Marvin Tanigawa

Marvin Tanigawa was born in Kaua’i and died in San Francisco. He had a very long career in the Physical Therapy Department at St.

Francis Hospital where he established lifelong friendships including Physical Therapists Susan Eaton, Julia Ladas, and

Marge Mraz. He is survived by his brother Michael Tanigawa and family in Honolulu, his companion Dr. Avraham Giannini, friends at Val’s in Daly City - Don Payne and Nancy Koch. Marvin left sunny Hawaii for college in Iowa, then finished his Physical Therapy ground and coastal water in watersheds from Tomales Bay to Pescadero Creek. As Executive Officer, Bruce supervised a professional staff of more than 100 in restoring, protecting and enhancing the Bay and the region’s water, wetlands and riparian habitats. His colleagues remember him for providing generous mentorship to countless young engineers, geologists and scientists and for what they said was his “brilliance, humor and kindness.” He retired from the Regional Board on December 28, 2018.

Away from work, Bruce made friends across the globe through his devotion to the sport of orienteering, which combines cross-country racing with competitive use of navigational skills. In 1985, 1987 and 1991, Bruce was a member of the U.S. Orienteering Team in international competitions. He later served as coach of the team and as the U.S. representative on the nine-member governing council of the International Orienteering Federation. He was North American Masters Champion from 1994 to 2000. For many years, dozens of Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian orienteers understood that any journeys that brought them through Northern California required them to visit Bruce and his family. Bruce’s dedication to orienteering also prompted him to bring Hillary and Lauren into the sport, in which they became star performers. Orienteering also provided excuses for the Wolfes to travel throughout the world, although more recently

Degree at Stanford. He had an immense knowledge of Classical Music and a significant collection of music and movies. Marvin honored his Japanese heritage and he named each of his cats “Genji” - the son of an ancient 12th Century Japanese Emperor. they settled into a routine of visits to Mexico and Lake Tahoe.

A central part of Bruce’s life was his role at Piedmont Community Church. He was baptized and confirmed there; for nearly 30 years he sang as a bass in its Chancel Choir; he played the trombone in its brass ensemble; he invested many hours in its governance and volunteer activities, serving as a trustee and a deacon. His wife Jan, a tenor, is a member of the Chancel Choir as well. On at least one memorable Sunday, with everyone else in the choir out of town for July vacations, all the vocal music for morning worship was performed by the Four Singing Wolfes, comprising Bruce, Jan and their daughters. “They’re just like the Von Trapps,” said one friend, “except without the heavy accents.”

Bruce Wolfe is survived by his wife Jan Kraus Wolfe; the Wolfes’ daughters Hillary and Lauren; granddaughters Aspen and Kenna; his brother Dave, of Denver and Palm Springs; his brother Steve, of Albion, California; Steve’s wife Debbi; and Steve and Debbi’s son Mark. A memorial will be celebrated at Piedmont Community Church on a date to be announced. The Wolfe family asks that you consider donations in lieu of flowers to either George Mark Children’s House, 2121 George Mark Lane, San Leandro, CA 94578, or Save the Bay, https://safesfbay. org/ , 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 280, Oakland, CA 94612.