Miscellaneous Marin County, California Obituaries

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Gene F. O'Connor
Was born in San Francisco June 16, 1912, and moved to San Rafael as an infant. He is survived by his adoring wife of 55 years, Rosemary, and his loving daughter, Colleen Camp, nephew Joseph Smith and wife, Cecilia, and their children, James Smith, wife Rebecca, and children, Michael, Michele, and Matthew, nephews Matthew and Patrick Smith, niece Kelly Smith and her daughter, Brittany. Gene attended St. Raphael's School, San Rafael High School, University of California, Claremont Men's College, and Golden Gate College. His first business experience was in wholesale building materials distribution and he became an active partner in the J.B. Rice building material firm operating their Vallejo store. While in Vallejo he joined the Rotary Club and at that time was the youngest member in the State. When World War II started he sold his interest in the J.B. Rice Co. and enlisted in the Army Air Force, receiving his honorable discharge as an officer at war's end. He moved to San Francisco and obtained broker's licenses for insurance, real estate and appraising, and became actively engaged in investing in and developing real estate. In 1946 he married Rosemary and in 1948 they moved to San Rafael along with their infant daughter, Colleen. He opened an insurance office and continued his activities in development and acquisition of real estate. Gene belonged to many civic organizations, having been one of the founders and first president of the San Rafael 20-30 Club. He was a past member of the Lions and Rotary Clubs and the Meadow Club and a life member of the Elks Lodge and American Legion. He served on the Marin County Grand Jury and for four years on the San Rafael Planning Commission. He founded the San Rafael Beautiful Committee in the 60's, a group dedicated to the beautification of the City, and also the first group to put trees on Fourth Street in large planters, as well as other beautification projects. Gene was a very caring, compassionate man, and loved life, his family and friends. His hobbies were recording music from the 20's to the 90's; travel including trips and cruises to foreign countries, and especially planning and making changes and additions to his garden which was his pride and joy. He will be sadly missed by his family and those who knew him well. Friends may visit Keaton's Mortuary at Fifth and E Street, San Rafael, Thursday, October 17th. A Vigil Service will be at St. Raphael's Mission Chapel Friday, October 18th at 7 PM, and the Funeral Service will be at the Elks Lodge on Mission Avenue in San Rafael, Saturday, October 19th at 11 AM. Interment will be private. A Memorial Mass will be held later. KEATON MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571 

Gloria Spadini
Passed away October 12, 2002, after a brief illness, at age 73. A Marin resident for 46 years she was predeceased by her husband Daniel Spadini. She is survived by her children Dennis Spadini and Dina Ross, daughter-in-law Aurelia Spadini and son-in- law Daniel Ross and granddaughters Chloe and Phoebe Ross and Natalie and Julia Spadini. A Funeral Service will be held at Keaton Mortuary, San Rafael on Friday, October 18, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. KEATON MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571 

Frances C. Twoomey
Passed away at her Santa Rosa home on Friday, October 4, 2002 at age 87. Dearly beloved wife of the late Vincent W. Twoomey; beloved mother of Bruce Twoomey of Friday Harbor, WA, Brent Twoomey, Brad Twoomey and his spouse Mareva Russo, all of Trinidad, CA and the late Brian Twoomey; dear aunt of Dick Anderson and his wife Maureen and their children Tom, Chris and Colleen of Webster, NY; also survived by cherished friends. Frances was a highly respected elementary school teacher for 32 years, teaching in NY, NE, WY and Southern CA before settling in Larkspur, CA in 1961. She taught first grade at Coleman School in San Rafael until retirement then continued to commute from Santa Rosa with her friend Florence Grover and work as a professional aide. She was always open to new ideas and generous with students and peers. She and her husband owned the Twoomey Subdivision in Trinidad, CA that received a California Coastal Commission Design Award in 1980. Frances loved gardening, garage sales and finding a good bargain; she enjoyed staying in touch with hometown friends. She will be remembered for her selfless participation and interest in her children's lives. Mrs. Twoomey was a native of New York. At her request, no formal services will be held. Arrangements are under the care and direction of DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY. 

John W. Wieland
Age 76, passed away October 12, 2002. John was born and lived in San Francisco where he attended Grant School, graduated from Lowell High School and the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo. He shipped out with the Pacific Far East Lines after the war and then owned the Pine Tree Restaurant in San Francisco followed by the Blue Rock Inn Restaurant in Larkspur. He was a resident of Larkspur for 37 years. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Jacque. He is survived by his two stepdaughters, Diane Howe of San Rafael and Sally Wieland of Willits, CA; sister Rita Wieland of Oakland; two grandchildren, Eric Dinger of Thornton, CO and Michelle Dinger of San Rafael; and two great-grandchildren Leif and Willow Dinger. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, October 18, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. at Keaton's Mortuary, 1022 E Street San Rafael, followed by Burial at Mt. Tamalpais Cemetery. Donations may be made to Hospice of Marin, 21 Tamal Vista Blvd., Suite 101, Corte Madera, CA 94925. 

Lola Sainsbury
Long-time Novato resident, passed away in Redwood City on Saturday, October 12, 2002. Lola was born to Nettie and Willard McCully on June 13, 1912 in Lostine, Oregon. She was the great-granddaughter of an illustrious pioneer family who migrated west to Oregon by wagon train along the Oregon Trail in 1852. She married Walter E. Sainsbury on March 12, 1929. Her husband, her son, Walter D. Sainsbury, and daughter Patricia A. Sainsbury predecease her. Daughter Jacqueline Schuler and son-in-law William Schuler of Redwood City, and daughter-in-law Dolly Sainsbury of Novato survive her. She is also survived by grandchildren Gail Schuler of Redwood City; William Schuler of Pleasant Grove, Utah; Don Sainsbury of Indianapolis, IN; Pat Gilardi of Cotati; Paul Schuler of Dublin, CA; Ann E. Viazzo of Dublin, CA; and Michelle (Lin Hua) Perkins of Redwood City, and 12 cherished great grandchildren: Anthony & Marissa Gilardi, Jessica, Christina, Jeremy & Michael Schuler, Rebecca, Susanna, Christian, Philip and Michela Viazzo, and Ryan Perkins. Lola worked for the San Francisco Chronicle for over 30 years as chief PBX Operator. She was an avid reader and gardener. She enjoyed cooking, delighting family and friends with her delicious preserves made from local fruits and berries. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Services will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 1:00 p.m. at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Redwood City First Ward, 1475 Edgewood Road, Redwood City. Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2002 at Bahia Memorial Park in Novato. 

Frances C. Twoomey
Passed away at her Santa Rosa home on Friday, October 4, 2002 at age 87. Dearly beloved wife of the late Vincent W. Twoomey; beloved mother of Bruce Twoomey of Friday Harbor, WA, Brent Twoomey, Brad Twoomey and his spouse Mareva Russo, all of Trinidad, CA and the late Brian Twoomey; dear aunt of Dick Anderson and his wife Maureen and their children Tom, Chris and Colleen of Webster, NY; also survived by cherished friends. Frances was a highly respected elementary school teacher for 32 years, teaching in NY, NE, WY and Southern CA before settling in Larkspur, CA in 1961. She taught first grade at Coleman School in San Rafael until retirement then continued to commute from Santa Rosa with her friend Florence Grover and work as a professional aide. She was always open to new ideas and generous with students and peers. She and her husband owned the Twoomey Subdivision in Trinidad, CA that received a California Coastal Commission Design Award in 1980. Frances loved gardening, garage sales and finding a good bargain; she enjoyed staying in touch with hometown friends. She will be remembered for her selfless participation and interest in her children's lives. Mrs. Twoomey was a native of New York. At her request, no formal services will be held. Arrangements are under the care and direction of DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY. 

Marion Ruth Willits
Passed away in San Rafael on October 11th, 2002 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's disease. She was born in West Concord Minnesota to Genevieve and Russell Madsen on May 20, 1922. Her family moved to California when she was two years old. She was preceded in death in 1986 by her beloved husband Raymond Budd Willits. She is survived by her brother Carroll Madsen of Tiburon, her son Reed Willits of Caldwell Idaho and her daughter Rae Beth Cary of Sebastopol. She is also survived by her granddaughters Heather Cleland, Kristina Willits and Jayne Ann Thayn and grandsons William Todd Cary and Michael Willits along with five great grandchildren. Marion was a fifty-year member of the San Rafael Order of Eastern Star and a member of the San Rafael Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Known for her bright blue eyes and quick smile, she was loved by all who knew her. We love you mom and will carry you with us in our hearts. The family would like to express its sincere appreciation for all the caregivers at Villa Marin who made Marion's last few years so peaceful. Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral on Wednesday October 16th at 11:00AM at the San Rafael Ward, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on San Pedro Road. Donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, Calif. 94925. 

The Rev. Betha Ann Hoy
The Rev. Betha Ann Hoy passed away on October 6, 2002 at The Tamalpais in Larkspur after an extended illness. The Rev. Hoy was born and raised in San Francisco. She attended San Francisco schools and the University of California at Berkeley where she earned her BA in agricultural economics. Following graduation she worked in business and in real estate in San Francisco. She attended San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo and received her Master of Divinity in 1982. She served as interim pastor/associate pastor of churches in Oregon, Stockton, San Jose and San Francisco. For many years she was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown and since 1990 she has attended Christ Presbyterian Church in San Rafael. She is survived by her brother, Walter Hoy and wife Marlene of Walnut Creek, sisters Martha Chan of Los Angeles and Ruby Wong, and sister-in-law Chick Hoy of San Francisco. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Memorial gifts may be made to Donaldina Cameron House, 920 Sacramento Street, San Francisco 94108 or to Christ Presbyterian Church, 620 Del Ganado Road, San Rafael, 94903. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 19th, at 11:00 a.m. 

Joan Marie Kilburn Special Education Advocate
Died October 2, 2002 at home in Mill Valley. Born in 1933, Joan grew up in Ovando, Montana and attended Mills College. Inspired by her daughter, Molly, Joan became a powerful advocate for children with special needs and their families. Founder of the nationally recognized resource center, Matrix, and the statewide Better Understanding Program, Joan successfully pushed for legislation to establish Family Empowerment Centers throughout California. The ability to mobilize others, the flash of a fashionable scarf, her humorous poems, an interest in birds, and a take-charge attitude were her trademarks. Joan raised four children together with her first husband, John Everett McRee. Together they enjoyed 20 years of camping, cross-country skiing, and fishing throughout the Sierras. In 1976, Joan married Abraham Copperman and found a match for her social advocacy. For 24 years, until Abe's death, they enjoyed traveling, opera, hiking and working for social justice. Joan is survived by her sons: Christopher, Duncan and Randy McRee; her stepchildren: Paul, Terry, Andy and Max Copperman and Barbara Schulz; their spouses; and nineteen grandchildren. A private Memorial will be held for family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Marin Foundation at 21 Tamal Vista Blvd., Suite 101, Corte Madera, CA 94925. 

Steven James Renick
Born December 4, 1941, passed away suddenly September 12, 2002. Steve is survived by: his wife Kathie (of 36 years), sons David and Joshua, daughter-in-law Nara, brother David (Rose), sister-in-law Penny (Dan), mother Roberta and mother-in-law Evelyn. Steve was also a loving uncle and mentor to: Elizabeth (Riley), Sarah (Doug), Jonas (Kelley), Bekka, Emily, Jules, Zoe, Lily, Owen and Arai. Steve was raised in the Bay Area and attended San Francisco State University where he received both a B.A. and Masters in fine arts. His entire thirty-seven-year career was spent in the publishing industry, first, as a graphic designer and Art Director for Wadsworth Publishing, and then as Art Director for the University of California Press. During his career, he won countless awards for his book designs, both nationally and internationally. Within the publishing industry he was highly esteemed and considered a brilliant designer by his peers. Steve approached life with passion, which his family and friends were witness to daily from his love of cars, trains, bicycles, music and history. His greatest passion of all, however, was teaching. He taught graphic design for the University of California Extension and for the past ten years at the California College of Arts and Crafts. His students and fellow faculty members will long remember him as a charismatic, approachable, wise and talented teacher. Steve was an integral part of the CCAC community, and he regarded teaching as the most noble of professions. Steve was a man of deep spiritual faith and was an active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross. He and wife Kathie were active leaders in St. John's High School Youth Group for over 15 years. Steve gave of himself without hesitation to his family, friends and community, and touched countless lives on his short journey upon this earth. His family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him will miss his humor, his enthusiasm and his ability to make you feel special. With love from your family and friends, "motor on" Steve! A Memorial Service will be held October 18th at 4:00 p.m at St. John's Episcopal Church, 14 Lagunitas Road at Shady Lane, Ross. Donations in memory of Steve may be made to California College of Arts and Crafts, Advancement Office, 5120 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618 or to a charity of your choice. 

Ruth Sisson
Age 86, widow of Merrill Sisson, M.D., passed away October 1, 2001. There are no survivors. A longtime resident of Marin County, she was formerly on the Sausalito Planning Commission and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. During her active years, she was an enthusiastic gardener and an ardent student of the Infinite Way, a spiritual teaching. Her ashes will be scattered on the waters of the Pacific. Her friends love and support her on her journey. 

Frances C. Twoomey
Passed away at her Santa Rosa home on Friday, October 4, 2002 at age 87. Dearly beloved wife of the late Vincent W. Twoomey; beloved mother of Bruce Twoomey of Friday Harbor, WA, Brent Twoomey, Brad Twoomey and his spouse Mareva Russo, all of Trinidad, CA and the late Brian Twoomey; dear aunt of Dick Anderson and his wife Maureen and their children Tom, Chris and Colleen of Webster, NY; also survived by cherished friends. Frances was a highly respected elementary school teacher for 32 years, teaching in NY, NE, WY and Southern CA before settling in Larkspur, CA in 1961. She taught first grade at Coleman School in San Rafael until retirement then continued to commute from Santa Rosa with her friend Florence Grover and work as a professional aide. She was always open to new ideas and generous with students and peers. She and her husband owned the Twoomey Subdivision in Trinidad, CA that received a California Coastal Commission Design Award in 1980. Frances loved gardening, garage sales and finding a good bargain; she enjoyed staying in touch with hometown friends. She will be remembered for her selfless participation and interest in her children's lives. Mrs. Twoomey was a native of New York. At her request, no formal services will be held. Arrangements are under the care and direction of DANIELS CHAPEL OF THE ROSES FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY. 

George Driver
George passed on peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on October 5, 2002. The eldest of three children, George was born to Jeanne and George Driver on August 15, 1915, in San Francisco. He led a very colorful life, working first as a young shoe salesman for Frank Moore Shoes in San Francisco during the 1930s. Later, George was hired by the U.S. Government and worked as a marine machinist at Mare Island and Hunter's Point Naval Shipyards before, during, and after World War II. In the late 1940s, he purchased a neighborhood tavern in San Francisco called Fred's Café and tended bar there for 13 years. The quintessential storyteller, George routinely entertained family and friends with tales of his life's many adventures. He and his family moved to San Rafael in the late 1960s where he loved to tinker in his garage and work on his prized gold and white 1971 Camaro. George was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Elizabeth, their longtime friend Harold Lutge, and his beloved little sister, June Walorinta. He is survived by his brother Vincent, his stepdaughter Penny Nowak, his niece Vickie Day, her husband Raymond, and their son (George's best pal) Mike, who moved in to help care for George during his final month with us. George and his family are infinitely grateful to David Connorton, who was not only George's wonderful health care aide for the past four years, but who also became a good friend to us all. The eternal optimist and embodiment of the power of positive thinking, George always looked on the bright side of life and never let anything get him down. His famous phrase at the end of any discussion was, "Everything's copacetic." We miss you so much already, Georgie, but we know that for you everything now is truly copacetic. Private Services are pending. A Mass for George will be celebrated at St. Isabella's Catholic Church in Terra Linda at 9 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, followed by a reception at George's house. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in George's memory to Hospice of Marin, 150 Nellen Avenue, Corte Madera, CA 94925. 

Ruth Elizabeth Kelm
The family of Ruth Elizabeth Kelm regrets to inform that our loving mother passed away May 23, 2002. Ruth had been a resident of Fairfax, California for over 25 years, living the last decade part time with her daughter, Marie Rogers, and part time with her companion of 15 years, Dave Ortez. Ruth worked at Sassy Hair Salon in San Anselmo for 30 years. She will be missed by her many Fairfax friends and clients. Ruth was also an avid crafts maker, and delighted everyone with her art. She is survived by her children Paul, Marie, and Georgie; Dave Ortez's family; her best friend, Shirley; and her grandchildren Nicole, Greg, and Kristine. Services for Ruth will be held this Saturday, October 12th at Christ The Victor Lutheran Church, 2626 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax at 1:00 p.m. Ruth's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Judith Pauline Massey
Of Palm Desert, CA, passed away October 8, 2002 at age 72. She was the daughter of Frank Parlin Denham and Pauline Mary Kirkpatrick of Petaluma and the wife of Thomas Massey for 35 years. She is survived by her sister, Joanne Murray of San Rafael, CA; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Mrs. Massey was an active community volunteer, board member of Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, a member of Ironwood Country Club, and founder Assistance League in Santa Rosa. A Memorial Service planned for a later date. Memorials appreciated to Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, 39-000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. 

Hermann Josef Reuther San Rafael Resident Hermann Josef Reuther passed away peacefully October 5, 2002 after a long illness. He was 70. Mr. Reuther was born in Medebach, Germany and has lived in San Rafael for 34 years. He enjoyed reading, travel, history, as well as deep sea fishing. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Margaret; daughter, Barbara; and sons, John and Erich. At Mr. Reuther's request, there will be no service, and his ashes will be scattered at sea. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, or the American Diabetes Association. 

Richard E. "Dutch" Schultz
Dick Schultz, a former Marine Corps officer and well known pilot, who resided for the past 35 years in Novato, died Tuesday following a short battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Dianne Schultz of Novato, his two children, Douglas Schultz of Novato and Debbie Schultz Santos of Pleasant Hill, a grandchild on the way, a sister, Beverley Alexander, who resides in Colorado and his niece, Roxanne Mizzo, of Alamo. Dutch, as he was known to many, was raised in the Midwest with roots mainly in Iowa, Kansas and Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended both the University of Arizona and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned his degree. After his time in The Marine Corps, Dutch moved to Northern California where he married and began building a successful independent insurance business. His combination of hard work and ethics earned him respect in the community, while at the same time affording him the time to regularly attend his daughter's swim meets and coach his son's baseball teams, which he did for nine years, starting with Little League and continuing with Babe Ruth. As a coach his life lessons of teamwork, unity and fairness received as much attention as his detail to hitting and fielding skills. Always keeping it fun, he was admired and loved by his players and parents alike. After supporting his children through college, both at the University of Arizona, he found the time to turn his 35 year aviation hobby into a semi-retired career change. Finding the time to fly cross country all over America, often times with his son Doug, a fellow pilot, it seemed everyone always had a story about a Stearman, and wanted to go for a ride. So in the spirit of the barnstormers of an earlier era, Dutch got away as often as possible, hopping rides from town to town giving people a taste of the exhilarating joy, thrill and scenic beauty that a flight in an open-cockpit biplane offers. Always carrying himself with class and dignity, Richard E. "Dutch" Schultz is loved and respected by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. Friends are invited to visit on Sunday, October 13, 2002 from 1-4 p.m. at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. A Vigil Service will be recited following the Visitation at 4 p.m., also at Keaton's. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 14th at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Park, also in Novato. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 415-897-1151 

Mollie Gold
Age 89, passed away October 2, 2002 at The Redwoods Retirement Center. Mollie was born in the Ukraine, raised from age nine in Chicago, and came to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1969. All her life she had been active in progressive politics including work with the San Francisco Anti-Apartheid movement, an example of her lifelong fight against racism wherever it poisoned peoples' lives. She was active in various peace movements, labor struggles, and civil rights activities, supported affirmative action, and worked for peace with justice for Palestinians in the Middle East. Mollie Gold walked the talk for peace and social justice. Ms. Gold was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Sam Gold. She is survived by her brother Harry Olevsky of Chicago, IL, sisters-in-law Bernice Olevsky of Chicago and Anne Flower of Seattle, WA; sons Frank Gold and his wife Roberta Alkire of Larkspur and Jeff Gold and his wife Ellen of Danville, VT; two grandchildren, Buffie Festerman of Oceanside, CA and Michael Gold of Walnut Creek, CA and three great-grandchildren: Sam Festerman, Alexandra Gold, and Ryan Festerman. A private Memorial is planned. Contributions in her name may be made to Friends of The Redwoods, 40 Camino Alto Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941. 

Doris May "Jeannie" Harris
Doris May Harris of Tiburon peacefully passed away on September 8, 2002. She was 94. Mrs. Harris, who was known for most of her adult life as Jeannie, was born August 1, 1908 in Southampton, England and moved to the U.S. in 1929 with her American husband and infant son. She lived for many years in New Jersey before moving to Tiburon in 1997. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sydney E. Harris, a Chief Engineer for the United States Lines, and by her son, Sidney Desmond Harris. She is survived by her daughter Simone Sydney Harris Jordan, son-in-law Lawrence W. Jordan III and grandchildren Nina, Lorenzo, and Kenyon. She will be greatly missed. 

Ruth Elizabeth Kelm
The family of Ruth Elizabeth Kelm regrets to inform that our loving mother passed away May 23, 2002. Ruth had been a resident of Fairfax, California for over 25 years, living the last decade part time with her daughter, Marie Rogers, and part time with her companion of 15 years, Dave Ortez. Ruth worked at Sassy Hair Salon in San Anselmo for 30 years. She will be missed by her many Fairfax friends and clients. Ruth was also an avid crafts maker, and delighted everyone with her art. She is survived by her children Paul, Marie, and Georgie; Dave Ortez's family; her best friend, Shirley; and her grandchildren Nicole, Greg, and Kristine. Services for Ruth will be held this Saturday, October 12th at Christ The Victor Lutheran Church, 2626 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax at 1:00 p.m. Ruth's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Richard E. "Dutch" Schultz
Dick Schultz, a former Marine Corps officer and well known pilot, who resided for the past 35 years in Novato, died Tuesday following a short battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Dianne Schultz of Novato, his two children, Douglas Schultz of Novato and Debbie Schultz Santos of Pleasant Hill, a grandchild on the way, a sister, Beverley Alexander, who resides in Colorado and his niece, Roxanne Mizzo, of Alamo. Dutch, as he was known to many, was raised in the Midwest with roots mainly in Iowa, Kansas and Lincoln, Nebraska. He attended both the University of Arizona and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where he earned his degree. After his time in The Marine Corps, Dutch moved to Northern California where he married and began building a successful independent insurance business. His combination of hard work and ethics earned him respect in the community, while at the same time affording him the time to regularly attend his daughter's swim meets and coach his son's baseball teams, which he did for nine years, starting with Little League and continuing with Babe Ruth. As a coach his life lessons of teamwork, unity and fairness received as much attention as his detail to hitting and fielding skills. Always keeping it fun, he was admired and loved by his players and parents alike. After supporting his children through college, both at the University of Arizona, he found the time to turn his 35 year aviation hobby into a semi-retired career change. Finding the time to fly cross country all over America, often times with his son Doug, a fellow pilot, it seemed everyone always had a story about a Stearman, and wanted to go for a ride. So in the spirit of the barnstormers of an earlier era, Dutch got away as often as possible, hopping rides from town to town giving people a taste of the exhilarating joy, thrill and scenic beauty that a flight in an open-cockpit biplane offers. Always carrying himself with class and dignity, Richard E. "Dutch" Schultz is loved and respected by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. Friends are invited to visit on Sunday, October 13, 2002 from 1-4 p.m. at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd., Novato. A Vigil Service will be recited following the Visitation at 4 p.m., also at Keaton's. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 14th at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato. Burial will follow at Valley Memorial Park, also in Novato. Keaton's Redwood Chapel 415-897-1151 

Vincent Robert Van Riper
Passed away after a brief illness on October 7, 2002. Vincent was an adventurous spirit who left his native New Jersey at an early age to travel around the world. At 15, he concealed his age and shipped out for the first of many summers. After completing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, he worked for the American Bureau of Shipping for his entire career -- loved his work, the sea, and the many interesting people he met on his travels. While working in Tennessee for the Bureau as a Field Supervisor, he was also pressed into service as a deputy sheriff. Transferred to Nova Scotia, he served on the volunteer fire department and was a member of the local curling team. He and his wife Jean were then transferred to Istanbul where his children were born, and later to Italy, where he spent many years as the Bureau's Principal Surveyor for the Mediterranean. While there, he traveled extensively to Greece, Egypt and Yugoslavia. Once back in the U.S., Vincent became Principal Surveyor for the Pacific Coast, where he explored Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico. His interests were very broad, including Greek dancing, Japanese flower arranging, and playing the bagpipes. He was an avid writer of letters to the newspaper editor on a variety of topics, including his support of assisted suicide and the creation of a Peace College. He attended classes in religion and art at both Dominican College and College of Marin until three weeks before his passing. He most recently completed a collection of short stories about his life, travels, and philosophies. Vincent is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Margot Van Riper of San Anselmo and Patricia Kruse of Boise, ID; granddaughter Alessia Piccinini of San Anselmo; nephew Gene Galvin, MD of San Francisco, and many other loving relatives. At his request, there will be no service. However, there will be a gathering of his friends on Sunday, October 13th. Please contact the family. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Marin County Free Library. 

Fred E. Fishman
Age 100, passed away September 28, 2002 in Novato. Loving father of Joni Levy, father-in-law of Robert Levy of Novato, and of three sons Gordon, Charles and Robert Fishman, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Mr. Fishman was a scrap metal broker in Indianapolis, Indiana until he and his late wife, Dorothy retired to San Diego, CA in 1972. A Funeral and Entombment were held in Cypress View Mausoleum in San Diego. Memorial contributions may be made to charity of choice. 

Ruth Elizabeth Kelm
The family of Ruth Elizabeth Kelm regrets to inform that our loving mother passed away May 23, 2002. Ruth had been a resident of Fairfax, California for over 25 years, living the last decade part time with her daughter, Marie Rogers, and part time with her companion of 15 years, Dave Ortez. Ruth worked at Sassy Hair Salon in San Anselmo for 30 years. She will be missed by her many Fairfax friends and clients. Ruth was also an avid crafts maker, and delighted everyone with her art. She is survived by her children Paul, Marie, and Georgie; Dave Ortez's family; her best friend, Shirley; and her grandchildren Nicole, Greg, and Kristine. Services for Ruth will be held this Saturday, October 12th at Christ The Victor Lutheran Church, 2626 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax at 1:00 p.m. Ruth's family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Helen May
Of Marin City, passed away October 6, 2002 at age 75 years. Loving mother of Robert Washington, Jessie Michael Washington, Samantha Andrada and Billy Ray Washington; two brothers and seven sisters: Ollie Colby, Phillip May, Jr., Alice Coleman, Sedonia Givens, Nelly Hill, Mildred Douglas, Arthur Harold May, Dolores Ellis, and Margie Lyons; dear grandmother of Michael, Miles, Paige, Monica, and Byron Washington; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. She was a native of Grambling, Louisiana, and a member of Village Baptist Church in Marin City. Friends may call for Visitation Thursday (TONIGHT) October 10, 2002 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at RUSSELL & GOOCH FUNERAL CHAPEL, Mill Valley. Funeral Services for family and friends will be held Friday, October 11, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Cornerstone Community Church Of God In Christ, Marin City. Interment Valley Memorial Park, Novato. RUSSELL & GOOCH FUNERAL CHAPEL 270 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley 415-388-1573 

Marilyn J. Mullins
Died after a long illness October 3, 2002 in Auburn, CA. Marilyn was a graduate of Tamalpais High School, College of Marin, and has degrees from San Jose State and University of San Francisco. Marilyn was retired from Alameda County as a senior court reporter. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Gloria Mullins Steen of Auburn, CA and Audrey Mullins of Benicia, CA, two nephews, Richard Steen and Randolph Steen, a niece, Angela Clark, and nine grand nieces and nephews. 

Nannette "Nan" Marie Comstock
Nan Comstock passed away peacefully at her home in San Anselmo on Thursday, October 3, 2002 at the age of 54 after a three and a half year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Nan was the devoted mother of two daughters, Joelle Cecelia, age 23 and Corrin Marie, age 20, a cherished sister to Maybelle Timm-Eley and Edward Nathan, and a tremendous friend to many. Born and raised in San Francisco, Nan moved to and lived in Marin County for the last 25 years. She was well known in the community for her dedication to Toys Etc. in the Red Hills Shopping Center for nine years and for her work in the last three years with the Ross Valley School District. Nan was an inspiration to many, her energy, spirit, and love will be remembered forever. With our careful thought, donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society with specifications to Breast Cancer Research, 800-227-2345. Friends are invited to attend Nan's Memorial Service, Saturday, October 12, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anselm's Catholic Church, 97 Shady Lane, San Anselmo, CA. Private arrangements made by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary and Cemetery, 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901.


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