Ron Edward Dempster's Obituary
Ron Dempster
August 7, 1922 – May 2, 2015
Ron passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 2, at the age of 92. He was born in Surrey, England and attended school there. This was the beginning of a long and wonderful life that was full of international flavor. Following his graduation from Cambridge University with a Masters in Civil Engineering, he served in the Engineering Division of the English Army during World War II. While serving in Italy, he met the love of his life, Tilin, who became his wife of 68 years. Following the war, Tilin and Ron lived in a variety of places including Italy, Australia, England and France. They finally settled in California where they raised three wonderful daughters, Chris, Didi, and Gail.
Ron spent the bulk of his career, over 35 years, working for Bechtel Corporation in various engineering capacities. Two of his more interesting assignments as a cost estimating engineer took him to Alaska for the construction of the Alaska Oil Pipeline, and to Norway for the construction of oil drilling platforms along the coast. Following his retirement from Bechtel, he led fund-raising activities for the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, and Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, as well as teaching Business Ethics through JFK University. Ron was very well-read on a variety of subjects including world history, economics, and politics. He always enjoyed deep and engaging discussions on topics that really matter in today’s world. He was a lover of classical music and a supporter of the San Francisco Symphony. In addition, he loved to ski and took his family on many enjoyable trips to Lake Tahoe over the years.
He is pre-deceased by his daughters Chris and Gail; and is survived by his wife, Tilin; his daughter, Didi with husband Paul; his granddaughter, Danielle with husband Matt; his great-granddaughter, Hayley; and numerous loving friends.
Visitation and Rosary will be on Tuesday, May 12 from 4 to 6 pm at the Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 11 am, at Corpus Christi Church, 322 St. James Drive, Piedmont. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Jesuit School of Theology, Berkeley or San Francisco Symphony.
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