ROBERT S. DURIE
March 4, 1932 - May 8, 2006
Bob was born and raised in San Francisco. He was a graduate of UC Berkeley and a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. He is survived by his wife Jane, sister Jan Krupnick and three daughters, Carolyn Osuyos, Emily Johnson and Madeline Ruffner as well as 7 grandchildren. A celebration of Bob’s life was held on Saturday, May 20, at the Pleasant Grove Community Church, 1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, 95747, (916) 771-4447. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to the church.
ILENE SANDBERG CLARK
July 3, 1923-May 3, 2006
Born on a small farm in Salem, South Dakota, Ilene lived through the depression years of dust and drought with her mother & sisters. As a young girl, she learned to play the piano, a gift she practiced her entire life. In 1942, she followed her sister, Verniece to San Francisco and received her bachelor’s in Education and a minor in Music from San Jose State University in 1952.
She married Bruce Clark in 1953, and settled in Los Altos to raise their four children. Ilene’s piano skills were in constant demand for school musicals, glee clubs, and church programs. Her other keyboard skills were put to work for GTE Sylvania as a secretary. When she retired in 1986, she perfected her legendary apple and lemon meringue pies.
Although Alzheimer’s had dimmed her intellect, the light of her love shone brightly until the very end. After a lifetime of teaching the importance of gratitude to her children, she died full of grace, without worry, without bitterness, secure in the legacy of her love.
Ilene is survived by her sister Helen Yount, of Sunnyvale, husband Bruce Clark, of Los Altos, children Dave Clark of San Mateo, Jim Clark of Felton, Mae Clark of Richmond, Laurie Bryson of San Jose, and seven beautiful grandchildren. She was laid to rest at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto on May 10th. Family and friends were invited to celebrate her life at Los Altos Lutheran on Saturday, May 20th.
Ilene, Mom, Oma, you have passed on, but the music of your laughter and the bright and happy tones from your piano will play in our hearts always.
JAMES FRANCIS
James Francis, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2006, in Los Altos, surrounded by his lifelong companion and wife, and his daughters.
Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Mildred; his four daughters, Gwen, Jane, Lynne, and Gail; and his five grandchildren. His wonderful spirit lives on in each and every one of them.
Jim was born on December 19, 1915 in New York City. He attended school in Washington D.C., obtained his law degree and license to practice, and spent his early career in Washington. He met Mildred at a dance pavilion when she was eighteen, and he was nineteen. He relocated his family to California in 1957, passed the California Bar and obtained his license to practice, and retired from Ford Aerospace at the age of 70.
Jim grew up during the Depression, so he understood sacrifice and the value of hard work. Throughout his life he stayed true to his basic principles of honesty, integrity, and humor, and he passed those principles along to his children. He was always optimistic and kind, and never, ever, was heard to say an unkind comment about anyone.
Jim enjoyed playing tennis, reading non-fiction, watching baseball, and conversing on American history and the law. His most favorite pastime was spending time with his family on the patio, where he enjoyed the ebb and flow of constant conversation.
Jim was laid to rest at Madronia Cemetery in Saratoga, under the shade of two trees, and with a view of the mountains that he so loved. He was loved by all and will be sorely missed.
