Lyman “Skip” S. Faulkner
December 19, 1948 - May 13, 2017
Lyman “Skip” S. Faulkner, Jr., age 68, died at the VA, Palo Alto on Saturday, May 13, 2017 following a 17 year battle with prostate cancer. After a lifetime of devotion to country and family, he passed away surrounded by his loving wife, family, and friends. He was a longtime resident of Atherton, husband to prominent San Francisco trial attorney, Mary Alexander, for 32 years - proud father of Michelle Loftis, M.D., a pediatrician in Los Gatos, and grandfather of Ian and Lily Loftis of Menlo Park, CA.
Born at Ft. Benning, GA, the son of a career Army officer and World War II veteran of the 11th Abn Division, Colonel Lyman S. Faulkner, Sr. and Jane Faulkner, Skip grew up in an Army family along with his three sisters, living in Berlin, Germany during the Cold War and Virginia while his dad worked at the Pentagon. His family settled in Corona del Mar, CA where he attended Corona del Mar High School and graduated in 1966. He was an avid swimmer, water polo player, and surfer.
In September 1967, Skip enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a second generation paratrooper. He was a superb combat infantry soldier and leader in the 101st, Airborne Division in Vietnam during very heavy fighting in A Shau Valley and the DMZ, 1968-1969. He spent his entire tour with the recon platoon of the 1st Bn, 506th Airborne Infantry. Decorated with the Bronze Star, Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal, he was enormously proud to be a Vietnam veteran who wore the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachute Badge. He had the honor to be promoted to Sergeant and led a long-range patrol and sniper unit in Vietnam. Following active duty, Skip served in the Army Reserve from 1971-1973.
After leaving the U.S. Army, Skip attended college at Loyola University in Southern California and in 1976 earned a bachelor degree in Business Administration. His business career led him to the San Francisco Bay Area where he worked as a sales engineer for several high-tech companies. In San Francisco, Skip met the love of his life, Mary Alexander, on St. Patrick’s Day. They were married on December 1, 1984 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley where they remained active members and hosted the annual Church Christmas Party for 20+ years. Skip proudly supported Mary’s law career and enjoyed attending legal events of the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) and American Association for Justice (AAJ), especially when Mary was President of both organizations.
Upon retirement, Skip took on what he happily described as “the best job in the world...taking care of the grandkids”. He was a devoted and doting grandfather who took Ian and Lily to and from school, attended every sports game and performance, and was an ever present figure in the Las Lomitas/La Entrada School and Menlo School communities.
Known for his quick wit, kindness, and positive outlook, he brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. He enjoyed sailing, skiing, bar-b-quing, camping, and hiking. His laughter, warm smile, and kind spirit will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Jane Faulkner, and his sister, Judith Faulkner of Ashland, OR. His survivors include wife, Mary Alexander, daughter Michelle Loftis, son-in-law Thomas Green, grandchildren Ian and Lily Loftis, Jasmine and Jessica-Sarah Green; sister, Jill McCaffrey, and husband, Gen. Barry McCaffrey (U.S. Army, Ret.); sister, Elizabeth Wasserman; nephew, Col. Sean McCaffrey (U.S. Army, Ret.), and wife, Debbie McCaffrey; niece, Tara Larson, and husband, Jake Larson; niece, Amy McKinney, and husband, Mike McKinney; nephew, Dustin Wasserman, and wife, Miho Wasserman; nieces, Kate and Maddy Wasserman; and 7 greatnephews and 2 great-nieces.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00am, 945 Portola Road, Portola Valley, CA, 94028 with an afternoon reception at the home of Mary Alexander. A private honor guard ceremony will be at his final resting place at Skylawn Cemetery in the Armed Services section overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Army Emergency Relief, www.Aerhq.org, AER Headquarters, 2530 Crystal Drive Suite 13131 13th Fl. Arlington, VA 22202.