Obituaries

December 7, 1938 – February 2, 2019 Alan Kaganov, 80, died in his home in Los Altos Hills on February 2, 2019 after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, which he fought with his characteristic combination of optimism, scientific analysis and creativity. Even two days before he died, he was in discussion with colleagues on ways to improve the oxygen delivery systems that were sustaining his life. Holder of 15 US patents, Dr. Kaganov was a pioneer in biomedical engineering. He helped to develop treatments for many conditions including heart arrhythmia, internal issues, spinal and circulatory diseases and drug-delivery systems. In 2017, Alan and his wife, Carol M. Kaganov, established the Kaganov Research Initiative at Duke University. This unique program aims to advance the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of pulmonary diseases by fostering new collaborations across Engineering and Medicine at Duke, where he earned his BS in 1960 in Mechanical Engineering.

Portola Valley, California - In loving Memory, Kevin Gibson Riches passed away at age 50 on February 2, 2019. He was an adoring Husband, beloved Son, dedicated and passionate Father, Uncle, Cousin, & had so many many dear friends. He can best be described as “a man with no guile who made the world better with laughter & humor” Born April 5, 1968 Mountain View, California to Carolyn (Cutler) Riches and Lawrence Victor Riches, Jr.. Married Melissa Bredt, May 17, 1990 in the Los Angeles Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kevin attended and graduated with his high school sweetheart, Melissa Elena Bredt, from Pinewood School in Los Altos Hills and then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah along the side of Melissa with Kevin earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Sociology. At the age of 19 Kevin served a two year Spanish speaking mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas, Texas. He enjoyed spending time with his children, family and friends in any capacity. His love of travel, golf, all sports and adventure will provide those who knew him with endless wonderful memories.

Patricia Ann Melarkey Sykes, 87, passed away peacefully with her family at her side in Southern California on January 24, 2019. A proud graduate of the class of 1949, she often spoke of her time at Punahou as a cherished time in her life. Known as Patsy to her classmates, she was an enthusiastic, spirited song leader, a variety show chairman and participated in plays and the rally committee. After graduating from Punahou, she continued her passion for the theatre in summer stock in various locations around the east coast on the mainland. She was invited by the legendary Cecil B . DeMille to audition in Hollywood, California for potential roles. While attending Centenary College in New Jersey, she was intrigued by the opportunity to travel the world and joined Pan American Airlines as a stewardess. Based in San Francisco, California, she loved her job and her passengers, frequently traveling to beautiful places around the world.

BARBARA McCALL Long time resident of Los Altos, Barbara L. McCall, 79, passed on December 8, 2018, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Barbara was born December 23, 1938, in Long Island New York, to Robert and Anna Leonard. She graduated from High School in Amityille, New York in 1956. She married Thomas M. McCall on September 18, 1959, in New York City. They had two children. Nicholette (Nikki) born in 1960 in Merced, California; Linda born in 1962 at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. After traversing the United States several times they settled in Los Altos in 1975, where Thomas and his long time friend, Donald Andersen, started the very successful technical sales representative, Manco, in Santa Clara. Tom and Barbara were active in the community belonging to many clubs and groups. Tom was the President of the Instrument Society of America in 1980. They square danced monthly for many years. Barbara was active in a local book club, and was a member of the Chapter OZ PEO. Barbara also worked at the Sunset Garden’s Hospitality House in Menlo Park, in the 1980’s and 90’s. In October of 2018, she was recognized for forty years of service from the Palo Alto Auxiliary for Children of the Luicile Packard Children’s Hospital. She was the Monday morning head cook and enjoyed serving tea with her “girls.”

Nancy Shingler Messner passed away January 22, 2019, in Palo Alto, CA at the age of 80 years. Nancy was born on April 28, 1938 in Altadena, CA, to Arthur Lewis Shingler and Bertha Gunn Shingler. She grew up in Altadena and Pasadena, CA. Nancy attained a B.A. in Speech Communications from Pasadena College and an M.A. from San Francisco State University. She taught high school in Riverside, CA and Sacramento, CA for four years, and then began a career as a college instructor in 1965. During her career, she taught speech, communications, group discussion, and rhetoric at San Jose State University, Foothill College, De Anza College, West Valley College, St. Joseph’s Seminary, Cañada College, and other institutions. Nancy retired in 2000. Before her untimely passing, Nancy was also an avid reader and a brilliant chef. Her study was always packed with books that she had either just finished reading or was in the middle of reading, and to her dying day she always preferred a good book to any sort of movie or television entertainment.

Norman Richard Barsi passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 23, 2019, at the age of 93. Norm was born in San Francisco on December 19, 1925, to Dario and Avelia Barsi. He grew up in the City, but had many adventures out in the country near Glen Ellen with his Cousins. The family moved to San Carlos where Norm attended Sequoia High School. He graduated early so he could enlist in the Navy during World War II and he served our Country for the remainder of the war. Shortly after his discharge from the Navy, Norm met Ann Denevi and they were married on February 1, 1948. It was a love story that would span more than seventy years.