Grover Richard Klemmer
February 8th, 1946 - December 22nd, 2017
Rich fought a fierce battle with prostate cancer for over 6 years with his characteristic dignity and strength.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sandra Morris Klemmer (whom he met on a blind date right after being commissioned a second lieutenant); 4 wonderful children and their spouses, Richard (Stacy), Anna Robinson (RJ), Ellen Murff (Ryan) and Laura Haight (JD); 8 adored grandchildren, Carson, Haley, Nathan, Josie, Emily, Della, Margot and River. He also leaves behind many other family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Grover and Elaine Klemmer.
Raised in San Francisco, he was the quintessential native son and Californian spending summers at Summer Home Park on the Russian River and eventually living in Piedmont and Oakland. He attended West Portal Elementary, Aptos Junior High, Lincoln High School and City College of San Francisco. He graduated from San Jose State in 1968 and while there was the captain of the cross country and track teams. With the Vietnam War looming, he joined the Marine Corps, telling his mother that since he had to go, he was going with the best! He served 6 years on active duty with jobs ranging from platoon tank commander to Marine Corps track coach.
Rich then went to University of San Francisco Law School, graduating in 1977. While in law school, he was a law clerk for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and subsequently had his entire legal career of 35 years there as a prosecutor—from the courtroom to mentoring to administration.
When Rich went to law school in 1974, he also joined the US Marine Corps Reserve—a move that had so many purposes: his love of the Marine Corps, a growing family that needed “shoes” and a desire to always protect the country he felt so glad to have been born in. He retired with the rank of Colonel and had many billets from Battalion commander to NATO attaché in Brussels.
Above all Rich (Dad and Grandpa) was an amazing family man. In a family of “swirling chaos”, he was the ever present calm and thoughtful advisor. He was always there for his family with love and support through thick and thin, even the teen years! He coached various teams for his children and spent many hours sitting in the stands watching them participate in one sport or another, a joyful habit he continued with his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and a pillar of strength to Sandi.
We can’t imagine our lives without Rich, but he has given us all so many memories and the fortitude to carry his legacy forward. We have been so blessed by his life.
A celebration of Rich’s life with be held Friday, January 12th at 4pm at the Marines’ Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St, San Francisco with a reception following. If planning on attending, please email rbwright1@mac.com.
A private interment will be held at the Sacramento National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to the Marines Memorial Association, 609 Sutter, San Francisco 94102 or the 100 Club of Alameda County (helping families of fallen firefighters and police officers of Alameda County),767 Brannan Place, Concord, CA 94518