Miscellaneous Marin County, California Obituaries

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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.


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