Santa Clara Magazine

Thomas Aloysius Branson '61 died peacefully on October 31, 2009, with his immediate family surrounding him at home in Carmel Valley, Calif. He is survived by his loving wife, Erin Branson, as well as his four children and their spouses: Colleen and Chris Miller, Tim and Alexandra Branson, Katie and Robert Lamarre, and Bridget and Mark Albert. "Papa" was also loved by eight grandchildren: Catherine and Rory Miller, McKenna, Kelsey, and Thomas Branson, Louisa Lamarre, and William and Samson Albert. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip Branson, and his wife, Susan, but was pre-deceased by his brother Louis. Tom was born on September 24, 1939 in San Mateo, California to Hon. Joseph Aloysius "Al" Branson and Bernice Bannan Branson. Tom grew up in Burlingame, where he attended Our Lady of the Angels, and later attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose. In 1961, Tom graduated from Santa Clara University, where he majored in English, played rugby, and most importantly, forged close friendships that would last a lifetime. Tom graduated from University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1964. After law school, he moved to New York City, where he received a LL.M. degree in tax law from New York University, and more significantly, met his future wife, Erin Kathleen Kane. In 1965, Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Tom and Erin were married in 1966 and soon thereafter returned to Panama, where Tom completed his tour-of-duty at the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Tom and Erin then settled in California, where they raised their four children in Redwood City. Tom joined the law firm of Kane, Thrasher & Galligan, and later started his own firm, Branson, Fitzgerald & Howard. While a practicing attorney, Tom was also an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He retired in 1999 and moved with Erin to Carmel Valley. When not spending time with his family, Tom enjoyed reading, golfing at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, hiking, volunteering as a docent at the Big Sur Lighthouse, and gardening. He was also a member of the Bohemian Club. Tom also thrived on the many friendships he sustained with his classmates from Santa Clara University's Class of 1961.

Robert M. "Bob" Campbell ’61, one of the most influential leaders in the California commercial real estate industry for more than four decades,  passed away on Dec. 15,  2011, in Newport Beach, Calif.

He founded CT Realty Corp., along with U.T. “Tom” Thompson,  III,  in 1994 and served as president of the company from 1994 to 2009,  becoming chairman in 2009. During Bob's tenure, CT Realty completed more than 200 transactions valued in excess of $2.5 billion. Prior to establishing CT Realty,  Bob was general partner of Birtcher Campbell Properties for 20 years. While at Birtcher,  he was responsible for the development of commercial real estate projects involving more than 11.5 million square feet of space. He was also a founder and past chairman of the Board of Pacific National Bank in Newport Beach.

Over the years,  Bob was the recipient of numerous awards for his business and philanthropic achievements. In 2003,  he received the UC Irvine Graduate School of Management’s Lifetime Achievement Award,  which is presented to an individual who has exhibited a long period of positive influence over the real estate industry in Orange County,  California. In addition,  Bob was honored with Ernst and Young’s prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award in 2003 in the category of Real Estate Services. He was also presented with a proclamation by the city of Newport Beach that same year in recognition of his service to Orange County business and the general community.

Over the decades,  Bob volunteered thousands of hours to nonprofit organizations and community activities. He was an original member of the "Teahouse Gang," a group of prominent commercial real estate professionals who recognized the need to do more for the local community. The group held their first annual charity event in 2001 to benefit KIDWORKS,  a Santa Ana-based nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and nurturing at-risk youth. In 2002,  the Teahouse Gang held a benefit that raised roughly $1 million for KIDWORKS. Bob and the other Teahouse Gang members established the Building Block Foundation Fund,  which supports programs that encourage at-risk,  underprivileged but deserving youth in Orange County to achieve more rewarding lifestyles. Campbell was honored for his leadership with this organization in 2005 by the Orange County United Way,  which presented him with the Dan Donahue Award at its annual Keeping Kids on Track luncheon. In 2007,  Bob was recognized for turning "real estate success" into "real success for at-risk youth" with the Keys to Success Award. The award is presented each year by Project Access,  a nonprofit organization that assists residents of low-income housing apartment communities with achieving self-sufficiency through access to onsite health,  education and social services.

Bob was born on Sept. 5,  1940,  in Oakland  and received his bachelor of science degree in engineering from Santa Clara University. He is also a two-time graduate of UCLA's Business School with a master's degree and a Ph.D. in business administration. Both degrees were earned while working as a research analyst for Planning Research Corp. and as an assistant professor at California State University, Los Angeles.

In addition to his business career and dedication to helping others, Bob was a passionate golfer who loved to travel with his wife of 37 years, Jean. Bob was deeply devoted to his Christian beliefs and was a member of Mariners Church/South Coast Community Church in Irvine,  Calif.,  for nearly 30 years. Bob’s commitment was nurtured by his weekly participation in a Christian Men’s Covenant Group which offered guidance, comfort and prayer for members facing personal and professional challenges. He served as an intermediary for many of the group’s challenges, using his extraordinary leadership talent, willingness to listen and quiet, thoughtful manner to resolve even the most difficult situations.

Throughout his career, Bob built strong business relationships that not only made him successful in his career but hugely successful in life. Evidence of this is the many lives he touched, bringing joy, encouragement, and hope. To some,  Bob was an entrepreneur, a gifted leader, and an inspirational mentor. To others, he was a talented partner and business associate. Most important, he was a true humanitarian and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He will truly be missed by all. In addition to Jean, Bob is survived by his daughter Kristen and son-in-law Rob Venick and their two children, James and Katelyn; daughter Kelly and son-in-law Michael McFadden and their three children Campbell,  Piper and Makayla, of Denver,  Colo.; and his sister Rae Nash of Alamogordo,  N.M.

Robert B. VanderNoor ’61 passed on October 13, 2010.

Richard "Dick" Siegfried '61 on Mar. 6, 2010.  Born in San Francisco, he spent most of his life on the peninsula. Being an avid skier and golfer he was known for his "avant garde" sense of fashion. He was a corporate attorney for AT&T, active member of Saratoga civic government and Lyons Club. A graduate of Bellarmine Prep, Santa Clara University, Stanford Law and a member of San Jose Country Club. Preceded in death by his brother, Jack; Dick is survived by his wife Midge; Uncle Jack Kincanon; Brothers, George and Chris; Sisters Georgianne and Sheri; his three children, Theresa, Douglas and wife Christina, Debbie and husband Mike Fujii and two grandchildren, Zachary, and Cassidy.

Richard J. Morey ’61, 73, a lifelong resident of Menlo Park and Atherton, passed away on November 20, 2012. He was born Jan. 21, 1939. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maura; son Mark of San Francisco; son Michael and daughter-in-law Katie of Beaverton, Oregon; daughter Melanie Allen and son-in-law Brett of Portland, Oregon; and grandchildren Molly, Jane, Tate, and Riley.

He attended St. Joseph's, Bellarmine and Santa Clara. Richard had a career as a cement mason and was a member of the Operative Plasters' & Cement Masons' Union for over 50 years. In his later years, he enjoyed driving to Oregon to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Above all, Rich loved to visit with his friends and family. He will be missed by all.

Louis Anthony Rogers ’61 passed away on April 15, 2009 at the age of 69. He graduated Santa Clara University with a bachelor of science commerce and was involved with the SCU Delta Sigma Pi Business Club. He is survived by his wife, Mary M. Rogers.

Larry F. Higgins ’61, 75, stepped beyond his journey with lymphoma on Nov. 27, 2012. Larry is survived by his loving wife, Charii; a son, Damon and his wife, Kerena; two grandchildren, Connor and Abigail; five siblings, Jack Higgins, Marion Walters, Bob Higgins, Patricia Cates and Eileen Higgins-Lower; and one sad dog, Katie. His parents and oldest son preceded him in death. Larry was born in Yonkers, N.Y., in August 1937 to John and Marion Higgins. He was the fourth of six children and the darling of all (although he did not know it). After several moves his family settled in Pasadena, Calif., where Larry proceeded to make a name for himself delivering newspapers (uphill both ways and in driving snow storms), and playing football and baseball for St. Francis High School. One of his proudest moments, next to the birth of his children, was his induction into his high school's hall of fame for his tenacious pitching, wild knuckleballs, and outstanding leadership. These same qualities helped him pitch spring batting practice for the Los Angeles Dodgers and be a four-year starter for Santa Clara University's baseball team. Upon graduation from college, Larry accepted a commission in the U.S. Army. He served seven years, one in Vietnam flying helicopters, and earned the regular Army rank of captain and a Reserve rank of major. Prior to deployment to Vietnam, Larry met and married his best blind date and lifelong love, Charii. Together they moved to Spokane to raise their two children, Larry John and Damon. Larry took a managerial position with American Handicrafts, where he worked hard and was promoted to district and then regional manager. After several years he took a job with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, where he managed the Pullman store. He retired after 19 years and spent his time eating ice cream, traveling with his wife and dog in their fifth wheel, playing golf, visiting his grandchildren, and trying to strike out cancer in the biggest game of his life. The lefty took it into extra innings and left the game with his head high. Larry was a deeply private person; however, he met people with kindness, respect and a gentle tease. He will be missed deeply by those he touched, especially his loving family. GOD bless and keep you!

Joseph Michael Trindade '61 passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on June 4, 2011 at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Mike was born on Aug. 25, 1939 to Joseph M. and Thelma Trindade in Merced. He graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School in 1953, Merced High School in 1957, and Santa Clara University in 1961. He played football in high school and soccer in college. Mike was an electrical engineer. During his career he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, Bechtel Construction, Aerojet and was self-employed. He enjoyed archery, flying, sailing and golf. He had an adventurous spirit and once flew his small airplane across the United States. Mike lived for many years in Orangevale, Calif. and then in Folsom. For the past four years, he lived at Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation, where he received very good care. We would like to thank the staff for the compassion they showed Mike over the years. Mike was a kind and generous man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends. Mike is survived by his brother, Roger Trindade (Tamera) of Shasta; his sisters, Moogie Roeder (Jim) of Frankfort, Kan., Barbara Cavner (Bill) of Atwater and Patricia Miller (Dave) of Turlock; nephews, John Trindade, Joe Trindade, Brad Roeder, Michael Cavner and Jeff Miller; and niece, Elizabeth Cavner. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Trindade; his parents, Joseph M. and Thelma Trindade; and his nephew, Matt Miller.

John P. Steffani '61 on Nov. 10, 2008.  Born in San Jose, he retired in 1995 to Las Tinas, Mexico, where he spent most of his time with his favorite pastimes, fishing and helping the local schools with their computers. He also recently enjoyed working his new avocado grove in Vista. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Regina Steffani; six children; 20 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Jack Ludwigson '61, J.D. '64 passed away October 31, 2009 at home surrounded by friends and family at the age of 71. He was born June 12, 1938 in Bellingham to Ed and Kay Ludwigson. Jack graduated from Bellingham High School in 1956 and earned his B.A. and law degrees from Santa Clara University, where he developed many lifelong friendships. Jack returned to Washington and worked for three years for the King County Prosecutor's Office in Seattle during which time he met his bride to be, Sarah Black, on a blind date. They were married in 1966 and returned to Bellingham in 1967 where Jack went into private practice and together they raised their two children. Jack loved life and loved to have fun. He enjoyed his family and friends more than anything and was at his happiest amongst them at the cabin on Orcas Island and fishing the San Juans. He was an amazing husband, father, and grandpa. His sense of humor, kindness, and friendship will be greatly missed by all. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Kay. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sarah; children and spouses Eric and Jenny Ludwigson and Susie and Rolan Coberly, of Bellingham; sisters Mary (Bill) Johnson of Bellevue, Margie (Chuck) Lindhout of Sandy Point, and Katie (Rod) Zorotovich of Mercer Island; grandchildren Joe, Maura, and Owen Ludwigson and Max and Jake Coberly. A celebration of Jack's life will be held in the spring.

Fred "Freddie" Domino ’61, J.D. ’68 was born in Chicago in 1939 and passed away on Jan. 2, 2013, in Morgan Hill. He was a lawyer. His parents were Sylvester "Jack" Domino and Ann Domino. His sister was Kathy Domino. He is survived by wife Ruby Domino of Morgan Hill, daughter Dawn Domino of Morgan Hill, niece Trista (Domino) Zwemke of Palm Springs, and nephews David Domino of San Jose and Thomas Angelo Smith of San Francisco. He loved golfing and taking trips to Italy.

St. Helena Mayor Delford Glenn (“Buddy”) Britton ’61, 74, died unexpectedly of renal failure Jan. 8, 2013, at home, after serving four terms and having been sworn in for a fifth. 

Carl Alvin Munding ’61, with a taste of Wild Turkey, and a kiss from his beloved wife of fifty years—Kathleen—and surrounded by the love of his four children—Monica, John, Matt, and Michelle—crossed over to the Kingdom of God on Jan. 19, 2013.  His spirit lives on as he was and will always be a man who lived a life of respect, love, and service to others before himself.