Frank Lillef

July 24, 1928- September 10, 2018

Frank Lillef, Jr. passed away at home in Daly City at the age of 90. He was a native San Franciscan born July 24, 1928 to Frank Sr. and Ida Lillef who were immigrants from Estonia. Beloved husband of predeceased Helmi, father of Deborah and John, Grandfather of Jessica and Corporal Christopher Johnson, USMC, his wife Lauren and great grandfather to their children Chloe and Troy. Frank was considered a multi-talented visual artist from the Mission. After serving in the Army, he studied at the California College of the Arts and went on to attain a Master of Fine Arts degree from UC Berkeley under notable artists Richard Diebenkorn, Chiura Obata and Mark Rothko. Frank shared his talents with his community by being one of the founding instructors of the Ruth Osawa School of the Arts High School, and he enthusiastically taught fine arts and photography for 50 years in the San Francisco Unified School District. His work and prodigious output reflect his aptitude in a diverse range of styles and media including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and collage.

Frank enjoyed all aspects of life including music, dance, food, wine and gardening just to name a few. His true passion in life was photography and he captured all aspects of it; his camera was always with him as most of us know. He enjoyed sports and was himself an avid fisherman, abalone diver and snow skier. He enjoyed nothing more than a day spent out “the Golden Gate” with Skipper Sam, fishing for salmon, sharing his bounty with family and friends. He was well-traveled, and his favorite destinations were Calistoga, Lake Tahoe and the Russian River. He loved kids and most of us will remember the countless trips to art museums, the S.F. Zoo and enjoyment of the outdoors.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and eternal appreciation to Irene, Manolo, Pinky, Marie, Nestor, Caesar, the staff at Pacifica Rehab, neighbors, friends, and many others for their love, care, and kindness provided over the past months.

Services will be held on September 20, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014.