteering at the S F Airport and Treasure Island Museums. Bob's happiest moments were being with his family, vanilla milkshakes and enjoying a good Manhattan in the evening. A private service will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Chapel of the Pines, Placerville, CA.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on February 19, 2017

Leonard E. "Len" Herzstein

December 3, 1923 - July 28, 2017

Senior Sir Len Herzstein joined SIR Branch One in March 2003 and was member 276. Senior Sir Len was Asst. Chair of Travel 2003-2006.

A memorial service will be held at Skyline College at 1 p.m. Aug. 13. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Len Herzstein Scholarship Fund at Skyline College.

The following article was published in the San Francisco Chronicle August 2, 2017:

Len Herzstein, original Giants balldude, dies at 93

By Sam Whiting Updated 6:12 pm, Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Len Herzstein, a skinny-legged klutz who developed a great following as one of the original balldudes for the San Francisco Giants, has died at 93.

Mr. Herzstein was a retired retailer and college math instructor before he spent 18 seasons happily clodhopping after foul balls. He worked as many as 28 games a year, and when the action was slow, he would show off his ballroom dance moves in hopes that the camera would find him. It always did, to the delight of TV broadcasters Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow, who gave Mr. Herzstein enough airtime to populate a highlights reel on YouTube.

“He loved it when Kuiper mentioned him. It didn’t matter if it was positive or negative,” said Mr. Herzstein’s son, Dave Herzstein, who confirmed his father’s death. Mr. Herzstein had just returned from a cruise to Alaska when he became ill. He was briefly hospitalized and died Friday. The cause of death was heart failure, his son said.

Leonard Eugene Herzstein was born Dec. 3, 1923, in Philadelphia, where he grew up. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and rose to the rank of ensign. While still in the service he was enrolled at the University of Notre Dame and then transferred to Stanford University where he earned his bachelor of science in electrical engineering in 1948. He was discharged, and returned to Stanford to earn his master’s, in 1949.

While at Stanford, he met a fellow student, Ruth Allan, and they married while still undergraduates. They settled in Redwood City, where they raised three children, Dave, Leonard Jr., and Sue. For 20 years, Mr. Herzstein commuted by train to San Francisco, where he was a vice president at Macy’s.

After the children were raised, Mr. Herzstein was divorced and moved to the hills of San Bruno to be near Skyline College, where he became an instructor of mathematics and business. He also served on the academic senate, and in his spare time worked as a dance host on a cruise ship, which is where he discovered his love for performance.

“He’s got a lot of Steve Martin in him,” said Kuiper while watching Mr. Herzstein do a box step on TV.

Every member of the volunteer foul ball shag team wears a jersey with the word “Balldude” stitched on the back, but Mr. Herzstein customized his by having his name added to it. It was not a home sewing machine job either. He tracked down the team supplier and got the job professionally done. He accessorized that with team-issue game pants that were invariably too short, drawing attention to his legs.

Mr. Herzstein first gained the notice of Kruk and Kuip when a sharp grounder he was attempting to field caught him on the toe. He sat down on his stool, took off his shoe and rubbed his foot. The cameras caught him and a legend was born. He became known as “Len ‘I hurt my Foot’zstein” and never failed to put on a show when a foul ball came his way.

“Len is built like Ichabod Crane, with huge feet that are like ball magnets,” Krukow told The Chronicle in 2011. He then predicted that in this particular game, as at any game Mr. Herzstein worked, “there will be something weird that happens where the ball will find him. It will hit his feet and rattle off of both knees or his chin or something like that.”

He considered himself part of the team. After a World Series victory in 2010, Mr. Herzstein slapped manager Bruce Bochy a high five and somehow lost his glove in the process. He was 87 at the time and unsure if he had it in him to break in another glove. But he was out there the following season for as many games as the team would allow. He always taped the games he worked, and after the game he’d race home to track his TV camera time and critique his performance.

“I am the Jewish ham,” he told The Chronicle.

During the 2012 season, the original group of balldudes, who started at Candlestick in 1993, were retired in a home-plate ceremony.

Giants President Larry Baer wrote a letter to Mr. Herzstein on his 90th birthday stating he “served as a model and inspiration for many others who longed to be ‘just like Len.’ We’re truly pleased to say that you’re part of our team’s history.”

In retirement, Mr. Herzstein served on the San Mateo Community College District Foundation Board, and the California High School Certification Board. A scholarship fund in his name is endowed at Skyline College. A memorial service will be held there at 1 p.m. Aug. 13. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Len Herzstein Scholarship Fund at Skyline College.

Survivors include sons Leonard of Winston, Ore., and Dave of Newark, daughter Sue Lloyd of Ben Lomond (Santa Cruz County), four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on August 2, 2017

The following obituary was printed in the San Francisco Chronicle on August 6, 2017:

Leonard "Len" Herzstein

December 3, 1923 - July 28, 2017

Resident of San Bruno

Leonard “Len” Herzstein passed away peacefully on July 28.

Len was born in Philadelphia. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and while still in service, Len attended Stanford University where he earned his BS in electrical engineering and later earned his MBA.

While at Stanford, he met a fellow student, Ruth Allan. They married in 1948 and settled in Redwood City where they raised three children. He worked as Vice President for Macy’s.

For the next 20 years Len was a Professor of Business and Math at Skyline College. He was President of the Academic Senate in the academic years, 77-78, 82-83 and 83-84. During this time, he met the second love of his life and dance partner Anne Porteus.

In his retirement, Len served on the San Mateo College District Foundation Board and the California High School Certification Board. A scholarship fund in his name is endowed at Skyline College.

Vacationing on cruise ships (over 80 times) with family and friends were a favorite pastime. In the early years, he enjoyed working as dance host on cruise ships.

Len spent 18 seasons working as a ball dude for the SF Giants. He loved it when SF Giants TV broadcasters mentioned him. It didn’t matter if it was positive or negative. “I am the Jewish ham,” Len told The Chronicle.

Len lived life to its fullest!

Survivors include sons Leonard, Jr. of Winson, OR, and Dave of Newark, daughter Sue Lloyd of Ben Lomond, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1pm on Aug 13 at Skyline College. (Bldg 6 - Fireside Dining Room). In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Len Herzstein Scholarship Fund at Skyline College.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on August 6, 2017

Norman "Norm" Lamprecht

October 12, 1928 - September 2, 2017

Sir Norm joined SIR in May 2005 and was member 273. Norm chaired the Sunshine Committee 2009 - 2015.

A Celebration of Norman's Life will be held this Sunday September 10th at 1pm Redeemer Lutheran Church 468 Grand Street, Redwood City CA 94062

Immediately following the service, Norman's family invites you to join them for a reception at the Church

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice in his name

The following was published in the San Mateo Daily Journal September 7, 2017:

Norman Henry Lamprecht, aged 88, of Redwood City died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017.

Norman is survived by his wife Dorene and his daughters Devona Pierce and Julie Waldron and his two grandchildren Grant and Grace Waldron.

Norm was born Oct. 12, 1928, in Bloomfield, Nebraska, on a grain farm. He graduated in 1945 as the second highest honor student in his class of 50. He went on to earn a MBA in accounting and taxation. He met his wife of 59 years while working in the San Francisco office of Ernst & Young.

“Norm was warm, loving, patient and very attentive to others. He always made a point to remember someone’s name and easily engaged in conversations of all topics.” He enjoyed succulents and tulips; tai chi, was a voracious reader and history buff. Norm and Dorene enjoyed traveling the world.

He was very involved in the Kiwanis Club, SIRS and Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Published in the San Mateo Daily Journal September 7, 2017.

Joseph A. "Joe" Lewis

September 26, 1923 - January 16, 2017

Senior Sir Joe Lewis joined SIR Branch One in July 1987 and was member 123 before becoming inactive in April 2014. Sir Joe was Big Sir in 1994. Among his many other duties were Badge Custodian Chair 1989 - 1990, Activities Chair 1990-1991, Speakers Chair 1993, Nominating Chair 1995, Nominating Assistant Chair 1999 - 2000, and Day at the Races Assistant Chair 2002 - 2006. Branch One was notified of Senior Sir Joe's passing 3/04/2017.

Services have already been held.

The following was posted on the tributes.com website:

Joseph was born on September 26, 1923 and passed away on Monday, January 16, 2017.

Joseph was a resident of Palo Alto, California at the time of his passing.

He joined the Army Air Force after graduating from high school, and served his country as a first lieutenant/flight instructor in World War II before being honorably discharged.

He was a faithful member of Menlo Church for 42 years, and could always be found at the 8 o'clock service with Bea.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Research Fund.

Posted on tributes.com

Gerald W. "Jerry" MacKay

April 7, 1936 - August 10, 2017

Sir Jerry MacKay joined SIR Branch One in February 2006 and was member 181.

The following was published in the San Mateo Daily Journal August 19, 2017 and will appear in the Mercury News on August 20, 2017:

JerryMacKay

Gerald Wallace MacKay April 7, 1936 - August 10, 2017 RADM

Gerald W. MacKay, USN (Ret) April 7, 1936 ~ August 10, 2017 Rear Admiral Gerald Wallace MacKay, USN Ret. passed away peacefully at his home in San Carlos, his wife Linda, at his side.

Jerry was born in Truro, Nova Scotia Canada, moving to Boston at age 8. There he attended Boston Technical H.S. After graduation, he joined the United States Navy Reserve Submarine Service. At age 20 he was commissioned an Ensign and designated as a Naval Aviator at Hutchinson Kansas, October 16, 1956.

RADM MacKay flew multiple aircraft while performing Anti-Submarine and Patrol missions amassing over 4500 flight hours flying P-2V and P-3 aircraft over the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.

His first duty assignment was with Patrol Squadron Sixteen flying the P-2 Neptune. Here he qualified as a Patrol Plane Commander while serving as Avionics Officer as well as Air Intelligence Officer. Deployments were to Iceland, Africa and Newfoundland. In 1959, MacKay reported to Naval Air Development at South Weymouth, Massachusetts where he served as a Research and Development Project Officer. He then worked at Grumman Aircraft as an aircraft acceptance test pilot. Next, he was ordered to the aircraft carrier Lake Champlain and received his qualification as Officer of the Deck Underway. In June 1967, Jerry joined Patrol Squadron Thirty-One first as Operations Officer and then as Training Officer.

RADM Mackay held Command of six aviation organizations during his distinguished Naval career including Patrol Squadron Six, Patrol Squadron Thirty-One, Commander Patrol Wing One/ Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Seventh Fleet/ CTF 72, Commander Patrol Wings Pacific, and Commander of U S Naval Forces Japan. He considered his coordination of the sea rescue of thousands of refugees fleeing Vietnam to be one of his greatest accomplishments. Jerry's final Navy assignment was as Deputy Comptroller of the Navy.

RADM MacKay's military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Expeditionary medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. He was honored in Japan and Korea with the Second Class Medal of the Sacred Treasure, and the Third Class Medal of the Rising Sun and the Order of National Security Merit, respectively. His Navy career spanned thirty-two years, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral.

Jerry retired from the Navy in 1986 in San Carlos, CA. He then began his career in the electronics industry. He closed out his civilian career as President of Advent Systems in 2005.Jerry was an active member of the Fellowship Forum, the Naval Order of the United States, the Association of Naval Aviation, the Coyote Point Yacht Club, the St. Andrews Society, and the Sons in Retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Seaton of Richland Washington. Our family includes the Patricia Ford family, the Finnegan family, the Seaton family and the Henton family. We would also like to acknowledge our extended families: the Havens, Stamms, Sullivans and Castros.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Charles Catholic Church, San Carlos CA on Thursday, September 21st, 4:00 pm followed by a "Celebration of Life" at the Hiller Aviation Museum at 6:00 pm. Military honors for Admiral MacKay will be conducted at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Friday September 22nd at 10:00, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, St. Judes Children's Research Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, or the National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Pensacola, Florida.

Published in the San Mateo Daily Journal August 19, 2017 and in the Mercury News on August 20, 2017.

Wm. Jay Plank

March 17, 1921 - May 23, 2017

Senior Sir Jay Plank joined SIR Branch One in October 1992 and was member 314 until he resigned January 2016. Sir Jay was Secretary of the Computer group 1994 to 2006, Secretary of the Stock Study group 1995 to 2006, Chair of Communications 1996 to 1998, Asst. Chair Membership 1997, Secretary of the Genealogy group 2002 to 2004, Asst. Chair Sunshine 2003 to 2006, and Secretary of the Economic Research group 2003 to 2006.

The following will published in the San Francisco Chronicle June 4, 2017:

William Jay Plank

March 17, 1921 - May 23, 2017

William Jay Plank, 96, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2017. Born on March 17, 1921 on a farm in Lipscomb County, Texas, he was the fourth of six children born to Laura Null Plank and Ezra Edward Plank. Jay graduated from Pampa High School and attended West Texas State University before joining the Civilian Pilot Training Program in 1939. While working as a flight instructor in Wichita, Kansas he met Marcelline (Marcy) Chitwood, who would become his wife of 43 years, until her death in 1986. Jay began his 38-year career with United Airlines in 1943 flying DC-3's out of Burbank, CA. Between May 1, 1944 and November 29, 1945, he flew 24 round trips across the Pacific with the Air Transport Command. Beginning in December 1945, he flew domestic routes for United out of Denver, CO flying DC-3's, and later DC-6's and DC-7's. With the advent of jet aircraft, he transferred to Los Angeles in 1962 to fly Boeing-720s, and then to San Francisco in 1965 to fly B-727s and DC-8s. Captain Plank flew B-747s from 1971 until mandatory retirement at the age of 60 in 1981. Jay married longtime family friend Clare Knoll in 1988. Jay was proud of his career as a pilot, and was actively involved in several aviation organizations, most notably the Retired United Pilots Association.

Jay highly valued education. He stressed the importance of education to his family and supported them in their educational pursuits. He continued taking college courses while still working for United, earning his Bachelor of Science degree at the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, CA. Inspired by his own experiences, he established the Jay Plank Make-A-Difference Scholarship Fund to help local students attend college. He was an active member of Burlingame Rotary, through which the scholarship is administered.

Jay was generous with his family, friends and community. He was a devoted husband, and a loving father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

Jay was preceded in death by his wife Marcy Plank, his second wife Clare Knoll Plank, his son, Jim Plank, and his five siblings. He is survived by his granddaughter Carolyn Plank, daughter-in-law Diane Plank, and stepson Doug Knoll. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Betty Plank and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on June 27th at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame (1500 Easton Drive, Burlingame). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Rotary Service Fund of Burlingame for the Jay Plank Make-A-Difference Scholarship Fund, or a charity of your choice. Address: Rotary Club of Burlingame, PO Box 313, Burlingame, CA 94011-0313, Attn: Mike Heffernan.

Published in San Francisco Chronicle on June 4, 2017

Richard A. Wunderlich

January 3, 1930 - December 21, 2017

Sir Richard Wunderlich joined SIR Branch One in April 1995 and was member 333.

The following will be published in the San Francisco Chronicle January 12-14, 2018:

RichardWunderlich

Richard Allen Wunderlich

January 3, 1930 - December 21, 2017

Richard died on December 21 from complications due to diabetes. He was brave, positive and never gave up.

Beloved husband of Ann (Anni) of San Carlos, loving father of Rick Wunderlich, San Carlos, Nancy Sprague (Russ), of San Diego, Karen Christie, San Diego, and Jeffrey Wunderlich, Australia. Loving grandfather of Tracy (Chris), Shane, Heather, Billy, Aiden, Adnan and Abdullah.

Born in San Francisco on January 3, 1930 to Richard Herman and Wilhelmina Sophie Wunderlich. Richard attended Bryant Elementary, Horace Mann Junior High, Mission High School, University of California Berkeley where he received a BSCE, followed by graduate courses. Richard worked for the State of California on the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. Served in the Army for 2 years during the Korean War. Later worked for Western Knapp Engineering, which became Arthur G. McKee and later Davy McKee/Davy Corporation and was promoted to Vice President of Engineering in 1977. He worked in the US, South Africa, Chile, New Guinea and Australia as Project Manager on various mining and metallurgical projects, which included Copper, Gold, Diamonds etc. Richard, Anni and family returned from Melbourne, Australia in 1973 and settled in San Carlos. In 1983 Richard, Anni and son Jeff returned to Australia, but this time to Perth, Western Australia where Richard worked on various mining projects for E.L. Bateman Limited, he was a partner with P.F. Booth and Partners, Consulting Engineers, and had his own Consulting business, R.A. Wunderlich & Associates.

Richard and Anni returned to California in 1988. Richard worked part time for the Census Bureau before retiring completely. During his retirement Richard played golf, volunteered at the Shoreline Golf Club, and Second Harvest. In 1993 he and Anni took up Country Western Line Dancing, which Richard claimed was the most enjoyable form of exercise. He was a member of SIRS, San Mateo Branch, and the American Legion, followed the 49ers and Giants, and enjoyed going to games with son Rick. Richard loved to travel, whether it was for business or pleasure, and was proud of the fact that he had visited approximately 130 countries. Fortunately he and Anni were able to travel extensively together. Richard was a very interesting man, and will be remembered for his intelligence, dry wit, positive attitude towards life, always saying what he thought, and his tuneless whistle.

There will be a Memorial Service at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 149 Manzanita Avenue, San Carlos on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 2:00 PM followed by a reception in the Church hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either the American Diabetes Association, or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle January 12-14, 2018.