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

 

Norris B. Johnson    
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.
 

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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    
Photo 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.
 

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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    
Photo 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/.
 

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Published in the San Francisco Chronicle on 3/25/2008.

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Garrett D. Crispell

March 27, 2008

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

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.
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    
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    
Photo 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
 

 

Burton W. Roberts

June 16, 2008

 

      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

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    
Photo 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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Photo 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

 

No Obituary at this time.