Robert Joseph Kunze
And we thought Trump was the worst thing that happened in 2017.
Robert Joseph Kunze, born August 16, 1935, in Brooklyn, not too far from Ebbets Field, died at home in San Francisco on December 30, 2017 at 7:17 am after a long crappy illness.
To know him was to love him. He was the smartest, kindest, most compassionate, and funniest man who ever lived. One could wish that news of his death had gone out prematurely so he could have heard the loving remembrances.
His early business career included executive positions at GE where he was the president of the European operation division (his courage and support of colleagues, especially Peter Saunders, helped mold an enduring friendship) and at W. R. Grace where he was Chief Technical Officer.
A pioneer in venture capital, he was for over 20 years, a General Partner of Life Science Ventures specializing in medical startups. His portfolio of companies was ranked number one in performance by Venture Economics. He chronicled his experience in his candid 1990 book Nothing Ventured: The Perils and Payoffs of the Great American Venture Capital Game. His agent became his wife in 1989.
After retiring he devoted much of his time to exploring the world, doing good and enjoying life. In Sydney where he lived for about eight years, he worked regularly at a homeless shelter. In San Francisco he volunteered at local food banks, prepared food for children in the Tenderloin, participated in Food Runners and did whatever else he could to help others. Robert was also a master chef who loved cooking for friends, family and those in need.
No one enjoyed cards games more than he did. Bridge (he was a national champion in Australia), Cribbage (which he taught generations of children to play), Hearts, Oh Hell, Poker and board games (he was the consummate scrabble player). He boasted that he helped fund his college education by learning to be a card-counter.
Going back to his youth in Brooklyn, he was a die hard Giants fan and loved the Golden State Warriors and March Madness was a passion.
He is survived by: His wife of 27 years Betsy Nolan, dubbed the world’s oldest first time bride who considers herself the luckiest woman who ever lived for her years with him.
His son John Harry Kunze of San Francisco and daughter Anne Kunze Brush of New Zealand, four grandchildren who he adored Alexander Timothy Brush of Bellingham, WA, Kathryn Rose Brush of Santa Monica, CA, Jack Robert Kunze and Ava Jaden Kunze of San Francisco.
His loving brother John Harry Kunze of Trinity, FL., who always laughed at his jokes and despite his Republican tendencies (since eased), enjoyed the guest room Robert decorated with a blow up doll wearing a Nancy Pelosi mask and a wall full of Obama posters and Harry’s daughter and formidable scrabble opponent Kathy Anne Butzin of Austin, TX who laments “if I only had one more letter.”
His other sons — Dennis Brush of Ross, CA. created a new Thanksgiving tradition and kept the Kistler flowing right to the end. And David Chernow of Crowley, TX who grew up with the Kunze family in Metuchen, of whose many accomplishments Robert was especially proud.
Lifelong friends the Jeney family, neighbors in Metuchen, NJ, with whom he shared children, holidays, joys, sorrows and recipes and were always there for one another. And, of course, Eileen his steadfast friend throughout it all.
Thank you to: Miss Maria and her children — Angel, Steven and Kimberly. Wayne for his visits and care that so brightened his nights. Quintin who was there all the way. Nick his last bridge partner. And the compassionate and loving Fijian - Jane, John, Ben, Lilly -caregivers who took such wonderful care of him.
The family asks that you remember him by doing a kindness. Donate to your PBS stations (in San Francisco KQED & KALW), food bank, AIDS organization, Planned Parenthood, the SPCA (201 Alabama SF 94103) thanks to them for providing Stranger and Leo both reincarnations who help brighten his life. The Marina Library (1890 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123) thanks for having that copy of Literary Market Place in 1987.
So play a game of scrabble or cribbage or bridge while drinking a great wine or a double scotch in his memory.
There will be a party of remembrance and sharing down the road.