Frank J. Keaton
Died at his home Saturday December 28, 2002 at the age of 90. Frank
was the loving husband of Katherine Keaton for 49 years. He was the son
of the late John Raymond and Margaret Whitmore Keaton. Beloved father of
Paul Due Bell, Peter Jackson Bell and Kathryn Martin. Dear brother of the
late William J. Keaton, Harold J. Keaton, Margaret Galeoto, Regina Brahic
and Evelyn Keaton. Frank is also survived by seven grandchildren and three
great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Frank was born in San
Rafael and spent his life in Marin. He was past president of The California
and Redwood Empire Funeral Director Associations. He served Marin County
as the County Coroner, Public Administrator and Public Guardian. Frank
was a member of the Marin County Peace Officers Association, The Junior
Chamber of Commerce, Marin Easter Seals Society, Serra Club of Marin, Y.M.I.
of Marin #10, The 30th Division Infantry National Association Golden State
Chapter, B.P.O. Elks #1108 for 68 years, U.A.O. Druids Novato Grove #113
for 61 years, American Legion Post #37, V.F.W. #72, Veterans of the Battle
of the Bulge Association, Sea Point Parlor N.S.G.W., Board of Directors
of the Salvation Army and Birthright of Marin. Friends are invited to attend
a Funeral Mass Friday, January 3, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anselm's Church,
Bolinas Avenue and Shady Lane, Ross. A Vigil Service will be held Thursday
at 7:30 p.m. at the Church. Entombment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in San Rafael.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice or to the
30th Infantry Division Scholarship Fund in care of Keaton's Mortuary. KEATON'S
MORTUARY 1022 E Street, San Rafael, CA 415-453-0571
Kinga Mora, Of San Rafael and Walnut Creek
Passed away December 28, 2002. Kinga was born in Lvov, Poland and moved
to California with her late husband Frank Mora in 1964. Kinga is survived
by her two daughters, Anna Mora Mieszkowska of Natick, Massachusetts and
Veronika Mora Mieszkowska of Walnut Creek. She is also survived by three
grandchildren, Dominik and Alexander of Natick and Jakob of Walnut Creek.
Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 4,
2003 at 2:00 PM at the San Dominco School Chapel at 1500 Butterfield Road
in San Anselmo. In lieu of flowers, Kinga requested that donations be made
in her name to Suicide Prevention & Community Counseling, P.O. Box
4369, San Rafael, CA 94913 and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel
Canyon Road, Kanab, UT 84741.
Annette Torrente
Passed away in her home on December 24, 2002, surrounded by her family.
She was very courageous during her long ordeal with a very rare neurological
disorder called P.S.P. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Rene
Torrente, their three daughters: Chantal Jones of Citrus Heights, Danielle
Torrente of San Rafael and Gisele Francis of Rohnert Park. She has three
surviving sisters in her native Switzerland. Annette was born in Switzerland
in 1922 and immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1951 with her husband and their
first daughter. She was a member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra
Linda for 35 years. She loved gardening, taking daily walks with friends
and was a very active homemaker. Her vibrant presence and sense of humor
was a pleasure to all who knew her and she will be greatly missed. A Memorial
Service will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda on Saturday,
January 18 at 1:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Marin
or Christ Presbyterian Church of 150 Nellen Ave., Corte Madera, CA 94925,
or C.P.C. at 620 Del Ganado Rd., San Rafael, CA 94903. KEATON MORTUARY
1022 E Street, San Rafael 415-453-0571.
Allen Otto Zeiss
Born March 26, 1912 in San Francisco passed away December 20, 2002
in San Rafael. Resident of Ross since 1916. Graduate of Tamalpais High
and College of Marin. Associated with Tiedemann and McMorran and Consolidated
Food Corporation for 33 years. He was a member of the Corinthian Yacht
Club for many years and an avid boater in the Bay and Delta. Allen took
up the trumpet at age 12 and continued playing all his life. He enjoyed
his years with the Las Galinas Sanitary District Non-Marching Band. He
donated music and instruments to local schools to further the love of music
among children. Allen fondly spoke of taking the steam train from Ross
to Mill Valley for his daily trip to high school and then taking the train
boat to San Francisco for his music lessons. Allen was proud of his tool
collection and enjoyed sharing them with his neighbors. He is survived
by his wife of 63 years, Vinnie, who remains at their home in Ross, his
sister, Dorothy Auger, of Salem, Ore., and his daughter Carolyn Zeiss (Robert
Contreras) of Benicia. He is the loving grandfather of Justin Zeiss of
Montana, Christina Zeiss of Rohnert Park, and Andrew Contreras of Benicia.
He is the adored great-grandfather of Orianna and Ethan Zeiss of Montana.
His son, Stephen Zeiss, predeceased him. A Memorial Service will be held
Saturday, January 4, 2003 at St. John's Church in Ross at 11:30 a.m. The
family requests donations to Marin Hospice or Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Dr. Merton P. Shelton
Passed away at Novato Community Hospital on December 26, 2002 at the
age of 90. He leaves behind a loving family, including his beloved wife,
Evelyn Mae, and his children, Paul, Nancy, David, James and Philip as well
as eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His strong sense of family
love will always be in all our hearts. In 1956, after serving in the U.S.
Air Force as a flight surgeon, Merton moved to and began practicing medicine
in Novato. He was instrumental in bringing a hospital to the community
in 1961 and a new Seventh-day Adventist Church complex in 1969. In 1995
he retired at he age of 83. Friends are invited to visit on Sunday from
9-4 & Monday 10-2 at Keaton's Redwood Chapel, 1801 Novato Blvd. in
Novato. The Funeral will be Tuesday, December 31st at 11a.m. at the Seventh-day
Adventist Church, 495 San Marin Drive, Novato. Keaton's Redwood Chapel
415-897-1151
Allen Otto Zeiss
Born March 26, 1912 in San Francisco passed away December 20, 2002
in San Rafael. Resident of Ross since 1916. Graduate of Tamalpais High
and College of Marin. Associated with Tiedemann and McMorran and Consolidated
Food Corporation for 33 years. He was a member of the Corinthian Yacht
Club for many years and an avid boater in the Bay and Delta. Allen took
up the trumpet at age 12 and continued playing all his life. He enjoyed
his years with the Las Galinas Sanitary District Non-Marching Band. He
donated music and instruments to local schools to further the love of music
among children. Allen fondly spoke of taking the steam train from Ross
to Mill Valley for his daily trip to high school and then taking the train
boat to San Francisco for his music lessons. Allen was proud of his tool
collection and enjoyed sharing them with his neighbors. He is survived
by his wife of 63 years, Vinnie, who remains at their home in Ross, his
sister, Dorothy Auger, of Salem, Ore., and his daughter Carolyn Zeiss (Robert
Contreras) of Benicia. He is the loving grandfather of Justin Zeiss of
Montana, Christina Zeiss of Rohnert Park, and Andrew Contreras of Benicia.
He is the adored great-grandfather of Orianna and Ethan Zeiss of Montana.
His son, Stephen Zeiss, predeceased him. A Memorial Service will be held
Saturday, January 4, 2003 at St. John's Church in Ross at 11:30 a.m. The
family requests donations to Marin Hospice or Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Francis John Early
" Let your adornment be the inner self with the lasting beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit....." 1 Peter 3:4 John died in Greenbrae on Christmas
Day evening embraced by the love of his family. He was preceded in death
by his parents, Jack and Marion Early and an infant son, Kevin Francis.
He is survived by Sharon, his wife of 27 years and his sons, Jay of Sausalito,
Patrick of Manhattan Beach, and Michael of West Los Angeles. John was born
in Santa Monica, California on March 1, 1936 to Jack Early of Los Angeles,
and Marion O’Connor Early of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He spent his early
years in the Southern California area and moved with his widowed mother
to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area when he was 5. John and his mother returned
to California when John was 12 and settled in Walnut Creek. John is a graduate
of Acalanes High School in Lafayette, California, St. Mary’s College in
Moraga, California, with a degree in economics, and the Penn State University
Graduate School of Management. He served in the United States Navy Reserves
and was called to active duty in 1959/60 where he served in the Pacific.
His business career began with Birr Wilson, a Securities Brokerage firm,
in their Oakland office. John then moved to the banking industry and held
various management positions in the Trust and Investment Divisions of United
California Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, and Crocker Bank. He retired in 1996
from his last career position as the Pension and Employee/Retiree Benefits
Plan Manager for Alameda County. John was a member of the Oakland Junior
Chamber of Commerce, the Security Analysts Society of San Francisco, the
Association for Investment Management and Research, and the University
Club. He served on the Board of Directors of the Oakland Museum, and of
Marin Primary School. He also served on the Marin County Grand Jury in
1998. John’s struggle was long and he fought a good and brave fight providing
us with some of the best life lessons. The loss is overwhelming but we
will cherish his memory, his keen intellect, his ready wit, his wry sense
of humor, and his zest for life. He was a gentleman, a mentor, a role model,
a kind and thoughtful husband, father and friend. His first love was his
family, followed by his love of good friends, and then by his love of this
country. His passions included sailing small boats on San Francisco Bay,
old wooden boats, quick cars with a preference for Porsches, American military
history, the study of the Native Americans of the Great Plains, hunting
ducks, all things Irish, working with his hands, and reading a good book.
For those of you who knew him, please reflect on a favorite memory and
we hope that it will bring a smile. Services will be private. In lieu of
flowers, the family prefers a contribution to a charity of your choice.
Frances Claire Flannery
Died at the Nazareth House in San Rafael Monday December 23, 2002.
She was 64 and a former 40 year resident of Santa Clara. She was the beloved
daughter of the late John and Frances Flannery of San Francisco. Frances
was the dear sister of Mary Ann Seal, Jerry, Paul, and Dennis Flannery,
and the late John Flannery. She was also the adored aunt of nine nieces
and nephews and one great niece. A native of Harrisburg, PA. She graduated
from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Carbondale, PA. She was a registered
nurse for the American Red Cross and retired after 30 years of service.
A Rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. at Keaton's Mortuary with Visitation
beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2002. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated
at 11 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2002 with Visitation from 10:00 a.m. at
the Nazareth House Chapel, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA. Interment
Mt. Olivet Cemetery, San Rafael. Memorial Contributions preferred to your
favorite Charity. Keaton's Mortuary 1022 E Street, San Rafael, CA 415-453-0571
Ralph "Raffaele" Merola
A dearly loved father, husband, and friend, Ralph Merola passed away
in the company of his family at his home in San Rafael on December 25,
2002. He was 64 years old. Ralph received his degree in Sociology from
Cal State Long Beach and initially worked for the L.A. County Probation
Dept. and later the AFL-CIO in So. California prior to moving to Marin
County in 1969. Ralph worked for the County of Marin for 27 years. In addition
to his work as a probation officer, he participated in the development
and management of the Marin County Honor Farm, an innovative minimum security
work release facility. Ralph was the Director of the Honor Farm from 1973
to 1987. Born in Chicago, Ralph moved with his family to Whittier, CA as
a teenager. Following high school graduation, he spent a year abroad studying
at the American University in Beirut with his close friend, Ed Ferguson.
This early experience was the beginning of his lifelong interest in other
cultures. Inspired by a desire to reconnect with his roots, Ralph studied
the Italian language diligently. He traveled to Italy frequently and developed
a close relationship with his extended family there. Ralph volunteered
with many local organizations including the North San Rafael Coalition
of Residents and Marin Convervation League. He had numerous interests (antiques,
jazz, leather jackets, mushrooms, bocce ball, pocket knives, old kitchen
clocks, smoking pipes, to name just a few). However, those who knew him
well knew that cooking and good food were at the center of his life. Ralph's
warm smile and loving nature will be greatly missed by his many friends
and his family, including his wife, Colleen Johnson, daughter Michele Merola
Zwartjes, grand-daughters Molly and Annie, son-in-law Pat Zwartjes, former
wife Christine Ferguson, sister Angela Merola, brother Joe Merola, aunt
Angelica Di Tommaso, uncle Vincenzo Merola, niece Melissa Egilmez &
many loving cousins in the U.S. and Italy. At Ralph's request, no funeral
services will be held; however, friends and family will be notified of
a Memorial Gathering to celebrate his life.
Marjorie Porter Watt
Passed away at age 90 on December 24, 2002 after a brief illness. Born
in Maplewood, New Jersey, Marjorie moved to California as a teenager with
her parents. She graduated from Piedmont High School in 1929 and the University
of California, Berkeley in 1933. At Berkeley she was the first Chairperson
of the Women's Rally Committee, a member of the Daily Californian staff,
President of her sorority, Chi Omega, and a member of Prytanean Women's
Honor Society. At Cal, she met her husband of over 61 years, William Watt,
who predeceased her in 1997. Marjorie volunteered countless hours to the
Native Plant Society, the UC Botanical Gardens, and Guide Dogs for the
Blind. She created and led classes in classical art and had a lifelong
love of nature and poetry. For the past 30 years her summers were spent
in the Sierras at Caples Lake in Alpine County where she hiked and enjoyed
nature with her family and friends. Marjorie is survived by her three children:
twin sons James Watt of Kensington and John Watt of Rancho Mirage and daughter
Barbara Gaffney of Ross. Six grandchildren and five great grandchildren
also survive her. Her wisdom and gentle nature will be deeply missed.
Frank L. Bjornsen
Died December 20, 2002 at Novato Community Hospital, age 76. Born and
educated in Portland, Oregon. During WWII he served in the U.S. Navy on
the Aircraft Carrier "Wasp". He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan
T. Bjornsen, sister Marian T. Heggen of Oxnard, CA., and Uncle and Cousin
to many. Retired after 35 years with Pacific Bell in 1983. At the request
of the deceased, no formal services will be held. Keaton's Redwood Chapel
(415)897-1151
William Russell Brabant, Jr.
Of Mill Valley, passed away peacefully December 18, 2002. Loving daughters,
Mary Capell and her husband Jay of Belvedere, Paula Brabant of San Anselmo,
and Renee Jean Brabant of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Geoffrey
William Capell of Manhattan Beach, CA and Annie Capell of Belvedere survive
him. His beloved wife Jean Catherine, a WWII Navy Veteran; parents William
and Louise Brabant; and brother Lawrence, also a WWII Army Veteran precede
him in death. He was born in 1919 on St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco,
CA. A decorated WWII U.S. Army veteran, Bill achieved the rank of Master
Sergeant while serving in the European Theatre, including the Battle of
the Bulge. He graduated from Commerce high School and attended City College
in San Francisco. He worked in the insurance field for over 40 years. Bill
had a green thumb for gardening. His favorites were pink roses, tomatoes,
lilacs and sweet peas. He loved baseball and was an active player as a
young man. He also was a championship bowler and enjoyed walking the many
Marin paths. At his request, private family services were held December
23, 2002 with full Military Honors. Memorial Contributions may be made
to the American Veterans, 1213 South Dale Street, Anaheim, CA 92804-4922.
RUSSELL & GOOCH FUNERAL CHAPEL 270 Miller Ave., Mill Valley 415-388-1573
Gary Warren Buhler
Born on August 4, 1939, Gary was a new and welcome guest to the small,
rural farming community of Bern, Idaho. Deeply loyal to and strongly rooted
in the heritage of his large Swiss family, Gary tended to his family's
farm after his father's death, before moving to the Bay Area at age 26.
He then found employment in banking with his longest tenure being The Bank
of the Orient in San Francisco where he dedicated 12 years, beginning as
loan officer and working his way up to vice president and bank manager.
Gary also worked as a credit collection specialist for Harding Lawson,
Inc. in Novato until 1994. Two days after his 27th birthday, Gary met his
love and lifetime partner, Elizabeth Grace Efting and they married on New
Year's Eve, 1966. In 1971, Gary and Beth celebrated the birth of their
daughter Lisa Beth Buhler. The Buhlers have been Novato residents since
1976. Gary passed away peacefully Friday morning, December 20, 2002, after
an evening surrounded in the love and comfort of his family: his wife Beth,
his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Patrick, and his newborn grandsons Sean
Clifford and Andrew Warren. Gary is survived, loved and remembered by his
immediate family including his two sisters Donna Doman and Betty Stalder
in Idaho, and his local, extended family: the Donlans, the Neubauers, and
Barbara and Jon Beckmann in Sonoma. His family and friends will remember
Gary for the same qualities in which he lived his life: with kindness,
humor, perseverance and loyalty. Gary was a reveler in the untraditional
and unique, a nonconformist and an individual. His gentle nature and generous
spirit will be missed, celebrated, and carried on by those left behind.
Services will be held for Gary at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27th at
the Novato Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 787
Kendon Lane in Novato, California, 415-892-5650. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL
415-897-1151
Richard Alan Clarke
Former Chairman and CEO of Pacific Gas and Electric Company, died on
Saturday, December 14, 2002 at age 72 from complications resulting from
Lou Gehrig's disease. A native of San Francisco, Mr. Clarke was a graduate
of Lowell High School. In 1952 he graduated cum laude in Political Science
from the University of California at Berkeley, where he served as President
of the Students' Association. He received his Juris Doctor degree from
the University of California's Boalt Hall School of Law in 1955 and joined
Pacific Gas and Electric Company as an attorney. Mr. Clarke attained positions
of increasing responsibility over his career, including Vice President
and Assistant to the Chairman of the Board, Executive Vice President and
General Manager of Utility Operations, and President of Pacific Gas and
Electric Company, culminating in his election in 1986 as Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer. Following his retirement in 1995, he
continued to serve as a member of the Board of Directors for both Pacific
Gas and Electric Company and PG&E Corporation until 2001. Mr. Clarke
established PG&E as a nationally and internationally recognized leader
in the energy industry, especially in the areas of environmental stewardship
and energy conservation. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush presented
Mr. Clarke with the Environment and Conservation Challenge Award and appointed
him to the President's Council on Environmental Quality, where he served
as chairman of the Energy Subcommittee. Two years later, he was appointed
to the President's Council on Sustainable Development. In 2002, PG&E
established the Richard A. Clarke Environmental Leadership Award to honor
Clarke's legacy and to recognize outstanding environmental contributions
from Pacific Gas and Electric Company employees. A dedicated advocate of
equality in the work place, he expanded PG&E's commitment to providing
equal employment opportunity, especially in the advancement of women. PG&E
was the first major company in San Francisco to establish its own Child
Care Center. He also oversaw the completion, licensing and successful operation
of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant, and led PG&E through the
successful restoration of electric and gas service following the devastating
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. His career also included service on the Boards
of Directors of Potlatch Corporation, CNF Transportation Inc., BankAmerica
Corporation, and The Nature Conservancy of California; the Advisory Board
of the University of California Walter A. Haas School of Business; and
the Board of Trustees of the Boalt Hall Trust of the University of California
at Berkeley School of Law. He also has served numerous civic, business,
industry, and community associations, including The Business Council, the
Bay Area Economic Forum, and the California Business Roundtable, and the
Boards of the Bay Area Council, the California Chamber of Commerce, the
Edison Electric Institute, the San Francisco Committee on Jobs, and the
San Francisco Symphony. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Mary Dell,
daughters Suzanne Clarke and Nancy Stephen, son-in-law Richard Stephen,
son Douglas Clarke, daughter-in-law Dina Clarke, brother-in-law Don Fisher,
and grandchildren Caitlin, Patrick and Shelby Stephen and Nicole and Samantha
Clarke. A Memorial Service is planned for Saturday, December 28, at 1:00
PM at the First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Avenue (at "E") in San
Rafael, California. Contributions may be made to: Ÿ The ALS Center at UCSF,
350 Parnassus Ave., Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94117. Ÿ Boalt Hall School
of Law, 303 Boalt Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-7200.
Ÿ First Presbyterian Church of San Rafael, 1510 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael,
CA 94901.
Gary Warren Buhler
Born on August 4, 1939, Gary was a new and welcome guest to the small,
rural farming community of Bern, Idaho. Deeply loyal to and strongly rooted
in the heritage of his large Swiss family, Gary tended to his family's
farm after his father's death, before moving to the Bay Area at age 26.
He then found employment in banking with his longest tenure being The Bank
of the Orient in San Francisco where he dedicated 12 years, beginning as
loan officer and working his way up to vice president and bank manager.
Gary also worked as a credit collection specialist for Harding Lawson,
Inc. in Novato until 1994. Two days after his 27th birthday, Gary met his
love and lifetime partner, Elizabeth Grace Efting and they married on New
Year's Eve, 1966. In 1971, Gary and Beth celebrated the birth of their
daughter Lisa Beth Buhler. The Buhlers have been Novato residents since
1976. Gary passed away peacefully Friday morning, December 20, 2002, after
an evening surrounded in the love and comfort of his family: his wife Beth,
his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Patrick, and his newborn grandsons Sean
Clifford and Andrew Warren. Gary is survived, loved and remembered by his
immediate family including his two sisters Donna Doman and Betty Stalder
in Idaho, and his local, extended family: the Donlans, the Neubauers, and
Barbara and Jon Beckmann in Sonoma. His family and friends will remember
Gary for the same qualities in which he lived his life: with kindness,
humor, perseverance and loyalty. Gary was a reveler in the untraditional
and unique, a nonconformist and an individual. His gentle nature and generous
spirit will be missed, celebrated, and carried on by those left behind.
Services will be held for Gary at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27th at
the Novato Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 787
Kendon Lane in Novato, California, 415-892-5650. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL
415-897-1151
Elsa B. Adams
Passed away in Novato, December 21, 2002 at age 87. Beloved wife of
the late Howard Adams. Born in Casale Monferrato, Italy, Elsa moved with
her parents as a child to San Francisco. She worked for over 20 years for
Del Monte Foods. In 1956, she moved to San Rafael with her husband where
she lived for many years before moving to Novato five years ago. She was
a longtime member of St. Raphael's Parish, the Goldenaires, and the Italian
Catholic Federation. Private Family Services will be held. Arrangements
under the direction of ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville Street,
Petaluma. Entombment, Mt. Olivet Cemetery, San Rafael, CA. CHEDA &
LYONS ~ 707-789-9000
Carl "Bill" Allen
Died in San Rafael on December 21, 2002 after a very short bout with
cancer. Bill was born April 17, 1932 in New York City. He attended Catholic
Schools in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. He served in the Korean
War in the 1950s as a SGT in the Tank Corp. Bill moved to Marin County
in the early 1960s and worked for many years in the boat business participating
in all functions of boat repairs and surveys. He was very well known in
his trade and will be missed in all the Marinas. He later became Skipper
of Richard Swigs Yacht, owner of the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. He
loved to travel and fishing was his passion. He has been in every State
of the U.S. and many parts of Europe. He was a member of Sons of Retirement
in San Rafael and the Rod & Gun Club in San Rafael. He is survived
by his wife Jean, his son David and wife Grace and grandchildren Kyle,
Maggie and Katie of Bricktown, New Jersey. He has four stepchildren Kathie
Rothkop of Santa Rosa, Patty Sherman of Kansas City, Jimmy and Mike McKee
of San Rafael. A Memorial Service will be held at Valley Memorial Park
in Novato on December 28th, 2002 at 11 AM. Memorial contributions may be
made to Hospice of Marin or the Marin Humane Society. Monte's Chapel of
the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo ~` 415-453-8440
Gary Warren Buhler
Born on August 4, 1939, Gary was a new and welcome guest to the small,
rural farming community of Bern, Idaho. Deeply loyal to and strongly rooted
in the heritage of his large Swiss family, Gary tended to his family's
farm after his father's death, before moving to the Bay Area at age 26.
He then found employment in banking with his longest tenure being The Bank
of the Orient in San Francisco where he dedicated 12 years, beginning as
loan officer and working his way up to vice president and bank manager.
Gary also worked as a credit collection specialist for Harding Lawson,
Inc. in Novato until 1994. Two days after his 27th birthday, Gary met his
love and lifetime partner, Elizabeth Grace Efting and they married on New
Year's Eve, 1966. In 1971, Gary and Beth celebrated the birth of their
daughter Lisa Beth Buhler. The Buhlers have been Novato residents since
1976. Gary passed away peacefully Friday morning, December 20, 2002, after
an evening surrounded in the love and comfort of his family: his wife Beth,
his daughter Lisa and son-in-law Patrick, and his newborn grandsons Sean
Clifford and Andrew Warren. Gary is survived, loved and remembered by his
immediate family including his two sisters Donna Doman and Betty Stalder
in Idaho, and his local, extended family: the Donlans, the Neubauers, and
Barbara and Jon Beckmann in Sonoma. His family and friends will remember
Gary for the same qualities in which he lived his life: with kindness,
humor, perseverance and loyalty. Gary was a reveler in the untraditional
and unique, a nonconformist and an individual. His gentle nature and generous
spirit will be missed, celebrated, and carried on by those left behind.
Services will be held for Gary at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27th at
the Novato Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 787
Kendon Lane in Novato, California, 415-892-5650. KEATON'S REDWOOD CHAPEL
415-897-1151
Everett E. Capurro, Sr.
A 65 year resident of Marin County died at Marin General Hospital on
December 20, 2002 at the age of 84. "Cappy" was a retired superintendent
for the Marin Sanitary District for 42 years. He was a longtime resident
of Fairfax. His wife of many years, Mamie, preceded him in death. He is
survived by his daughters, Genevieve Capurro of San Rafael, Margaret Miller
of Petaluma and Patricia Capurro of San Rafael. He was the brother of Rosemary
Parsons of Rohnert Park, Woodward Capurro of Petaluma and the late Ted
and Eugene Capurro. He is also survived five grandchildren and four great
grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend
the Funeral Services on Friday, December 27, 2002 at 11:00 AM at Monte's
Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo. Interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, San
Rafael. A Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3 PM to 5 PM at the
funeral home. Memorial gifts to your favorite charity preferred. Monte's
Chapel of the Hills Family Owned and Operated San Anselmo ~ 415-453-8440
Helen Mae Clark
Age 88, formerly of Corte Madera, CA, died at 6:00 AM, December 20,
2002 at Point Lookout Christian Health Care Center in Branson, MO. She
was born May 23, 1914 in Hasty, MN to Laura and Amos Bagley. She married
Orville Deverne Clark, November 28, 1934. Her husband preceded her in death
December 5, 1996. She was a Housekeeping Supervisor at Marin General Hospital
for 25 years. She was also a member of the Marin Lutheran Church in Corte
Madera. Mrs. Clark is survived by her children, Joanne Embry of Branson,
MO; Kenneth Clark and his wife Lola of Cotati, CA; Thomas Clark and his
wife Charlotte of Petaluma, CA; Patricia Ellsberry of Benson, MO; and 12
grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren. Her sisters Ruth Eaton of Rohnert
Park and Diane Clarke of Ruidoso, NM also survive her. Five brothers, one
sister, one granddaughter, and one great-grandson preceded her in death.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, December 26, 2002
at the Mount Tamalpais Mortuary and Cemetery, 2500 5th Avenue, San Rafael,
CA. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM the same day. Burial will
follow at Mount Tamalpais Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be
made in Helen's memory to the charity of your choice. Funeral assistance
provided by Mount Tamalpais Mortuary & Cemetery, 2500 5th Avenue, San
Rafael, CA 415-459-2500.
Charles B. Emery, Jr.
Of San Rafael, passed away December 15, 2002. He was born in Gridley,
CA and was a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and a District Supervisor for Pacific
Telephone Co. In World War II he was a Naval Reserve Aviation Machinist
Mate. He was a member of Marin Rod and Gun Club and the Marin Amateur Radio
Club. Mr. Emery is survived by his wife, Doreen Emery, his son Burrows
Emery of Cameron Park, CA, his daughters Charlotte Lindberg of Fair Play,
CA and Carol Normandi of Woodacre, CA. His brother P.H. Emery of Penn Valley,
CA, as well as eight grandchildren also survive him. At his request, no
services will be held.
Dorothea M. Schwartz
Died December 17, 2002 at age 86. A native of San Francisco, she moved
to San Rafael in 1974, with her husband, Hilton who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her three loving children, Marilyn DeMartini and Soni
Farwell of San Rafael and Martin Schwartz of San Jose. Also survived by
four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Lawrence E. Curfman, III
"Larry," 62, of Tiburon, California passed away peacefully on December
11, 2002 at Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California.
Mr. Curfman was born January 29, 1940 in Wichita, Kansas. At sixteen he
entered California Institute of Technology and was graduated with a degree
in Chemistry in 1960. He then entered Harvard Law School and was graduated
with an LLB in 1963. After fulfilling his military service with the United
States Coast Guard Reserve, he came to San Francisco in 1964 and was admitted
to the California Bar. He was hired as an associate attorney at the Bledsoe
Law Firm, an insurance defense firm, becoming a partner in 1970. In 1987
he left Bledsoe and became a partner at Sangster, Mannion & Curfman,
a San Francisco plaintiffs firm. For thirty years he was a trial attorney
in the San Francisco Bay Area specializing in personal injury, medical
and legal malpractice, accounting and securities broker malpractice, wrongful
death, premises liability, products liability, construction defect, and
insurance bad faith. In 1994 he left Sangster and opened up an office in
Tiburon, specializing in mediation and arbitration and serving as a Discovery
Referee by appointment for the San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma Superior
Courts. Mr. Curfman enjoyed many activities outside of his work. He and
his family traveled extensively throughout North and South America, Europe
and Asia. He enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid reader. He was always
up-to-date on current affairs, politics and science. He was an honest,
gentle man who will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Mr. Curfman
is survived by his wife of twenty-nine years, Elizabeth Hunt Curfman of
Tiburon, his son, Lars Richard Curfman of San Mateo, a sister Ann Koch
of Willits, California and a brother John Curfman of Wichita, Kansas. Memorial
contributions may be made to Stanford University Hospital Clinic, East
ICU Improvement Fund, c/o Barbara Odin, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA
94305. A Celebration of His Life is planned for January 25, 2003, at 11:00
a.m. at the Olympic Club, Lakeside. |
|