Lasting Memories

Herman Christensen
April 18, 1930-Dec. 9, 2013
Atherton, California

Herman was born on April 18, 1930, at San Francisco Children?s Hospital (later CPMC) to Eleanor and Herman Christensen Sr. The family moved to San Mateo Park, where he attended San Mateo Park School and San Mateo High School, Class of 1947.

Following high school, Herman made the bold move to travel across the country to attend Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. He was an active member of the Bones Gate/Delta Tau Delta fraternity, the Undergraduate Council and business manager of the yearbook. He ran for the Track and Cross Country teams and later instilled a love of running in his children.

After graduating Dartmouth in 1951 with an AB in Art and Architecture, Herman stayed loyal and connected to Dartmouth the rest of his life, including serving as chairman of his 30th reunion.

Following college, Herman joined up with the United States Marines, serving as a Lieutenant. He then received a Master?s degree in Political Science from Stanford University in 1954.

Herman was able to utilize both his Architecture and Political Science background when he joined his father?s home building business. He and his younger brother and partner, Raymond, improved and expanded their father?s business into a general building contractor and real estate development company.

The company, Herman Christensen and Sons, developed and/or built many large apartment complexes and many large office complexes. During this time, Herman was the youngest president ever of the Peninsula Home Builders Association. He also built a beautiful home in San Carlos. Herman met his wife of 53 years, Isobel Smith, on a tennis court in San Francisco. They married in 1960 and lived in that award-winning San Carlos home until they built their dream home in Atherton in 1965.

Herman and Isobel had four children, all of whom inherited his clever sense of humor and quick smile. Herman and Isobel raised all their children in Atherton: daughter Maren (Bill Welch), sons Gavin (Tricia) and Andrew (Jenny) as well as his youngest daughter Amy (Drew Curby).

Herman was so fortunate to have a close relationship with his seven grandchildren: Brady Welch, William, Brian and Caroline Christensen, twins Pierce and Alicia Christensen and Ford Curby. His grandchildren called him ?Grumps? and they will remember him running around on ?Team Boy? with the boys as well as bantering with the girls.

Grumps loved to tease his grandkids, creating adventures for them including the dinosaur egg in the backyard and the "claw." He also loved to read and enjoyed discussing the Harry Potter books with his grandchildren.

Herman?s contributions to the Bay Area were vast and not limited to the many real estate projects he and Raymond built here.

Passionate about education, Herman served on and was president of the Menlo Park School Board. He was also a member of the Castilleja School Foundation Board from 1980-1990, becoming president in 1985.

Later in life he became a supporter of Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto. Herman was interested in local history and served on the board of the San Mateo County Historical Society. He also served as Chairman of the San Mateo County Grand Jury.

Not wanting to fully retire, Herman stayed active in the family business and was currently serving as chairman of the town of Atherton Planning Commission.

An active tennis player throughout his adult life, Herman and Isobel joined the Menlo Circus Club in 1961. He served as president in 1982 and 1983 and remained an active member, taking tennis lessons and working out at the gym, until the day of his death.

Herman is survived by his immediate family, his brother Raymond (Marian) and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered for his warm smile, happy nature, and dry sense humor.

A celebration of Herman?s life will take place in February at the Menlo Circus Club.

Memorial contributions may be made in Herman?s name to Eastside College Preparatory School, 
1041 Myrtle Street, East Palo Alto, CA 94303; the San Mateo County Historical Association, 
2200 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063; or Castilleja School, 1310 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA 94301.