On December 2, 1968, Ranken (Ray) A. Millard — the first Big Sir of Branch 22 — met with the great-granddaughter of Ygnacio Pacheco and received her blessing to name the new branch in his honor.

Ygnacio Pacheco (1808–1863) was one of Marin County’s most notable early settlers. Born in San José, he followed his father’s path as an officer in the Spanish Army before moving north. In 1838, he established Rancho San José on a land grant in what is now North Marin. His property stretched across areas we know today as Ignacio (now part of Novato), Hamilton Field, and Bel Marin Keys.

At Rancho San José, Pacheco raised cattle, bred prized horses, and planted orchards and gardens. He also built a school that served both his family and the children of the Indian vaqueros and Indigenous laborers who worked on the rancho.

His adobe hacienda became famous for its lively barbecues and fiestas, where families from across the Bay Area gathered for days — sometimes weeks — of celebration. The adobe stood until 1916, when it was lost to fire. Today, its site is occupied by Restaurant Picco in Larkspur.

Beyond ranching, Pacheco also served as Marin County’s first alcaide, a role combining the responsibilities of judge and local administrator. His legacy endures in the land, the community, and the name proudly carried by SIR Branch 22.

SIR Branch 22 was officially chartered November 10, 1970. Today, our Branch attracts members from Central and Southern Marin County.

2025 Branch Executive Committee

	President	Jeff Rawles
	Vice President	Ted Harris
	Secretary	Bud Pflueger
	Treasurer	David Yam
	Asst. Treasurer	Steve Miller
	Director	Mike Dean
	Director	Floyd Heckman
	Director	Matt Petri
	Director	Jim Sasse
	Director	Jim Stein
	Director	Bill Wilhelm

2025 Committee and Activity Chairmen

	Membership	Bill Wilhelm
	Newsletter	Dave Thorton
	Sunshine & Shadows	Bud Pflueger
	Golf Chairman	Bill Wilhelm
	Poker Chairman	Ted Harris

Past Presidents

YEAR	PRESIDENT
2024	Jim Sasse
2023	Jim Sasse
2022	Jim Stein
2021	Floyd Heckman
2020	Floyd Heckman
2019	Mike Dean
2018	Chuck Krogh
2017	Dave Thornton
2016	Tom Morrison
2015	Bob Nuell
2014	Steve Miller
2013	Jon Edwards
2012	Wally Holmes
2011	Charlie Seifert
2010	Sandy Grieve
2009	Alan Marney
2008	Walt Torrens
2007	Ken Lynch
2006	Stan E. Ellexson Jr.
2005	William (Bill) Wilhelm

Honorary Life Members

The Honorary Life Member (HLM) Gold Lapel Pin award is the highest and most prestigious award available within SIR.