Richard Ronald Finley

Richard Ronald (Ron) Finley passed away at home on May 30, 2022, with his wife, Joyce, by his side. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on January 28, 1936. Always curious, he spent his childhood exploring nature, spending countless hours hiking through the woods near his home. In high school he discovered that he had an aptitude for chemistry, so after graduation he attended the St. Louis College of Pharmacy, becoming a registered pharmacist in 1959.

Ron loved his 60-year career, which covered many aspects of pharmacy, including everything from pharmaceutical sales to volunteering in a clinic in Ethiopia and working the night shift in a drugstore in the Tenderloin. In 1979 he became an assistant clinical professor in the UCSF School of Pharmacy, and in 1999 he joined the Memory and Aging Center in the UCSF Department of Neurology, working with the medical staff to evaluate patients and consult on drug therapy.

As a certified geriatric pharmacist he lectured locally and nationally on pharmacology related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. He had an uncanny ability to grasp the concepts of drug actions and interactions, consulting with doctors and caregivers to create appropriate treatment regimens for their patients.

Ron’s passion for adventure and nature took him to countries around the world. In the early 1970s he spent a year hitchhiking through Africa, from Khartoum to Cape Town, sleeping in villages along the way. He and his wife, Joyce, made annual trips to Costa Rica. The jungle and wildlife held a special place in the hearts of the couple, both avid birdwatchers. They also spent many companionable hours at the local Las Gallinas wildlife ponds. Fly fishing took the couple to southwestern Colorado yearly, where Ron still holds the record for largest trout caught during a guided trip on the Gunnison River. Ron was an avid tennis player for most of his adult life. The motto he lived by was, “Life’s too short to play with old tennis balls or drink bad wine!” He was happiest in nature, camping, hiking, and fishing. Of all the places life took him his favorites were Africa, Japan, Costa Rica and Bhutan. His quick wit and sense of humor when relating anecdotes about his travels and observations enthralled listeners and displayed his kindness and tender heart toward all people, no matter their race, nationality, or circumstances.

All who knew him will miss his brilliant mind and great heart.

Rest in Peace, Ron.

Maryann Frances Viles November 8,1943-May 28, 2022

Maryann Frances Viles, 78, died peacefully while surrounded by her family in San Mateo, CA on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Maryann was born in San Francisco, CA to Aldo and Patricia Arnaudo. Maryann married her high school sweetheart, Barry Viles. This past December they celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage. They resided in San Mateo and raised two children, Kelly and Rick.

Maryann attended college to get her degree in Early Childhood Developement and became the owner and Director of Foster City Children’s Center. After 10 years of caring for many children Maryann changed career paths and went to work for the Redwood City Police Department. Maryann put in over 20 years of service for RWCPD before retiring in 2009.

When Maryann wasn’t working you could find her and Barry hitting up estate sales or antiquing. Maryann touched many lives and loved spending time with her family and her close friends.

Maryann was preceded in death by her father, Aldo, her mother, Patricia and her brother Larry.

She is survived by her loving husband Barry, her two children, Kelly and Rick, her grandson Christopher, and her great grandchildren, Payton and Hudson, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and family are invited to services held at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home at the Tiffany Chapel (1370 El Camino Real, Colma) held on Thursday, June 16, 2022 from 12-2.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.