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Obituary: William D. Wagstaffe, executive, professor

William D. Wagstaffe, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, died May 14. He was 89.

Mr. Wagstaffe was a business executive for 40 years before embarking on a second career as a professor of business at local universities.

Born in Alameda, Mr. Wagstaffe was a graduate of Bellarmine College Preparatory, Menlo College and Stanford University. During World War II, he served in the 7th Fleet of the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific. One of his happiest memories was returning to San Francisco under the Golden Gate Bridge on the USS Randall at the end of the war and being greeted by his parents, say family members.

Mr. Wagstaffe served in the Naval Reserve Officers' Organization at Treasure Island for 29 years until he retired as captain. He worked at Del Monte Foods in San Francisco for 40 years, his final role being director of transportation.

His love of education inspired him to accept the position of professor of business at the University of San Francisco, St. Mary's College and, more recently, Golden Gate University, where he was professor of operations management.

He met his wife, Marjorie, as a member of Old St. Mary's Center in San Francisco. They were married at Old St. Mary's Church on Feb. 11, 1956.

A job as a caddy at the Burlingame Country Club when he was 12 inspired Mr. Wagstaffe's lifelong love of golf. Many happy days were spent golfing with friends at Moffett Field, culminating with his first hole in one at age 81, say family members. When the 49ers formed in 1946, he was an original season ticket holder and many Sundays were spent with his family enjoying football.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Marjorie; children Paul, Ann, Rosemary, Skip and Eileen; and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services have been held. Donations may be made to the Ballarmine Alumni Association, Stanford University Alumni Association, Golden Gate University, and American Ex-Prisoners of War.