OBITUARIES OF MEMBERS OF SIR's
for 2008
The following are obituaries
of members of Branch Number 1 of Sons in Retirement who have passed away within
the past year. 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 person's name for additional details.
The following is a list of
those who passed away in 2008:
Crispell,
Garrett D.
Heinlo, Sigvard
Johnson,
Norris B.
Thomas H.
Leutzinger
Gilbert E. Locke
Mawdsley, Dean
L.
Palmer, Robert
H.
Pehrson, Arne
Perrone, Anthony S.
Petersen,
Wilbert I.
Roberts, Burton
W.
Smith, George P.

For Obituaries of SIR's Branch Number 1
members in the past years, click on the following years:
2007
Obituaries
2006
Obituaries
2005 Obituaries
2004 Obituaries
Norris B. Johnson
January 25, 2008
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Norris B. Johnson |
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Norris B. Johnson
January 18, 1916 - January 25, 2008 Norris was a native of San
Francisco and resided in Burlingame for 52 years. He was
preceded in death by his son Alan; parents, John Johnson of
Finland and Esther Johnson of San Francisco; sisters, Lillian
Sorg (Russell) and Ellen Rado (Michael), and brother-in-law,
William Young. Norris graduated from Cogswell High School, San
Francisco - 1932 and further studied at Golden Gate University.
Following his high school graduation Norris participated in the
California Conservation Corps throughout Northern California.
Stationed in England during World War II, Norris served his
country in the US Army Air Corp. Following the war he returned
home to the Bay Area and built his career in the insurance
industry as an underwriter for 30 years. Upon retirement Norris
volunteered with his wife Grace for many years at the Samaritan
House, San Mateo. Norris is survived by his loving wife of 67
years, Grace; his children Diane Johnson, David Johnson (Nancy),
and Janet Bollier (James). Norris was the proud grandfather of
Danielle Johnson, Kathleen Johnson, John Bollier, Lauren Bollier,
and Hillary Bollier; great grandfather of Justin Johnson. At
Norris' request, no funeral service will be held. A family
gathering will take place at a later date to honor and celebrate
Norris' life.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle
from 1/31/2008 - 2/3/2008.
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Wilbert (Pete) Petersen
February 2008
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Wilbert
Iver "Pete" Petersen |
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Wilbert Iver "Pete" Petersen Pete was born in Truckee, CA, in 1914, a
third-generation pioneer family. His father, Iver, was a railroad man and
the family lived in several small Sierra mountain towns, like Blue Canyon
and Gold Run. His mountain school held all eight grades. He and one girl
comprised the 8th grade and Pete was valedictorian at graduation. Pete
graduated from Sacramento High and continued his education at the Univ. of
Nevada. To earn his college tuition he played guitar in a combo at Lake
Tahoe during the summers. Pete panned for gold frequently in the Sierra
Rivers and worked on a crew building Hwy 80. Many summers he also helped his
Uncle Art who was a beekeeper in Gardner, NV. At U. of Nev. He was president
of the senior class and president of his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He
came to San Francisco to attend UOP School of Dentistry. Pete worked nights
at the Chinese Hospital and usually slept there. Upon graduation from dental
college he set up practice in Burlingame. After the attack on Pearl Harbor
he enlisted in the Navy as 1st Lt. in the dental corps and served in the
Pacific area. When Pete returned to Burlingame he resumed his practice which
he enjoyed for 44 years. He also taught dental classes at UOP for 20 years.
Pete was past president of San Mateo Co. Dental Society, active in
Burlingame Rotary, past president of Grindstone Joe's, a boating association
on the Sacramento Delta, volunteer at San Mateo Co. History Museum and a
docent at Filoli Estate in Woodside. He and his wife, Donna, established the
Peninsula Foundation for Diabetic Children which funded the camp, Bearskin
Meadows in Sequoia National Park. He passed away peacefully with his family
at his side. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Donna; son, Thomas and his
partner John Mills, of Hercules, CA; daughter, Lynne (Fair) Carpenter of
Chicago; granddaughters, Erica (Galen) Coleman of Mt. View and Kristina
(Thierry) Sanse of Lavaur, France; grandson, Eric Petersen of Atlanta, GA;
and great-grandchildren, Emily Coleman and Maxim Sanse. A Memorial Service
will be held Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of
Burlingame, 1500 Easton Dr. and El Camino. In lieu of flowers memorial
donations may be made to the San Mateo Co. Historical Assn., 220 Broadway
St., Redwood City, CA 94063.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle from 2/3/2008 -
2/4/2008.
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Arne Pehrson
March 21, 2008 |
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Arne
Pehrson |
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Arne Pehrson March 18, 1916 - March 21, 2008. Arne was a loving husband,
father, grandfather and friend. Arne was born in Rushford, MN, the first
child of his immigrant family to be born in the United States. He grew up in
the college town of Northfield, MN, where he earned a bachelor's degree from
St. Olaf College. In his youth, Arne was an accomplished athlete, playing
quarterback for both his high school and college teams. In 1940, he moved to
the west coast to go to work for Bank of America. He went on to work for
Bank of America in San Francisco for 41 years. Arne served his country in
the United States Army in WWII, stationed in the Philippines. In 1949, he
married Joan Mary Gilmore and started a family. In 1950 he and his wife and
first son moved to San Mateo where he would reside almost continually for
the next 58 years. He was an active member of St. Gregory's Church during
that time. Arne was an avid golfer and proud member of S.I.R.s #1. Arne
loved sports and was a competitor, whether on the golf course or playing
dominoes with his friends. His wife Joan passed away in 1986. Arne is
survived by his five children: Michael (Rona), Thomas (Judy), Mary Malattia
(Gino), Kelley Holden (Kevin) and Stephen and seven grandchildren. Funeral
Services will be conducted at St. Gregory's Church in San Mateo, Wednesday,
March 26 at 10 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to PARCA
http://www.parca.org/ or Catholic Charities http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.

Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 3/25/2008.
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Garrett D. Crispell
March 27, 2008 |
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Garry Crispell, our Husband, Dad and
Grandpa, died peacefully, Thursday March 27th, 2008 at the age of
82. He died of complications from a stroke. Garry was born in
Bridgeport, Connecticut, graduated from The Choate School and Yale
University. He worked as an engineer for over 20 years and as a
contract administrator for the City of Sacramento. He enjoyed
golfing, sailing, hiking, camping, making model airplanes,
collecting stamps and gathering with family and friends. While
living in Sacramento for over 35 years, he was a member of SIRS
and Fremont Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir. He is
survived by his wife, Eleanor, Children: Sarah, Liz, Garrett,
Peter, Phil, and Tina. Grandchildren: Shawn, Micah, Josh, Alex,
Eric, Ross and Kevin. He will be greatly missed by all. A
memorial service will be held Sat. April 5th at 2:00 P.M. at the
Community United Methodist Church, 777 Miramontes St., Half Moon
Bay, CA. 94019.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the
Malawi Fund at the Community United Methodist Church or to a charity of your
choice.
Liz Crispell, daughter of Garry.
Sigvard Heinlo
April 10, 2008 |
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Heinlo, Sigvard |
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Resident of San Mateo Passed away peacefully April 10, 2008. Survived by his
loving wife Helen of 55 years; six children - JoeAnn Hollins, Marette Heinlo,
Silvi Rider, Carla Strauch, Mark Heinlo and (deceased son Ray Heinlo);
thirteen grandchildren and four great grand sons. He will be deeply missed.
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Published in the Bay Area News Group publication on 4/20/2008. |
Dean L. Mawdsley
July 4, 2008 |
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Dean Lyman
Mawdsley |
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June 16, 1926 - July 4, 2008
Resident of Hillsborough Dean Lyman Mawdsley, MD was born June 16, 1926 in
San Mateo to parents Howard Leslie Mawdsley, MD and Harriet Heal Mawdsley.
Dean is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years Mary Lou Ellwood Mawdsley,
his two children Janet Mawdsley Offensend and Alan Dean Mawdsley, their
spouses David Glenn Offensend and Teresa Puhr Mawdsley, and four
grandchildren Rebecca Lee Offensend, Christopher David Offensend, Karen Ann
Mawdsley and James Paul Mawdsley. A graduate of San Mateo High School, Dr.
Mawdsley participated in the Navy's V-12 program at Carroll College in
Helena, Montana from 1944-45 and received his medical training in general
surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. He served in the
Army Medical Corp in Alaska during the Korean War. In 1959 he joined his
father as a partner in the San Mateo Medical Clinic. A caring and skilled
physician, Dean's life was also defined by his wide interests in books and
art of the American West; naval history of World War II; philately and
gardening, all of which he pursued with passion and intelligence. He was the
author of four books and bibiographies. Dr. Mawdsley served as President of
the San Mateo County Historical Society, Sheriff of the San Francisco Corral
of Westerners International, and on the board of the J. Porter Shaw Maritime
Library. He was a member of the California Academy of Medicine, the
Naffziger Surgical Society, the Periperal Vascular Society, the San Mateo
County Medical Society, the Book Club of California, the Roxburghe Club of
San Francisco, and the San Mateo Chapter of SIRS. A memorial service will be
held on Saturday, July 26 at 2:00 pm at the Congregational Church of San
Mateo.
Published in the Bay Area News Group publication on
7/9/2008. |
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Anthony S. Perrone
July 5, 2008 |
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Anthony
Perrone |
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Anthony Perrone Passed away after a courageous 30 year battle with leukemia.
Tony is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years; six devoted children; and
nine grandchildren. Born 1925, in Boston, raised in Connecticut, he served
in the Navy during WWII and came to California to make a life. Retired
teacher/admin. for SF schools he had a passion for his family, golf and
fixing things. A look-alike combo of Jimmy Durante and Yogi Berra he was an
inspirational example to his family, his students and all who met him.
Although his worldly body failed him, his mind was as sharp as always as he
tried to say thank you and goodbye to all his family and friends. His spirit
soars in Heaven as those he touched remember and reflect. Private service
held. Donations in his name to cancer research or Heifer Intl.
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 7/13/2008
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Burton W. Roberts
June 16, 2008 |
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Burton W. Roberts
a longtime consultant and director of businesses in Hawai'i, California, and
Minneapolis, died June 16, 2008, in San Mateo, Calif.
He was 92.
Roberts
and his wife, Jean, moved to Honolulu in 1970 when he took early retirement
from General Mills Inc. in Minneapolis. He had been a director and executive
vice president of the firm and an employee for more than 30 years.
He soon
began a new 27-year career with firms in Honolulu, starting as a
director at Tongg Publishing Co.; Crown Corp., where he also served as
president; and a director of The Queen's Medical Center, among others. He
served as a senior consultant for the state of Hawai'i on the Hawaii Regional
Center project and was a trustee of Stanford Hospital in
Palo Alto.
He was an
avid fisherman, golfer and member of Waialae Country Club and the Stanford
Golf Club. He and his wife, the former Jean Harold Watson Cleveland, were
married in 1944 after his service as an officer in the army during World War
II. She survives him along with their three children, Ann Warner
Roberts,
Rob and Jim; and four grandchildren.
The service wxc private. Donations may be made to the Native Fish Society,
PO Box 19570, Portland, OR 97280.
Robert H. Palmer, M.D.
November 19, 2008 |
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Palmer M.D., Robert H. |
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Robert H. Palmer M.D. (1918-2008) passed away November 19. He is
survived by his beloved wife Nancy of 64 years; their three dear
children Jane Palmer Downes, Rob Bennett Palmer (Lory), and Vicky
Gordon; as well as by two grandchildren, Lael, Bordon (Catherine), Lyra
Boehenek (Rob); and one great granddaughter, Greta Alena Boehenek; also
by a sister, Bea Whittington, and several nieces and nephews. Dr. Palmer
graduated from U.C. Berkeley in 1940 Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa, then
from U.C. Medical School in 1943. He served as a doctor in the U.S. Navy
Medical Corps for three years during World War II. He then completed a
pediatric residency in 1949 at U.C.S.F. He practiced at the San Mateo
Clinic for 38 years, and was an associate clinical professor at U.C.S.F.
for many years. He was a gentle, caring and kind man in his roles as
husband and father, physician, scholar and friend. Beyond the love of
family and medical practice, he found great joy and satisfaction in
writing and fly-fishing, gardening at home and as a volunteer with
Filoli. Dr. Palmer gave selflessly to the children and families in his
care. He is fondly remembered and loved by all who knew him. At Dr.
Palmer's request, there will be a simple service with the immediate
family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to:
Mills-Peninsula Hospital Foundation, 1783 El Camino Real, Burlingame, CA
94010; or Friends of Children Fund, American Academy of Pediatrics
Development Lockbox, 38367 Eagle Way, Chicago, IL 60768-1383; or
Samaritan House, 1515 S. Claremont St., San Mateo, CA 94403; or the
charity of your choice. |
Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 11/23/2008 |
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Thomas H. Leutzinger
December 25, 2008 |
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Thomas H.
Leutzinger |
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Thomas H. Leutzinger 1929 - 2008 Tom passed away peacefully at home on
December 25, 2008. He is survived by his wife Barbara of 45 years. She
survives him along with their children and their spouses: daughter Laura and
Daniel Escobar; son Thomas H. Leutzinger, Jr.; daughter Sara and Todd
Elwood; and daughter Nancy and Mike Hearther; nine grandchildren; and a
brother G. Edward Leutzinger. Tom was born in Cadillac, MI, and was a
longtime resident of Burlingame, CA. He graduated from Michigan State
University and was employed by American Seating Co. Tom proudly sold the
original bleacher seats at Candlestick Park. Before retirement he was
employed by Bechtel and Westinghouse. He was a member of the First
Presbyterian Church of Burlingame for 41 years and greatly enjoyed being a
member of their choir. He was a member of SIRS, Lodge #1 in San Mateo. He
had a profound effect on those he met throughout his life and he will be
dearly missed by his family and friends. He was a very gentle soul. The
Memorial Service will be held in celebration of Tom's life Sunday, January 4
at 1pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame, 1500 Easton Dr.
Donations may be sent to the C.A.L.L. Primrose Center, 139 Primrose Road
Burlingame, CA 94010. Phone: 650-342-2255, www.callprimrose.org. |
Gilbert E. Locke
December 26, 2008 |
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Gilbert E. Locke 1941 - 2008 On Dec. 26, 2008, after a courageous battle
with Multiple Myeloma, Gil found peace, and passed away with his adoring
wife Lynda, and daughter Deb at his side. He married the love of his life,
Lynda, in 1970 in San Francisco. Gil completed his engineering studies at
Cal Berkeley 1972, graduating in the top of his class. He went on to earn
his MBA from Cal, began a 22-year career at Raychem Corp., and retired in
2007 from Trimble Navigation. A man of the highest integrity, he will be
remembered as an extraordinarily kind, gentle, humble and generous human
being. His unconditional love for family and friends touched their lives,
and his spirit will live with them forever. Gil accepted his fate with the
grace and dignity in which he lived his life. "His life was his message." He
will be sadly and deeply missed by his granddaughters, Andrea and Erica;
great-grandchildren Sophia and Andrew; son-in-law Ken; sisters, Margie,
Gerry, Jan; and family dogs Harley and Poco. He is also survived by two
sons, Tom and Adam. Friends may attend Chapel and Graveside Services on
Tuesday, December 30 at 1:00 PM at Home of Peace Cemetery, 1299 El Camino
Real, Colma, CA, 650- 755-4700. In lieu of flowers, the family requests
donations to either Pathways Hospice, 395 Oyster Point Blvd., So.SF, CA,
94080, or online, to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. The family
gives special thanks to Gil's wonderful caregivers, Pathways Hospice, and
the UCSF hematology/oncology nursing staff.

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Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 12/29/2008 |
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George P. Smith
March 13, 2008 |
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No Obituary at this time.