George Edward Cator

July 20, 1922 - September 19, 2017

George Edward Cator passed away peacefully on September 19, 2017 in Portola Valley, CA from complications associated with surgery. Mr. Cator was born in San Francisco and raised in Burlingame and Hillsborough. He attended Burlingame High School where he was active in student government and athletics. Mr. Cator was recently enshrined into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to graduate from Stanford University, Class of ‘45, and attended Harvard Graduate School of Business. During WWII, Mr. Cator served in the U.S. Navy and was assigned to a destroyer located in the Pacific Theater. He was discharged in 1946 as a LT(jg) USNR and moved to San Francisco where he met Nancy, his future wife of 59 years. Mr. Cator went on to a very successful career in the commodities field. He was principle owner and President of Herrgott & Wilson, Inc., a leading international commodity brokerage firm. Prior to his retirement in 1981, he received numerous awards and commendations for his contributions to the industry he served. Mr. Cator resided in Portola Valley for almost 50 years before moving in 2007 to the Sharon Heights community in Menlo Park. After his retirement, Mr. Cator spent time traveling, golfing and visiting his children, grandchildren and friends. Friends and family meant everything to him. In 1981, he started the “Gentleman’s” Lunch Group which grew to almost 60 members from around the country meeting semi-annually in Menlo Park. He was a member of the Stanford Golf Course and served as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and Stanford University Blood Bank. Mr. Cator was preceded in death by his wife Nancy and daughter Nan. He is survived by his loving children Tom, Dave, Mark, Sara, Carol, 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. The family is holding a Celebration of Life on November 18th in Menlo Park. Contributions in his memory can be made to the donor’s favorite charity.