Warren Richard Whitehead
1922-Jan. 18, 2007
Menlo Park, California

Warren Richard Whitehead, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, died peacefully at home on Jan. 18, 2007. He was 85.

Mr. Whitehead was born in San Pedro. He served in World War II as a radio technician aboard the Henry A. Wiley destroyer. On his return, he attended UC Berkeley, where he lettered in several sports including cross country, tennis and crew. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

In 1953 he married Mary Samhoff, and they settled in Menlo Park. He began working for Pacific Gas & Electric in 1954 and continued working for the company for the next 50 years. He served as an automotive engineer and, later, as an independent consultant, certifying large cranes and training PG&E personnel for the California state crane operators' examination.

An engineer, Mr. Whitehead could fix anything, say family members. He enjoyed woodworking, building clocks, baking bread, making jam, working on cars and vacationing with his family on Bass Lake.

He is survived by his three daughters, Mary Christina Owen, Sarah Tamsen McGinley, and Tracy Ann Whitehead Craig; and nine grandchildren. His wife, Mary, preceded him in death in 1997.

Tags: veteran