Rudolph “Rudy” DeMay

May 14, 1930 - January 28, 2021

Rudolph “Rudy” DeMay, age 90, of Greenbrae, passed away on January 28, 2021 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. His battle with congestive heart failure demonstrated his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. He will be dearly remembered as a kind, caring, generous, positive and fun-loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend. He always had time for other people enjoying conversation, learning and sharing ideas, lending a helping hand and fixing anything that needed to be fixed. Rudy was born on May 14,1930 to Dutch immigrant parents, Harry May and Corry Kuitert May. He was raised in San Francisco, where he attended Sutro Grammar School and graduated from Polytechnic High School. He grew up in a house in the lower Sunset near the beach. Almost everyday, he and his friends would go to Ocean Beach. Their favorite game was trying to hang on, fully dressed, to a huge beach pipeline. Whoever could hang on the longest, without being knocked off by a wave, would win the game. He also spent his childhood with friends, swimming in the Sutro baths, ice skating at the Cliff House, fishing at Lake Merced and navigating the sand dunes on his bike while delivering the “SF Call-Bulletin”. What he liked most was going to Hecker’s Candy Store after school for a pocket full of candy.

At the age of 17, Rudy served in the Naval Reserves, sailing on the submarine, the Blueback. At 21, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Korea from 1951 to 1952, as a Corporal in the 7th Division, 31st Regimental Combat Team at the Headquarter Company. Rudy began his career with an electrical apprenticeship at the American Can Company, in San Francisco. In 1953, he was hired as an electrician for the City and County of San Francisco and retired as Chief Electrical Inspector in 1990. After his retirement, he was hired by EPC Consultants and, for the next 15 years, he worked on many projects including SFO International Airport and the Ocean Pollution Water Plant. Rudy often went to the spot where the Russian

River met the ocean to dive for abalone with his friends. One day he saw a pretty girl, Gigi, on the beach, and she cooked him abalone. He not only loved the meal but fell in love with her. Two years later, on June 25, 1951, Rudy married the love of his life, San Francisco native, Genevieve “Gigi” DeMay, and they enjoyed 60 wonderful years together.

They raised their two children, Nick and Diane, in the Sunset District. For over five decades, they visited their favorite vacation spot at San Francisco’s Camp Mather along with their yearly worldwide travels. They spent many years aboard their beloved Skipjack boat, the “GiGi D”, where they delighted in cruising and fishing the waters of the San Francisco Bay and coastline with family and friends. Rudy was a lifetime member of the San Francisco Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club. He often swam in the waters of the San Francisco Bay competing in many races including the Golden Gate Swim and the Alcatraz swims. He was also a member of the Marin Rod and Gun Club and Trout Unlimited.

Rudy will be dearly missed by his children Nick (Marla), Diane Simpson (Vince), 5 grandchildren, Nicholas (Shannon), Charlie (Faithe), Jennifer (Travis), Deanna (Victor) and Haley (Joe) 8 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a lifetime of dear friends and wonderful neighbors.

Even though his failing heart took him away from this world, Rudy’s loving heart left a beacon of light for all who knew and loved him. A celebration of his life is planned for when we can all safely gather together again. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Nature Conservancy at Nature.org or a charity of your choice.