Irving Kestin's Obituary
Irving Eugene Kestin, aged 99, of Orinda, California, passed away in his home on November 17th, 2018. He was born in Chicago on May 4, 1919. He served in the Navy, stationed stateside, during WWII. Irv graduated from the University of Chicago and received a Master of Social Work (MSW). He was married to Thelma Starke Kestin in June 1957 in Berkeley, California. Irv worked as a Social Worker for the County of Alameda; retiring at the age of 79. He was a founder of the Northern California Social Workers Union. He was a dedicated power lifter at the Berkeley YMCA (lifting weights until the age of 95). With his wife Thelma, Irving adopted numerous rescue dogs and cats. They enjoyed hiking in Marin County and folk dancing throughout the Bay Area. After retirement, Irv discovered a passion for writing poetry. He remained a dedicated folk dancer into his mid 90’s. He enjoyed weekly visits with his family and Berkeley Senior Center/YMCA friends. Irv was survived by his stepson Peter Starke Rich; his grandchildren Laura Gorton West, David Gorton, Julie Katherine Peterson; his nieces and nephews Leonard Goldstein, Elsa Ruff, Heidi Keston, Nori Keston, Harris Keston and Jerry Coates; Randi Cruze, whom he sponsored from Norway, and her sons Finn and Erik. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:30-4:30 January 6, 2018 at the Albany Community Center 1249 Marin Ave, Albany. For inquiries contact Julie Peterson at 510-295-5898 or Laura West at 510-847-9320.
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