In Memory

Robert P Berryman - Class Of 1942

Robert P Berryman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Robert Perkins Berryman.  He was born July 29, 1924 in South Pasadena to John and Helen Berryman and died May 6, 2012 in the home he built in Hillsborough, California.  He was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Katherine, in 2009.

Bob grew up in South Pasadena with his parents and brother, John Sloan (SPHS '38).  Bob served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II in North Africa and Italy.

Upon his return, Bob completed his undergraduate studies at Stanford in 1948 and completed his law degree at Stanford in 1951.  During this time, he married and had two sons, John Robert and Mark Alan.  He later married Katherine Williams in 1958.  They had a son, Robert Perkins, Jr., and a daughter, Katherine Marie.

Bob worked as General Counsel for G.W. Williams & Co. and Williams & Burrows, Inc. from 1954 to 1969.  He then started his own construction company, R.P. Berryman Co. with his wife Katie, as his equal.  He built homes, apartments, and commercial properties on the Peninsula.

Flying was one of Bob's passions, and he and Katie enjoyed many years traveling in their Beechcraft Bonanza.  He was a member and former commander of the San Francisco Sheriff's Air Squadron, a member of the Bonanza Vagabonds, the Western Bonanza Society, and the American Bonanza Society, and a volunteer with Air Lifeline.  He was a master woodworker and built beautiful furniture.  He was a student of Sam Maloof and created tables and rocking chairs in the Maloof style.  Small bits of wood were kept for turning, and he made numerous bowls, platters, and other gifts that he would give to friends and family.  He was a renaissance man.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and dining in the finest restaurants.  Attending the San Francisco Opera and Symphony gave him great pleasure.  He and Katie traveled to many places together and flew around the world twice on the Concorde.  He also served on the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury.

Bob is survived by his sons John (Yvonne), Mark (Jacqueline), and Bob, Jr. (Anna); daughter Kathie (Frank); and seven grandchildren; and a niece and nephews.

San Francisco Chronicle, May 10, 2012