Ian James Allan
Nov. 15, 1958 - April 11, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ian James Allan, long-time resident of Palo Alto, beloved brother and friend, passed away quietly on April 11, 2024, in the early afternoon at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. Starting life in Berkeley, California, on November 15, 1958, as the fourth child of William and Muriel Allan, Ian would excel in academics, athletics, and making many friends. After his parents relocated to Palo Alto in 1967, Ian attended Addison Elementary, Jordan Junior High School, and Palo Alto High School. After graduating from Palo Alto High School in 1976, Ian continued his education at Stanford University (Class of 1982), earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Stephan deGery, brothers Peter and Thomas Allan, nephews Joel, Joshua, and Matthew Allan and great-nephew Toby Allan. Memorial services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palo Alto....

Roy Elton McLaughlin
Jan. 1, 1957 - April 6, 2024
Mountain View, California

Roy Elton McLaughlin, 67, died unexpectedly April 6th. 2024, at Monument Hospital, Rapid City, SD. He was born January 1st, 1957, in Sacramento, CA. The Son of Elton B. and Charlotte G. (Stievener) McLaughlin. Roy graduated from Norte Del Rio High School, class of 1975. Following graduation, Roy enlisted in he US Navy. Served proudly on the USS Scamp (SSN 588) and the USS Bremerton (SSN 698) between 1975-1983. After his service Roy worked for Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale, CA for 33 years, Living in Mountain View, CA for 40 years. He had recently moved to Rapid City, SD to be closer to family. In Addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his sister, Dorsie D. Tice and brother, Raymond T. McLaughlin. Surviving are his sister, J. Clynell (Lanny) Freeman, of Midwest City, OK. Brother, James W. Sims III, of Copperopolis, CA. Brother, Douglas A. McLaughlin of Roseburg, OR and sister, L. Charlene (David) Kornmeyer of Black Hawk, SD, 15 Nieces and Nephews. Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, July 10th, 2024, followed by a 'Celebration of Life' Service. Please refer to Kinkade Funeral Chapel Obituaries in Sturgis, SD for additional...

Muriel Gill McGee
Jan. 20, 1928 - April 1, 2024
Los Altos, California

Muriel Gill McGee of Los Altos, CA, died peacefully in her home on April 1, 2024, at the age of 96, from complications arising from a fall. Throughout several years of physical and mental decline, her sweet disposition and lovely smile never faltered. Born in the City of Carlisle, Cumberland, England, on January 20, 1928, Muriel was the daughter of Joseph and Maria Jane Bulman, the first of four children. She attended schools in Carlisle, Malvern and Bristol University, where she was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in History. After working for several years at insurance and merchant banking firms in London, Muriel decided it was time to “see the world,” so she emigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1959, where she worked for Standard Oil of British Columbia. She was active in the music and youth programs of the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral. She met friends at a Scottish dancing club, and in particular Hermann Wolter, an émigré from Germany working at UBC. In 1960 Hermann took a new job at SRI in Menlo Park, CA. Muriel’s plans to “see the world” were put on hold and she followed Hermann to Menlo Park, where she started working for Allstate Insura...

Barbara Jackson
July 7, 1941 - March 27, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Barbara Leckey Jackson passed away on March 27, 2024. She was born in Miles City, Montana on July 7, 1941. She moved to Seattle, and Portland before graduating from high school. She received a degree from Whitworth College and a Masters in Language Education from Stanford. She taught Spanish for several years at Sequoia High School in Redwood City. She married Robert Jackson in 1964 and they moved to Palo Alto in 1968. She had sons Carl and James. She remained active in the Parent Teachers Associations for the schools that her children attended. After they completed school, she returned to teaching for the Adult School for the Palo Alto school district, specializing in English as a Second Language courses. Barbara especially enjoyed meeting her Adult School students and maintained many friendships with them after their classes completed. She attended numerous gatherings with current and former students and relished different cultural experiences. She was passionate about her children. She cooked, cleaned, chauffeured, dropped off, picked up, fixed, waited, shopped, watched, protected, encouraged, educated, accompanied, supported and loved, for her children. Sh...

Joseph Lyle Baldwin
Aug. 26, 1931 - March 26, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Surrounded by family and friends, Joseph L. (Joe) Baldwin, born August 26, 1931, died peacefully at his home in Palo Alto on March 26, 2024. A longtime resident of Palo Alto, in his retirement Joe advocated for and helped to lead local initiatives to provide solutions and supports for unhoused individuals and families. He served as President of the Urban Ministry, as Co-Chair of the Community Working Group to develop the Palo Alto Opportunity Center in 2006, and as a member of the Downtown Streets Team. In addition to these roles, he was a strong voice in opposing legislation that criminalized homelessness, such as the 1997 "Sit-Lie Ban," and in advocating for public toilets in downtown Palo Alto. He believed strongly in the power and obligation of local government to solve local problems, and was a frequent writer of opinions and letters to the editor, often asserting, "if any community can solve its homelessness challenge, it should be Palo Alto." He was a vestryperson, and Senior Warden, at All Saints' Episcopal Church, where he was a member since 1974, and he also volunteered with the Diocese of El Camino Real. After working in New York City and Chicago, Joe came we...

Jean Garrett
July 29, 1922 - March 20, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Jean Garrett, a longtime Palo Alto resident, died at age 101 in her home in College Terrace on March 20, 2024. Jean was a WWII Veteran, a breast cancer survivor, a peace activist and a great neighborhood walker with her husband Paul, who died in 2016. Jean and Paul shared seventy happy years together. Jean was born outside Redding, California in 1922. She met Paul while they were both still in the service and they settled in Palo Alto where they raised their two children. Renowned for her culinary skills, friends dubbed her home “Chez Garrett.” A vegetarian and pescatarian for decades, she was a strong advocate for healthy and delicious eating. Concerned about the environment, Jean worked to enlist local employers to adopt meatless Mondays in their dining facilities. She also found delight in nature, especially animal babies. She thrived at home with the loving and ever cheerful care of Cristina and Bernadette to whom the family is very grateful. In her last months Jean enjoyed simple pleasures: chocolate, orchids, her cat Lovey, and visits with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jean is survived by her children, Susan and Doug and their s...

Thomas Frederick Randolph
Sept. 23, 1930 - March 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Tom was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Madeleine Zentner Randolph Haugan and Samuel William Randolph III. He grew up in Manitowoc, Wisconsin; Wilmette, Illinois and Santa Barbara. Tom and his older brother Sam loved spending each summer in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin at their grandparents’ cottage, where they were introduced to golf and became excellent sailors. Tom met his future wife Mary Preuss in ninth grade, both graduating from Santa Barbara High School in 1948 (Tom captained the basketball team). He attended Stanford University on a Navy ROTC scholarship - he joined Phi Kappa Sigma, making lifelong friends. He was Head Yell Leader and sand volleyball champion. Mary and Tom were married two weeks after college graduation on June 29, 1952. Following graduation, Tom served during the Korean War as a Naval officer. Completing his military service in 1955, he began working for the advertising agency Foote, Cone & Belding in Los Angeles. In 1961, the family moved to Menlo Park for the opportunity to run the Dole Pineapple account. In 1968, he was promoted to run the SF office, in 1980 took the presidency of FCB/Honig West, and in 1985 became Chairman. Known for empat...

Mary (Robin) Roberta Duggan
Jan. 29, 1950 - March 16, 2024
Mountain View, California

Mary Roberta (Robin) Duggan passed away after a yearlong struggle with metastatic ovarian cancer. Throughout this period, she faced her ordeal with the bravery and graciousness that anyone who knew her would expect. Robin was born at Hoover Pavilion in Palo Alto to Keith Walker and Mary Sheehan Walker. She grew up on the peninsula, primarily in Menlo Park and Palo Alto, and graduated from Palo Alto High School. She then attended Willamette University in Salem Oregon, and following graduation, obtained her teaching credential from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. After a short time as a pre-school teacher, she devoted herself to raising her two children. She also served as a volunteer at her children’s schools including St. Lucy in Campbell, St. Simon in Los Altos, and Saint Francis High School in Mountain View. Additionally, Robin devoted herself to her true passions—art and crafting. She excelled in any artistic field she pursued ranging from stained glass and weaving pine needle baskets to her favorite crafting pursuit of making intricate paper cuttings and artistic greeting cards. As much as she enjoyed creating her art, she enjoyed bringing joy to others by g...

Patty McEwen
June 7, 1923 - March 16, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Patricia Ann Hoagland McEwen, a native Californian and longtime resident of Palo Alto, died peacefully on the 16th of March in San Mateo. She was 100. Born in Los Angeles, Patty spent her infancy in Palo Alto. When the Depression struck, her parents Elmer and Marguerite moved back temporarily to Ohio to be with family. Elmer, a salesman, traveled a lot. Later, the family was able to return to Palo Alto permanently and lived on Guinda Street with Felix, a giant tortoise in the back yard who eventually escaped and made a new life for himself at the fire station on Embarcadero Road. Patty involved herself with the Children's Theatre, playing Snow White in its first production in 1932. The founder Hazel Robertson became a mentor and lifelong friend. Patty attended Walter Hays elementary, Channing junior high school and graduated from Paly High in 1940. After studying English Literature at Colorado College, she completed her BA at Stanford, where she worked as a secretary in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. In 1950 she married Dick McEwen, a doctoral student in engineering. In 1951, they moved to Southern California, where they had two children, Todd and Kirs...

Chesley M Douglas
1929 - March 16, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Chesley M. Douglas Jr. August 1929 – March 2024 Resident of Palo Alto A native of San Jose, Chesley calmly stopped living while residing for the last 3 ½ months in a Menlo Park care home. The cause of his demise was dementia, which he had for the past 3 years. He was a special kind of a husband, married 68 years to Shirley Allen. A Father to two boys, Chesley III and Rawley, he supported them always in sports and all endeavors. He was a grandfather to four and great grandfather to two boys! A man of multitudes of collections and interests. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and San Jose State. He loved San Jose State and Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Palo Alto Rotary of which he was past president, as well as the alumni association of SAE. A “Blue Blazer” while belonging to the Spartan Foundation, and a director for Order of Sparta. While in college at SJSU, he was captain of the water polo & swim teams as a freshman to his senior year (1949-1952), he also was on the Sun Valley Ski Patrol in 50’s. The boys took an interest in Boy Scouts, Chesley became an Assistant Scoutmaster for five years. Traveling was one of his favorite hobbies, after...

Adele Seltzer
April 29, 1937 - March 15, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Adele was born in New Jersey on April 29, 1937, to William and Muriel Wishnow and was raised in the Bridgewater, New Jersey with her two sisters, Rhoda and Reba.  She met her husband of 61 years, Ronald Anthony Seltzer, while receiving a BS and MS in Educational Psychology at University of Pennsylvania. Ronald was an intern at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital when they met.  Adele is survived by her two children, Lauren, her husband, Robert Roskoph, and Jeff, his wife Marilyn Hartnett, and her five beloved grandchildren, Adin, Myles, Shayna, Cameron, and Mia.  Driven by a life-long love of the Arts, Adele returned to school for a Master of Fine Arts at San Jose State University. For more than three decades, she not only taught printmaking and painting, she also worked in the Art Department at Stanford University, taught at Art institutions and established her own design studio as an independent Artist.  Throughout the course of her professional journey, Adele participated in a plethora of group exhibits at institutions throughout the US and in Germany. Additionally, Adele’s work was featured at solo exhibitions throughout the US from Palo Alto to Chelsea NYC to W...

Michael Anthony Willemsen
Sept. 2, 1937 - March 15, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Anton C. and Mildred Willemsen, Mike moved often, but he spent substantial portions of his childhood in Boise, Grand Rapids, and Bellevue in the Seattle area. At Bellevue High School, he discovered debate, excelled at it, and determined to seek a career in law. At Stanford, he earned his B.A. and M.A.in Economics, was elected Editor of the Law Review, and graduated top of his class at Stanford Law School. Deeply committed to a life of service, he served the majority of his legal career as a staff attorney for the State Supreme Court. Under the well-known liberal Justices Tobriner and Broussard, he helped to draft several opinions that have become classics. When he was not working on the court he practiced appellate law, volunteered for Amnesty International and the Innocence Project, and taught Constitutional Law at DeAnza College. At Stanford, Mike met his wife, Eleanor Walker, whom he married in 1959. She too earned three Stanford Degrees in Psychology and worked as a college professor. Together they taught a Psychology and Law class at Santa Clara University for 27 years. They were married for 64 years. Mike enjoyed history, hiking,...

Dr. Linda Davis Caren
April 17, 1941 - March 14, 2024
San Jose, California

Dr. Linda Davis Caren was born on April 17, 1941, in Corsicana, Texas. Her father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, and Linda moved almost annually during her childhood, including time in Brazil and Japan. Learning how to make new friends so often may have been why she was blessed with so many wonderful friends throughout her entire adult life. Linda attended Ohio State University for her Bachelor's degree, graduating as valedictorian in only three years. It was also at Ohio State that she met her lifelong husband, Chris, who passed away in 2017 after 54 years of marriage. She accepted a scholarship to Stanford University for her Master’s and Ph.D. in Immunology. She was among the earliest women to achieve doctoral status in her area – an accomplishment that is thankfully much more commonplace today. Dr. Caren was a tenured Professor at Santa Clara University and later taught at California State University, Northridge. Her research included analyzing the effects of stress on the immune system, and in partnership with NASA, she did similar research on immunity in zero-gravity environments. Linda loved nothing more than parenting and grandparenting. She was ...

Hope Raymond
Dec. 11, 1929 - March 12, 2024
Palo Alto and Pleasanton, California

Hope Raymond was born in Boston, Massachusetts on December 11, 1929. She was a woman of courage, integrity, and grace. Her life centered around her love of the world and passion for learning. Over the course of her life Hope led countless spiritual seminars, traveled the world, journaled extensively, authored three books, and had four children, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a large extended family who all loved her dearly. Hope obtained her B.A. in English from Wellesley College, where she formed lasting friendships and developed the values she would hold most dear throughout her life — intellectual stimulation and life-long learning, respect for the environment, and the caring for and understanding of others. She spent much of early adulthood as a teacher, first teaching in Palo Alto just after college. When her husband’s work brought the family to Ghana, Hope taught a variety of subjects to international students of all ages and backgrounds. Once back in California, Hope found her niche in early childhood education while teaching in preschools for children of disadvantaged backgrounds as well as directing the preschool for graduate students’ childr...

Michael J Mensick
Dec. 22, 1960 - March 10, 2024
Palo Alto, California

An almost life-long resident of Palo Alto, Michael (Mike) Mensick was born in Belleville, NJ to the late John (Jack) Mensick and Lucia Mensick. He was brother to the late John (Chip) Mensick and Mark Mensick. Mike was married to Andrea Evans Mensick for 32 years and father to Nicole Mensick and Michael Mensick, Jr. Before his illness took hold, Mike had a passion for fishing, golfing and horses. Mike graduated from Cubberley High School and went on to Foothill College. He started a career in construction sales with DM Figley Company and Cade Company which paved his way to work with Sonneborn Building Products, ChemRex and Degussa Chemical companies with a territory that included Northern California, Northern Nevada, Hawaii and Guam. He was proud of his contributions to Oracle Park, the State Capital of Hawaii, the military base in Guam, and restoration to several of the old buildings in San Francisco....

Lawrence (Larry) Patrick O’Neill, Sr.
June 8, 1934 - March 10, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Lawrence Patrick O’Neill, Sr. June 8, 1934- March 10, 2024 In loving memory of Lawrence Patrick O’Neill, Sr., who finished his final round, with no bogeys, on March 10, 2024. He was a devoted Navy Veteran, who served his country with honor and bravery for 20 years. During his time in the Navy, he was able to see the world and hold many notable positions, working diligently to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Following his service, he found and pursued his passion for golf. Again, working up through the ranks and securing his final position as Director of Golf at Stanford University Golf Course. Larry, or Chief, as some so affectionately called him, shared his love and passion of the game with countless others. Those of all skill levels were coached, taught and were subject to his quick wit and great sense of humor. Beyond his love of the game, and his professional accomplishments, Larry was known for his remarkable storytelling abilities, weaving captivating tales that held his listeners spellbound. His poetic soul infused beauty into everyday moments and his quick wit and love for jokes brought laughter to all who knew him. Larry was giving with his time, helpe...

Susan Perkins
June 29, 1945 - March 9, 2024
Mountain View, California

Our beloved sister, Susie left us on March 9, 2024, after a long bout with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. She was living in downtown Mountain View, in her old bungalow, previously converted to a lovely accessible home. Susan Perkins was the oldest of five daughters to our parents Fran and Herb. She was born in 1945 in Massachusetts while our father served as a captain of a medical unit in occupied Japan. Susie followed in his professional shoes as a devotee to medical research. In the late 70s she received medical technician training with a specialty in blood research. This led her to a career at Stanford medical center, cloning blood cells. She worked, and contributed to publications, at the forefront of monoclonal antibody research. Her tendency to enjoy meticulous processes absorbed her and she often discussed the precision in her work. Attention to detail went beyond her research, often absorbing herself in very complex jigsaw puzzles. Numerous beautiful, framed puzzles hang in her home. The grace and precision of ballet, which she practiced as a child, led her to buy season tickets to the ballet in San Francisco, which she shared with various neighbors and fr...

Katherine Jane Franger
Dec. 11, 1928 - March 8, 2024
Mountain View, California

After 95 years of devoted service to family, friends, and underserved communities, Kathie slipped free from her earthly shell on March 8, 2024. Memories of her kind, selfless spirit will live on in all those whose lives she touched. Born in Santa Cruz to Clara Crosby and George W. Wood, Kathie married Vincent D. Franger in 1951. They settled in Mountain View where they raised three girls. Kathie and Vince added their voices to the choirs at Saint Joseph’s and Saint William’s churches, and Kathie worked tirelessly for immigration reform and improved conditions for farm laborers. Kathie was preceded in death by Vince, her parents, all of her siblings, and her grandson Cheyne. Daughters Laura Corbett (Merle+), Teresa Allen (Tristan), and Carol Franger (Dan Ng) will sorely miss Mom’s unwavering love and guidance. Beloved granddaughters Stephanie Hurst (Jared), Veronica Inglett (Dan), Danyelle Westerfield (Brett), and Mikayla Hansen (Cole) and her seven great-grandkids will dearly miss “Biz.” Her step-grandkids and great-grandkids remember that Grandma Kathie loved them as her own. No flowers, please. Kathie’s generous heart would be delighted by a donation to the ...

Oliver F. Hook
Oct. 10, 1924 - March 7, 2024
Scottsdale, Arizona

Oliver Franklin Hook of Scottsdale, Arizona, a Navy fighter pilot in WWII, member of “Americas Greatest Generation”, died peacefully March 7 surrounded by his two sons. He was 99. Born in Kansas City, Missouri October 10, 1924 to Ralph and Ruby Hook, he learned the value of hard work early. He grew up with three brothers on the ‘Hook & Son’s Dairy’ farm in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, attending grade school and high school there, where he excelled in athletics and academics. His athletic prowess in football, baseball, basketball and track eventually led to his induction into the “Lee’s Summit High School Sports Hall of Fame” in 2015. At the ceremony, a former coach wrote, “Oliver was, quite simply, one of best natural athletes I’ve ever seen”. After graduation, Oliver enrolled at University of Missouri in 1942. Like so many of his peers, his college years were interrupted by the the War. He enlisted in the Navy, entering the aviation program, earning his wings in 1944, graduating third from the top of his class. A gifted pilot, he continued as a Naval instrument instructor and flew in the Naval Reserves until 1965. At the conclusion of the War, Oliver re...

Donald Charles Creevy, MD
April 22, 1936 - March 3, 2024
Portola Valley, California

After several years of declining health, Dr Don Charles Creevy, 87, died peacefully in his sleep on March 3rd, 2024. Don's life was enriched by a rewarding medical career, a devoted family, cherished friendships, much laughter, a lifelong passion for classical music and high-quality audio equipment, and a deep love for travel photography. Don cultivated enduring friendships with nearly everyone he encountered, leaving a profound mark on their lives. At his retirement celebration in 2010, over 300 friends and family members gathered to honor his legacy and the deep connections he fostered, reflecting his widespread influence. With his compassionate listening ear and genuine warmth, Don touched the hearts of all who knew him. Dr. Don Charles Creevy was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He earned his M.D. from the University of Minnesota Medical School and relocated to California to commence an OB/GYN residency at Stanford University, subsequently establishing his own private practice. Don facilitated the delivery of over 6,000 babies, consistently advocating for optimal birthing experiences for both mothers and infants. During the 1970s and 1980s, his pioneering efforts to ...

John Huntly Redpath MD
Aug. 13, 1942 - March 3, 2024
Angels Camp, California

John Redpath MD, a longtime partner at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation died peacefully, after a struggle with cancer and complications from treatment, on March 3, 2024. His wife , Kathy and his children,(from his marriage to the former Barbara Zieman) were at his side. John trained as an anesthesiologist and practiced anesthesia at Stanford Hospital and Surgecenter of Palo Alto. Originally from Eastern Canada, he was a family practice Doctor in Toronto for seven years, before changing his field. He was a well respected, and thoughtful man. John was passionate about helping others. He was very active with Interplast, and traveled to many countries, in Central America, South America, and Asia. He always answered the call to help someone in need. John is survived by his brother, Jim(Bobbi) Newfoundland, his wife, Kathy, his children Peter, (Lisa) J Scott, (Kate, and Julia,(Gavin Buckley), seven beloved grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews, and cherished in-laws....

Edward Ned Hollis
June 8, 1944 - Feb. 21, 2024
Springville, Utah

Edward Mowry Hollis June 8, 1944 — February 21, 2024 Edward “Ned” Mowry Hollis of Springville, Utah died on February 21, 2024 at the age of 79. He was born in Oakland, California on June 8, 1944 and adopted by Edward Poole Hollis and Eleanor Ruth Mowry Hollis who raised him in Palo Alto, California, where he lived until moving to Springville, Utah in 2014. Ned married Dawne Bernice Witt on February 15, 1969. He is survived by Dawne, as well as their three children, son Timothy Mowry Hollis (Alisha), daughter Melanie Hollis Hansen (George A.D. Hansen), and daughter Abigail Ruth Hollis. Ned is also survived by his brother Theodore M. Hollis, as well as grandchildren, Jeremiah Poole Hollis, Emily Rita Hollis Bess (Joshua Lee Bess II), Addison Dawne Hansen Allan (Keith Allan), Evelyn Carol Hollis, Haight Edward Hansen, Isaac Mowry Hollis and Hollis Dean Hansen, and one great-grandson Joshua Lee Bess III. He was predeceased by his parents and his grandson Samuel David Hollis. Ned was the quintessential artist, often volunteering to build sets for local theater groups. He was a skilled woodworker and built beautiful custom cabinets, some of which found their way ...

Dick McEwen
Dec. 22, 1925 - Feb. 19, 2024
Palo Alto, California

C.R. "Dick" McEwen, a resident of Palo Alto since 1964, passed away in San Mateo on February 19th. He was 98. Dick was born in Montana and spent his early years in the woods, where his father was a lumber camp superintendent. He graduated from high school in Missoula and studied at Cal Tech and Stanford, obtaining degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. In 1950 he was one of the first people in the U.S. to be awarded a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. He worked as a petroleum recovery scientist at the Union Oil Company in Brea, and then at the Spinco division of Beckman Instruments in Palo Alto. He made significant contributions to the field of biomedical instrumentation, including ultracentrifugation and protein/peptide sequencing. Dick was active as a volunteer in Palo Alto, notably with the police department, and in disaster preparedness with his local neighborhood watch group; he also taught an AARP senior driving class. He was very musical and played piano, guitar and the trumpet, with which for many years he serenaded his neighbors on New Years Eve with 'Auld Lang Syne' on his front lawn. He hated gardening. Dick enjoyed hiking the Bay Area with Ma...

JOHN MACK CASTERMAN
1941 - Feb. 19, 2024
REDWOOD CITY, California

John Casterman left us peacefully on February 19, 2024. John was an intense and challenging man, and he was well-loved. John grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas where his family ran the local Coca Cola Bottling Plant. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Fine Arts degree. He volunteered for the Vietnam War and served three tours in combat with the 11th Armored Cavalry-- the legendary Blackhorse Regiment. The Regiment did not have its own shoulder patch. While training his unit to ship to Vietnam, John used the library at Ft. Meade, Maryland to research the history of the Regiment and military heraldry and with that, he designed the now-famous Blackhorse patch. With the able assistance of men in his platoon, John got the patch officially adopted in 1967. As a young tank commander in Vietnam, John earned the extreme loyalty and lifelong friendship of his soldiers by being brave and bold and by fiercely looking out for each of his men. John was severely wounded in action in 1967 and spent two years recuperating in Walter Reed Military Hospital in Maryland. Upon his release, John returned to Vietnam to his combat unit, M Company, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cava...

Dr. Clayton Wilson Bates, Jr.
Sept. 5, 1932 - Feb. 18, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dr. Clayton Wilson Bates, Jr., an esteemed electrical engineer and physicist, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old. He is survived by his three children, Katherine Bates, Christopher Bates, and Naomi Haines, son-in-law, Jason Haines, and grandson, Jett Haines. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Priscilla S. Bates, his parents Clayton W. Bates, Sr. and Arline Bates, and older sister, Barbara V. Walker. Clayton was born on September 5, 1932, in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, New York City, to the late Clayton W. Bates, Sr., and Arline Bates. His early years were marked by a deep fascination with science and engineering, a passion that would shape his remarkable career and leave an indelible mark on the world. After attending New York Public School 119 and New York Junior High School 43, Clayton graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1950, where he excelled both academically and athletically. It was during these formative years that Clayton's love for baseball, basketball, and track flourished, alongside his burgeoning interest in science and engineering. Driven by his childhood dreams...

Arlene Aiko Schaupp
Sept. 17, 1934 - Feb. 14, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Arlene Schaupp passed 2/14, age 89. Born in Japan, missionary parents. Occidental College ‘56 and McCormick Seminary. Married John Jack Schaupp ‘61. Lived in Pres. Mission Cameron House, S.F. Jack was Youth Director. Moved to Palo Alto ‘76. Active in 1st Pres Church P.A. embracing LGBTQ membership. A’s calling was social justice, coordinating S. Bay Sanctuary Covenant. Led 37 Delegations to El Salvador for education, economic aid, int’l spotlight. 63 years of marriage full of love & mutual respect. Survived by 3 children 7 grandchildren. Zoom March 9, 1pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88333998033?pwd=Vk1WNkpmWkNvRDlTcnplMkRFdHBVQT09 Meeting ID: 883 3399 8033 Passcode: 992496...

Joan Elizabeth Hobstetter
Dec. 22, 1950 - Feb. 12, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Joan Hobstetter passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of February 12, 2024, beside her beloved husband, Gary, her little dog Peet, and with her four children in the next room – her family all together, just as she liked it. Joan passed away after a devastating battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Joan – Honey, Mom, Grammy, Joanie, sister, teacher – was born and raised in Lebanon, New Hampshire, daughter of Raymond and Margaret Kelly. Her lifelong grit and determination buoyed her as she became a single mother at age 16, persevered to the top of her class at Lebanon High School, and as she supported herself and toddler while working at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. No dream was too big for Joan, and in 1973 she decided to change her life. All at once, Joan sold her belongings, purchased a red Volkswagen Beetle convertible, picked up her daughter from preschool, and drove West. With the Bug transformed into a makeshift camper (replete with flower planters), she and Traci chased the California dream all the way from their small New Hampshire town to a new life in Palo Alto, California. Joan enrolled at Foothill College while working at Stanford Un...

Mary Finlayson
Dec. 5, 1933 - Feb. 12, 2024
Woodside, California

Mary Finlayson passed away of a subdural hemorrhage in the early morning of February 12, 2024 at her home in Woodside, surrounded by her family. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday, as well as the 70th anniversary of meeting her beloved husband Norris for the first time in January 1954. Mary Ann Ellis was born in Berkeley, California on December 5, 1933, the first daughter of Dr. Grant Ellis and Mary Laurine Holmes Ellis. A few years later, the family welcomed her younger sister Laurine ("Renie"), who became a lifelong best friend. Mary revered her father, a soft-spoken, highly intelligent, and hardworking man who was a beloved and respected family doctor in the community. Dr. Ellis deeply loved their mother, who was a force of nature: tall, beautiful, outspoken, opinionated, and fascinated by art, music and literature. The Ellis home was full of love, culture, and lively debate. Mary's life was also enriched by the presence of an extended family of Ellis and Holmes uncles, aunts and cousins whom she loved and was so proud of, and with whom she shared countless adventures and celebrations. From childhood, Mary embraced life with curiosity and a gift for bringing ot...

Russ Peach
Sept. 9, 1935 - Feb. 10, 2024
Woodside, California

Russ Peach passed away from cancer while on hospice at his home in Minnesota with his sister, niece, and great niece by his side and is survived by his 2 sisters and many nieces and nephews. Russ was born on September 9, 1935 on a farm in Centuria, Wisconsin. He had 9 siblings. In 1954, at the age of 19, Russ left his country life and made his way to San Francisco, California before settling in Woodside. Whether you had horse property and needed arena and drainage work, fences to be mended, barns to be fixed up, a home to be remodeled, or you had fields that needed yearly mowing, Russ Peach was a household name. Always wearing a John Deer hat and never too far from his tractor Russ was known by everyone. Russ spent 69 years in Woodside and was always available for a hang out at the Pioneer, dinner at Harry’s Hofbrau, horses to be boarded on his property, or any tractor service work you may need. Woodside doesn’t feel the same without him. He will be missed by many. There will be a celebration of life for Russ at the Pioneer on March 16th from 4-6pm....

Shirley Ann Powers
March 7, 1936 - Feb. 7, 2024
Palo Alto, United States

Grande Dame Shirley Powers passed away with her daughter and grandson by her side on February 7th, 2024. After spending her childhood freezing through the Wisconsin winters, she was thrilled to earn her bachelor’s degree in music and land in sunny California. Shirley dedicated her life to avant-garde pursuits such as combining her jazz compositions with her poetry, conquering every hiking trail in the Bay Area, kayaking through bevies of otters in Monterey Bay, and publishing poetry in progressive women’s anthologies. She had two great passions: fighting for social justice and John, her partner of 42 years. Together, they worked for change with endeavors such as producing content and working cameras for a local cable TV news show, marching to protect women’s right to choose, and singing with the international peace group, the Raging Grannies. Working with the Grannies allowed Shirley to combine her love of music, theatricality, and political protest. She took great pride when her local chapter was included on the FBI “To Be Watched” list. Beyond her high energy, charismatic, funny personality, Shirley was a big ball of love. She loved her daughters, Erin and Colleen, and ...

Zhiwei Xiao
Dec. 14, 1972 - Feb. 6, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Zhiwei David Xiao passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2024, after an intense battle with cancer, with family and friends by his side. A loving father, husband, son, and friend, Zhiwei was born in 1972 in Xiaogan, Hubei, China. As a child, he loved to help out on his family’s farm, learn in school, and spend time outdoors. He was the first in his family to enroll in college, attending Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Tsinghua University, where he met his wife Hongxia. After moving to the United States in search of new opportunities, knowledge, and education, he settled in the Bay Area at the turn of the century, landing a job at Cisco. Zhiwei became a resident of Palo Alto in 2000 and remained in the Silicon Valley technology field for more than two decades. Over the years, his experience in computer engineering led him to Broadcom, Amazon, Zingbox, Palo Alto Networks, and Apple. His dedication, kindness, technical leadership, passion, work ethic, and constant appetite for learning made him an admired and respected colleague. In his spare time, he loved to travel, spend time with family, traverse the outdoors, watch sports, play basketball, and lear...

Richard (Dick) Nye Clark
Sept. 20, 1934 - Feb. 5, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Richard (Dick) Nye Clark, industrial designer, ingenious artist, social activist, and community champion, died on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Stanford Medical Center of heart failure. He was 89. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 20, 1934, Dick grew up in the company of two older sisters, Sylvia (Sally) and Catherine (Kitty). He was a Cub Scout, spent summers working on the family dairy farm in Ohio, and served as president of his class at Eastern High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in industrial design from the University of Michigan in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy that year, serving as Lieutenant Junior Grade for four years. After finishing his military duty, Dick headed west to San Francisco and never looked back. In 1961, he began his career at what later became known as Ford Aerospace in the Human Factors Laboratory. During his 29-year tenure, he worked on design projects ranging from NASA mission control consoles to satellite tracking systems in Hawaii. After retiring in 1990, he embarked on another chapter of his life, devoting himself to his artistic pursuits and social activism. Dick was a long-time resident of Palo Alto, where he me...

John Erwin Tabor
Aug. 14, 1937 - Feb. 3, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Dr. John Erwin Tabor passed away on February 3, 2024 in Denver, Colorado at the age of 86. He was born on August 14, 1937 in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota to Charles and Anna Tabor. John spent his youth in the Detroit Lakes area and attended St.Olaf College where he received dual degrees in history and chemistry, then went on to get his degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. John served four years in the US Navy and was discharged with the rank of Lt. Commander. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. John and Pearlann were married in December 1967 and settled in Palo Alto, California where they raised their family. John became a partner at the Palo Alto Dental Group where he dedicated himself to providing excellent care to his patients for over three decades. In 2008 they moved to Denver, Colorado to be near their grandchildren while they grew up. He had a strong passion and curiosity for the arts, sciences, literature, nature and travel. John was a man of integrity, wit and compassion who touched the lives of many with his generosity of spirit. May we find comfort in our memories as we celebrate a well-lived life and pay forward his kindness towards oth...

Yolanda Font
April 30, 1930 - Feb. 3, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Yolanda “Lolly” Font, age 93, passed away on the morning of Saturday February 3rd as a result of a stroke and advanced dementia. She died peacefully at her residence at Palo Alto Commons. Lolly was born Yolanda Theresa DeIorio in Utica, New York on April 30, 1930. She was the oldest of 4 children in a large, Italian family. Lolly had a passion for learning throughout her life. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Utica College and a Master’s degree in Education from Syracuse University, and a PhD from the California Institute of Transpersonal Psychology. Lolly married John Francis Font on August 14, 1954, to whom she was married for twenty three years. Lolly and John had five children – John, Lauren, Daryl, Shelly, and Erika. In 1963 when Dr. Font accepted a faculty position at Stanford, Lolly and the family moved to Palo Alto, California. Lolly embraced the role of busy mother of five children. She volunteered with the PTA at the children’s elementary school, and eventually worked as Preschool Director at Dr. Font’s Beacon School in San Jose, CA. The Font family enjoyed camping in Yosemite, Big Sur, Russian River and Sunset Beach where they w...

Jeane Greenawalt Johnson
June 25, 1926 - Feb. 2, 2024
Los Gatos, California

Jeane Greenawalt Johnson died February 2nd 2024, at The Terraces in Los Gatos. She was 97. Ms. Johnson was born on a farm near Princeton, Kansas, child of F. Ralph and Marie Greenawalt. The family relocated to a farm near Paola, Kansas. When she was in the seventh grade. She became a 4-H member, which piqued her interest in a home economics career. She graduated from Paola High School and then Kansas State University with a BS degree and later a BA from San Jose University, in her chosen fields of home economics and education. She received many honors including Mortar Board, Omicron Nu, Phi Kappa Phi, as well as scholarships. She spent over two years as a home demonstration agent in western Kansas before accepting a similar position in Ventura County, CA. as 4-H home advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension Service She was married in 1951 to Louis Bruce Johnson, a fellow Kansan and K-State engineering graduate. Four years later they moved from Oxnard, where her husband was employed at Point Mugu Naval Air Missile Test Center, to Portola Valley, CA. By this time two daughters were born to them. She never lost her interest in young people, becom...

Jean Fung Gong
Feb. 5, 1926 - Jan. 31, 2024
Palo Alto, California

On January 31, 2024, five days before her 98th birthday, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and cherished friend Jean Char Gong died peacefully at home in Palo Alto, California, where she had lived for 70 years. Jean was born in Honolulu, February 5, 1926, to Marguerite Liu and On Char. A gifted student, Jean earned a BA from Brigham Young University and an MA in Education from Stanford. Jean and Walter A. Gong met and fell in love at Stanford. They were married on July 7, 1951, and later sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jean taught elementary school at Fairmeadow and El Carmelo for 32 years in Palo Alto. She will be remembered for her faith, generosity, nurturing of children, service to the community, passion for flowers, and deep love of friends and family. Jean cherished being a member of the Char, deJong and Gong families. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her eight siblings and their spouses, and her husband Walter. Her children Gerrit (Susan), Brian (Sue) and Marguerite (Russell Hancock), 11 grandchildren (and seven spouses), and 18 great grandchildren, will build on her lega...

Edward Moore
March 19, 1934 - Jan. 27, 2024
Redwood City, United States

Edward Albert Moore died peacefully in his sleep January 27, 2024, at his home in Redwood City, CA. He died of pulmonary disease just a few weeks shy of his 90th birthday. How does one describe a multi-talented, many-faceted, good man? Edward was an actor, theatre director, set designer and playwright with credits in a national playlist. He started theatre groups in Cleveland, OH; New Zealand and Western Samoa. He was a published science fiction writer, an artist, antique restorer, creator of museum displays, intricate wood puzzles and other artistic projects. His popular garden sculptures often disappeared from his front yard soon after they were displayed. He was an adventurer, ran the Grand Canyon from rim to rim, trekked through national parks in the US and parks in Australia and New Zealand . Edward taught and played the ukulele throughout the peninsula for 15 years. He delighted in composing exercises and etudes to challenge friends in his music groups. He remained active and involved despite his illness, as a member of the National Horseshow Pitching Association. He recently returned to a previous hobby --creating Japanese bonsai tree art. He is...

Linda Ann Kane
Dec. 31, 1953 - Jan. 26, 2024
Mountain View, California

Linda Ann Kane, 70, of Mountain View, CA passed away on January 26, 2024 at Redwood City’s Mission House hospice after a lengthy illness. She was born in Philadelphia, PA on December 31, 1953 to Thomas and Ann Kane. Her father’s engineering professorship brought the family to California eight years after Linda’s birth. With Stanford campus as a prized playground, Linda grew up happily exploring its vastness alongside her younger brother Jeff. Their youthful activities included refreshing dips into Lake Lagunita and robust family mini-treks to the newly constructed Stanford Dish radio antenna situated atop the nearby foothills. Inspired by her parents’ love for travel and adventure, Linda became an intrepid globe trotter and refined cultural connoisseur. Visits to her father’s beloved homeland in Vienna and summer respites at her mother’s Massachusetts colonial family homestead both grounded and expanded her. These hallowed familial touch points helped shape Linda into a profoundly thoughtful, multifaceted soul. Wherever she traveled, Linda absorbed foreign languages easily. She was fluent in and loved all things Italian. She possessed a hunger for know...

William Field Meyer
June 28, 1936 - Jan. 25, 2024
Davis, California

William Field Meyer June 28, 1936 - January 25, 2024 A beloved husband, father and grandfather (“Epah”) passed away on January 25, 2024. He was a heart-attack survivor who managed to live years beyond his doctor’s projections. He will be remembered as someone with a deep faith in God, patriotic to his country, dedicated to his family, and enthusiastic to his various professional pursuits. Bill was born in Nashville, Tennessee, grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and moved to Alton, Illinois when in high school. Freshman year in college was attended at Purdue University and Bill graduated with a BS and MS in Engineering at the University of Missouri. Bill was a naval officer aboard the USS Coral Sea and attained Officer of the Deck. After his discharge from the Navy Bill and his wife Bette settled in Menlo Park in 1969, and he became a corporate manager and director at AT&T Long Lines, Transamerica, and Seagate Technology. The couple moved to the Monterey area in 2003. He later authored news articles and 2 books. He became an independent consultant for several years as well as an adjunct professor at Cal State San Francisco and Cal State Monterey Bay. He was activ...

Marjorie Cassingham
March 9, 1924 - Jan. 24, 2024
Portola Valley, California

Marge Cassingham, a 55-year resident of Portola Valley, died January 24, a few weeks before she would have turned 100. A gifted musician and classical pianist for 90 years, Marge was active in the Palo Alto Two Piano Club; her living room in Ladera was a favored place to practice as it had plenty of room for its two Steinway grand pianos. In Los Angeles, she was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota women’s music fraternity from 1942 to her death, and a member of the American Association of University Women after earning her degree in music from Occidental College. Marge “received just about every award that SAI gives,” SAI’s executive director said. She was a secretary at Bendix Aviation, and helped charter a nursery school at her church. After having four children in southern California (Carol Swanson of Oregon, Curt Ryan Cassingham (and wife Bonnie Meeder) of Oregon, Brian Cassingham (Anne) of Florida, and Randy Cassingham (Kit) who travel internationally full time), Marge and her husband Larry moved to Portola Valley. She continued her outside work as a project secretary for Syntex Laboratories, then the office administrator for a Silicon Valley consultancy. Her childr...

Andrew J Pierson
1978 - Jan. 22, 2024
Mountain View, California

Andrew M. Pierson (Andy) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on January 22, 2024 in Mountain View, CA. Andrew bravely faced a glioblastoma (brain tumor) diagnosis with humor, positivity and light. Andrew was born in 1978 in Hackensack, NJ, but spent most of his formative years in Owego, NY. He graduated from Cornell University (2001/2002) with a Bachelors and Masters of Engineering and from Rochester Institute of Technology (2012) with a Masters in Project Management. Before his passing, Andrew was a gifted software engineer and manager at companies TiVo, Harris RF, Amazon, and Meta. His humor and bear hugs were contagious and you could often find him laughing with friends and family over the silliest things. He was a tinkerer and creator at heart, constantly building, making, and fixing projects. Andrew’s favorite memories were adventures with his family and extended family as well as gaming nights with his brothers-in-law, Jon and Ilya, and best friend, Kevin. He was known for his “dad joke” t-shirts and “party” shirts that he proudly wore to various events. Most of all, Andrew’s kindness was contagious and powerful. His outlook on life is...

Janet Lee Jurian
Dec. 10, 1950 - Jan. 21, 2024
Woodside, California

Surrounded by love and family, Janet Lee Jurian of Woodside, CA, passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2024, after a fifteen-month battle with brain cancer. Janet was born on December 10, 1950, the daughter of the late John N. Duzanica and Lillian Garibaldi Duzanica. Raised in Menlo Park, Janet attended St. Raymond's parish school, Holy Cross High School (Class of 1969), and College of San Mateo. She remained a resident of the peninsula her entire life. Janet attended nursing school, worked in school nutrition (Stanford University and Monte Vista High School), and later transitioned to dental office administration. However, she was most well known for her lifelong secondary occupation of crafting beautiful wedding and special occasion cakes. Outside of work, Janet could most often be found on horseback; she was an avid western trail rider who revered her horse community. Janet was a woman in perpetual motion-- from boxing to pickleball, reading, cooking, line dancing, photography, travel-- the list went on. Even after “retiring”, she continued to be active, working for her son's business and riding her horse until October 2022 when cancer rendered her unable. ...

Robert Michael Heneveld
Sept. 5, 1943 - Jan. 16, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Robert Michael Heneveld was born on September 5, 1943 in Auburn, Washington and passed away on January 16, 2024 in Paso Robles, California after bravely facing the many challenges of dementia. He was affectionately known as “Mike” to his friends and family. His parents, Mary Jayne and Robert Max Madison, later added his sister Katherine Rose to their family. His father, a valiant Air Force Captain, tragically lost his life in the line of duty on February 7, 1949. Mary Jayne later remarried to Charles Heneveld. It was during this time that Mike's name changed from Madison to Heneveld and the Heneveld family expanded to include Mike’s two half-brothers, Mark and Jon. Mike's life was filled with many chapters, each marked by his unwavering dedication to family and a commitment to his dental profession. He embarked on a journey that included two marriages and the joy of fatherhood. His first marriage to Sally Dudley led to the birth of two beautiful daughters, Christy (Story) and Lindsay (Pera). He found love once more when he married Barbara Leech, gaining a step-daughter, Jamie (Howe) and settling in Palo Alto, California. Education was of paramount importance to Mi...

George Stanley Turnbull
Sept. 10, 1929 - Jan. 11, 2024
Los Altos, California

George Stanley (Stan) Turnbull Jr., 94, passed away on January 11th at his assisted living residence in Los Altos, CA. after a brief illness. He was born on September 10th, 1929, in Eugene, Oregon to parents George and Mary Lou Turnbull. By his own account, Stan lived a happy and idyllic childhood in Eugene, where he and his friends enjoyed the college town and often sneaked into University of Oregon sporting events. He attended Eugene High School, where he was editor of the school newspaper. He followed the family tradition of journalism, graduating from the University of Oregon’s school of journalism, of which his father was a founding member, and his mother a graduate. After University, he spent two years in the US Army during the Korean War, stationed in Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Colorado. He returned to academia after the army to obtain his master’s degree in journalism from Stanford University. His first professional job was for the Wall Street Journal, initially in San Francisco, and later in Los Angeles. He found that he preferred San Francisco and relocated back, eventually taking a job in the advertising and publicity department at PG&E. He had a fulfill...

Susan M. Basso
Feb. 22, 1941 - Jan. 7, 2024
Menlo Park, California

Sue Basso was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on February 22, 1941 to Ruth and Claude Artero. After spending her first 2 ½ years of life in South America, the family moved to the U.S., eventually settling in Danville, California. During her senior year at San Ramon High School Sue traveled as an exchange student to Patros, Greece, and the experience sparked a lifelong passion for travel. Sue attended Stanford University, graduating in 1962 with a degree in International Relations. While a senior in college, she met her husband, Lawrence Basso, who at the time was a student at UCSF Medical School. They married on February 24, 1963 and went on to raise three children while living in Menlo Park. Later in life, Sue’s children chose to raise their own families in the area - Sue found joy in helping to raise her five grandchildren, being known to them as “Granny Sue”. Sue loved to read and could usually be found sitting amongst piles of novels, biographys, newspapers and investment magazines. She was an astute self-trained stock investor. Sue loved to swim (weather permitting) and play the piano every day. Later in life, she earned a teaching credential at Notre Da...

Lambert Tyler Dolphin
May 24, 1932 - Jan. 1, 2024
Santa Clara, California

Lambert Tyler Dolphin Jr. passed away in Santa Clara on January 1, 2024 after a brief illness . His body is laid to rest in the Purissima Cemetery (Spanish for “The Purest”) in Half Moon Bay. Lambert was born in Shoshone Idaho on May 5 1932 to Lambert and Audrey Dolphin. Sadly, Lambert’s parents separated when he was 12, and he moved with his mother and sister, Susanne, to San Diego during the early years of World War II. Two years later Lambert’s mother died of kidney disease at 39. Despite these horrible family setbacks, Lambert was voted “Most likely to succeed” in High School. Lambert received an AB degree with high honors in physics and distinction in mathematics from San Diego State University in June 1954. Lambert’s academic prowess kept him from going to war as his professors wrote letters to the draft board that his potential in math and physics was worthy of keeping him in school. His professors also wrote recommendations to Stanford for grad school. After two years of graduate study in Physics and Electrical Engineering at Stanford University (1954-1956), Lambert joined the staff of SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute), in...

Rivera Rozella Cole
Feb. 1, 1936 - Dec. 29, 2023
Belmont, California

Rosie Cole, a.k.a. Rivera Rozella Boyd Cole, passed away at Silverado in Belmont Hills, California on December 29th, 2023 after living with dementia for about five years. She was born February 1st, 1936 In Los Angeles, California to Walter Newlin Boyd and Bertha Brodie Boyd. She had one younger sister, Milana, who preceded her in death in 2011. Rozella met Creswell C. Cole Jr. while they were both attending Stanford University. They married in 1955. In 1957 daughter Karen came along, and son Creswell Chapin Cole III followed in 1959. They lived in Menlo Park. Rosie joined the Peninsula Volunteers in 1960 and dedicated herself diligently to their mission of serving the local community, with an emphasis on the senior population and their specific needs. In 2010 she was recognized by the PVs as a member of the Golden Circle for her 50 years of service. She also had a short-term career with the Menlo Park branch of Wells Fargo Bank. She began as a teller and moved up to Assistant to the Investments and Securities Broker. Rosie was a skilled seamstress, a talented craft maker, gift wrapper, home decorator, cook, and gardener. She enjoyed travel at home and abroad, as well as co-te...

Samuel Robert Anderson
Aug. 6, 1940 - Dec. 24, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Sam Anderson lived an active life of daily walks, gardening, and socializing with family, friends, and neighbors for the last four years, despite a lung cancer diagnosis in 2019. He died, surrounded by his family, of complications from pneumonia on December 24, 2023, at age 83. Samuel Robert Anderson was born on August 6, 1940 in El Paso, Texas, to Pollyanna Gibson and Samuel Lewis Anderson. His family moved to San Francisco, California, during the war years, and then to Palo Alto, where Sam and his brother John Dennis (b. 1944) attended Jordan Middle School, Palo Alto High School and newcomer Cubberley High School, where Sam was in the inaugural class of 1958 and Cubberley’s first student body president. Sam was a proud member of Boy Scout Troop 57 and an Eagle Scout. In the fall of 1958, he left for Dartmouth College, sight unseen, where he used his beautiful singing voice in the Handel Society Choir and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. An avid reader of literature and poetry, he majored in English. In the summer of 1959, Sam worked at Wawona in Yosemite and met Marilee May, also a college student in a summer stint at Wawona.They were married in Sam’s senior year a...

Robert Hunter Aaronson
Jan. 17, 1955 - Dec. 12, 2023
Menlo Park, California

OBITUARY ROBERT H. AARONSON 1955-2023 Robert Aaronson died unexpectedly at 68 years old on December 12, 2023. He was born in New York on January 17, 1955 to Violet (Gellert) Aaronson and Allen Aaronson. He graduated from MIT and went on to graduate from Stanford Law School. He started his law career working for the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office doing child abuse law. Later he moved to a litigation section of the City Attorneys Office. More recently, he worked as an independent police auditor for many years, until he retired in January 2022. He found his work very satisfying, especially in Santa Rosa where he was determined to help solve the difficulties faced by the homeless population, working closely with citizen activists. He was dedicated to helping others and found it important to help improve the world. He loved learning and read extensively throughout his life. He was a collector of fountain pens, watches, and coins. He also loved music and spent some years as an avid motorcycle rider. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Elizabeth Fitch Aaronson, and his three children, Pearl Aaronson, fka Michael Aaronson, David Aaronson, and Emily Aaronson. ...

Ann Montgomery Robinson
July 8, 1939 - Dec. 7, 2023
Palo Alto, California

Ann M. Robinson, a longtime resident of Palo Alto, passed away on December 7, 2023, surrounded by family and caregivers. Ann was born the first child of John H. Montgomery and Virginia E. Price on July 8, 1939, in Champaign, Illinois. As a child, Ann moved with her parents and younger brother, from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to Chevy Chase, Maryland, and then to Austin and Fort Worth, Texas, and learned to make friends anywhere she lived. Ann told stories about the schools she attended, the neighborhoods she lived in, the people she met, and the summers she spent with her tight-knit extended family in Terre Haute, Indiana. Ann graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1957 and headed to Texas Tech University. She joined the sorority Gamma Phi Beta and had fun and enjoyed college life while earning a bachelor’s in Advertising Art and Design. After graduating in 1962, Ann moved from Lubbock to Dallas, where she worked as a Graphic Artist for the firms Ling-Tempco-Vought Company and G. Fredrick Shepherd; as an Art Instructor for the Dallas Independent School District, the Art Department at North Texas State University, and Southern Methodist University; and as...

Marilyn Joyce Wallace
Aug. 3, 1935 - Nov. 25, 2023
Pleasanton, California

Marilyn Joyce (Weil) Wallace passed away on November 25, 2023, at the age of 88 in Pleasanton, California. She was born on August 3, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. She was a beloved wife, mother, and devoted member of the community. Marilyn had a life-long passion for education, and her own educational journey began in Oakland and Piedmont, CA where she attended grammar and middle schools. She graduated from Piedmont High School in June 1953, then entered the University of California, Berkeley in September. At Cal she joined and lived in the Phi Mu Sorority. She pursued a bachelor's degree in mathematics and also participated in a special teacher intern program which enabled math and science graduates to teach high school immediately after graduation. Marilyn received her degree and teaching credential from UC Berkeley in June 1957. Marilyn's career as a math teacher began in September 1957, at Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, CA. It was during this time, at a UC Math Department picnic, that she met Graham Wallace, a UC math graduate student. Marilyn and Graham married on June 13, 1959, the start of a 64-year marriage. Marilyn continued teaching in San Francisco unt...

Heather Duke Vail
Oct. 1, 1963 - Aug. 6, 2023
Redwood City, California

Heather Denise (Duke) Vail, 1963-2023 Surrounded by loving family and friends Heather passed away on August 6th in Redwood City at age 59 after long battles with multiple serious health ailments. Born in Berkeley in 1963, her family moved around mostly Northern California frequently before settling in Ashland, Oregon where she spent most of her formative years and made many friends and lifelong memories. At Ashland High School she played trumpet in marching band and was first trumpet in the school’s pep band and jazz band “Jazzmania”, which competed in many statewide and regional tournaments. Towns she lived in before Ashland include Santa Clara, San Jose, Sacramento, Crescent City and Roff, Oklahoma. Heather attended San Francisco State and Southern Oregon University, where she graduated with a degree in newsprint journalism. She moved back to the Bay Area in the late 80’s, where she began her career as corporate secretary at Duke Scientific Corporation in Palo Alto, eventually retiring in 2005 after the successful sale of the company. She lived in Redwood City for almost 30 years, where she raised her two children, who she loved more than anything, and alwa...

Jane McCleave Trautmann
July 9, 1938 - April 29, 2023
Seattle, Washington

Jane Trowbridge McCleave Trautmann passed away on April 29th in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by friends and family. She was 84 years old. Jane was born July 9th, 1938, in Oakland, California and spent her childhood in Piedmont, California, where Jane attended Anna Head elementary and Piedmont High School. Jane received a BA from UCLA, where she graduated in 1960. Jane joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and was actively involved in other activities and clubs on campus. Jane met her husband, John, in Southern California and married in 1961. The newlyweds moved to San Francisco and enjoyed a brief three years in Newington, Virginia (1968 to 1972) early in their marriage. They would then move back to Northern California and settle in Palo Alto (1972), where they lived for 35 years. Jane and John welcomed daughter Nancy into the world in 1962, Tom in 1964 and Jeannie in 1968. Jane’s beloved John sadly died from Alzheimer’s when he was 75 in 2010. Seeking adventure, Jane built a house in Reno, Nevada, where she lived for five years. There, she created a close-knit community of friends and found comfort and support in a local church. A devoted grandmother, Jane chose to m...