Obituaries Obituaries (June 23, 2004)

Pauline Pierson
Native of Colombia

Pauline Pierson, a 42-year resident of Woodside, died June 3 in Redwood City. She was 97.

Ms. Pierson was born in Bogota, Colombia, and married Harry H. Pierson in Panama City in 1935.

Ms. Pierson's husband held several diplomatic and philanthropic positions during his career, and they lived in South America, Paris, Thailand, New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco before moving to Woodside in 1962.

Ms. Pierson was a member of St. Pius Catholic Church. A warm, fun-loving person, she enjoyed giving lessons in the Spanish language and culture, say family members.

She is survived by her daughter, Pauline Layer of Woodside; and two grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death.

No services are planned at this time. Contributions may be made to a charity of choice.

Raymond Bartels
Longtime Atherton resident

Raymond Anthony Bartels, who at one time was a partner in 23 A&W Root Beer franchises, died June 12. He was 71.

Mr. Bartels was born in San Francisco and lived in the Bay Area throughout his life. After graduating from San Jose State University, he and his partner, Lyle Blaine of Los Altos, opened their first A&W Root Beer stand on Middlefield Road in Redwood City. Eventually they had 23 stores, including one located on the El Camino Real in Menlo Park (now the site of Brix Barbecue). They later retired from the business.

Mr. Bartels married Huguette in 1969 and they moved into the Atherton home where they lived all their married life. He loved playing golf and dominoes, and working in his garden. His storytelling, sense of humor and smile will always be cherished, say family members.

Mr. Bartels was a member of the Knights of Malta and the Olympic Club, and was a former member of the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club. He had also served on the boards of Sequoia Hospital Foundation, Pacific Medical Research Foundation, the Serra Club, Kiwanis Club, Sequoia YMCA, St. Francis High School and St. Pius Church.

He is survived by his wife, Huguette Bartels of Atherton; children Heidi Bartels of Santa Cruz, Matthew Bartels of Taipei, Taiwan, Luke Bartels of Chicago, and John Bartels of Santa Cruz; a sister, Mary Ann Kelly; and several nieces and nephews.

The family prefers donations to Sequoia Hospital Foundation, 170 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City 94062; Peninsula Volunteers Inc., 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park 94025; or Pacific Medical Research Foundation (diabetes outreach), 805 Veterans Blvd., Redwood City 94063. Arrangements were under the direction of the Woodside Chapel of Crippen & Flynn.

Robert German
Menlo Park architect

A celebration of the life of Robert Alan German will be held from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 26, in the garden of his Menlo Park home. Mr. German died May 16 at the age of 47.

Mr. German, who lived and worked in Menlo Park for 20 years, was the principal architect of Pyramid Design Group of Menlo Park.

He received a bachelor's degree in industrial design from San Jose State University and had worked for 10 years in the field when he received his architect's license in 1987.

He worked on more than 500 projects, from commercial to residential. He received first place in the National Association of Remodelers' National Competition for Residential Kitchens in 1999 and had his work published in Sunset magazine.

He had many interests, say family members, including tennis, soccer, gardening, fine woodworking, music, fishing and hiking. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Sedona, Arizona, and Asheville, North Carolina. He had a special place in his heart for animals, say family members.

Mr. German is survived by his parents, Donna and Jack German of Napa; siblings John M. German of Springfield, Virginia, Terri Lee German of Santa Cruz, and Sharon Ann German of Vallejo. His ashes will be interred in a family plot in Ukiah.

Donations may be made to the Robert German Scholarship Fund, attention: Roger Trippel, San Jose State School of Industrial Design, Office of Development, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0257; or the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley, 2530 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA 95050.

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