George Robert Dirkes
George Robert Dirkes of Mill Valley, CA and Sun Valley, ID, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on December 6th following surgery. He was born in Oceanside, NY on January 7, 1943 to Anna Ruth and George Lyon Dirkes. A devoted family man, he cherished his family above all else. He is survived by his wife of 18 years Gail Stern, his sons Matthew and Stephen, his stepson Gabriel Stern, his daughter in law Lara Bazelon, his beloved grandchildren Carter Lyon Dirkes and Ella Ferrin Dirkes, his sister Ruthann Carpi (Colin), brother David (Susan) and numerous nieces and nephews. He was previously married to Jane Strange Dirkes.
George was a prominent tax attorney, specializing in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. He was a partner of Bancroft and McAlister, joining the firm in 1974. He was a graduate of Bucknell University and St. John’s University School of Law. After serving as a Captain in US Army Intelligence, he received a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in New York State and California and was admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He co-authored a practice book entitled “California Trust Practice” and was a contributing author to “California Will Drafting.” He lectured and wrote extensively in the areas of estate planning, and estate and trust administration.
George was a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, and State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the former chair of the Bar Association of the San Francisco Probate and Trust Law Section.
For years, George was selected by his peers for inclusion in “The Best Lawyers in America” and as a “Super Lawyer,” placing him in the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California. These designations, however, meant little to him. What he valued was the close friendships and relationships he had with so many of his clients. He was family to many of them.
George was a former mayor of the Town of Ross, California and served as a planning commissioner of the City of Larkspur. He served on the Board of Directors of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust and was chair for several years. He was a member of the Meadow Club, Congregation Rodef Sholom and Wood River Jewish Community in Ketchum, ID. George currently served on the Advisory Board of SF Achievers and on the Legacy/Planned Giving Committee of Congregation Rodef Sholom.
His professional life allowed him to enjoy the things that he valued the most: weekly Grandpa time with his dear Carter and Ella, reading and classical music, crosswords, hiking, biking, skiing, and fly fishing with his buddies. He and Gail traveled the world together and loved the time spent with family and friends. He had so many friends. In his soul, he was a simple man who gave his heart to so many. He will forever be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Services at Congregation Rodef Sholom and burial at Mount Tamalpias Cemetery were held on Wednesday, December 9th. There will be gatherings at George and Gail’s home at 7 pm on Thursday, December 10 and Saturday, December 12.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in George’s name to SF Achievers (244 Kearny Street, 6th Floor, SF 94108), Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street, San Rafael 94901), Marin Agricultural Land Trust (PO Box 908, Point Reyes 94956), Congregation Rodef Sholom (170 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael 94903) or to your favorite charity.