Obituaries Obituaries (April 20, 2005)

Phyllis Ham

Abstract expressionist painter

Phyllis Julie Ham of Portola Valley died April 12 at Stanford Medical Center after a long battle with diabetes. She was 84.

Ms. Ham was born in Modesto in 1920. She attended Modesto Junior College and worked as a medical assistant in a U.S. Army hospital during World War II. After the war, she became a medical secretary in Oakland for a group of doctors.

In 1953 she traveled to Tangier, Spanish Morocco, and married Richard Ham, whom she first met in college.

After living in Hollywood for three years, the couple moved to Palo Alto and later to Portola Valley, her home for the past 37 years. During this time she attended the San Francisco Art Institute and emerged as an abstract expressionist painter.

She also studied at the College of San Mateo and became proficient in color etchings. Her paintings have been acquired by many private collectors and have been exhibited in gallery and museum shows both here and abroad.

She was a volunteer worker in adoptions at the Peninsula Humane Society for 13 years. Her travels to Europe, Mexico and Hawaii were highlights of her life, say family members.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Ham of Portola Valley. According to her request, her ashes were scattered at sea. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peninsula Humane Society, 12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401.

William Decker

NBC radio and television executive

William "Bill" Decker, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, died April 11 while visiting his daughter in Santa Barbara. He was 88.

Mr. Decker was born in Highland Park, Illinois. He worked at the Chicago Daily News where he met his wife, Barbara. They moved several times as he began his career with NBC.

He held positions in New York City, Buffalo and Chicago, culminating with his promotion to station manager of KNBR in San Francisco.

Mr. Decker is survived by his daughters, Jan Fisher of Menlo Park, and Stephanie Larsson and Tina Long of Santa Barbara; his former wife, Barbara of Santa Barbara; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

At his request, no services were held. Memorials in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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