Verdinal T. McKean

Verdinal T. McKean Resident of Alameda Beloved Husband of 56 years preceded by the death of Eloise Anne, survived by sons Verdinal C. McKean and Ronald E. McKean; daughters Janelle Huffman and Donna McKean; grandsons Stephen and John Huffman, Verdinal A and Evan McKean, and granddaughter Emily McKean; sons-in-law Sebert Huffman and Timothy Brown; daughters-in-law Roberta McKean and Ellen McKean; and sister Joan Brennan. Verd was a life-long music-lover and musician. He held a Masters Degree in Music from San Francisco State University and taught instrumental music in the San Francisco Public schools for 40 years. He continued to perform regularly into his eighties, playing the trombone, bass, and piano in dance bands at local clubs. His music career began in the army during WWII, when he served with the 164th Infantry Regiment of the 23rd Infantry ("Americal") Division in the Pacific Theater. A trombonist with the 294th army ground forces band during the war, Verd was fond of saying in later years "the trombone saved my life." Verd attended army reunions into his eighties. A patriot and devotee of John Wayne, Verd had an affinity for all things Western. He was interested in Native American lore and was a friend of nature and the national parks. A lifelong resident of Alameda, Verd was a member of Native Sons and the Elks Club. Verd had a formidable memory and a keen sense of organization. He loved a bargain! He was also known for his wry humor. Informed, in the latter years of his life, that he had lost vision in one eye, he asked a nurse if this meant that he would now be able to wear an eye patch like John Wayne in True Grit. Like the Duke, Verd let a rough exterior hide a gentle and generous heart. He was his own person. Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday October 5th, 2010 at 2pm, at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway, Oakland. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Verd's favorite charities: St. Labre Indian School, Disabled American Veterans, or the Nature Conservancy. St. Labre Indian School PO Box 216 Ashland, MT 59003 Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 The Nature Conservancy 4245 North Fairfax Drive Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606 Greer Family Mortuary FD 1408 510-865-3755 www.Greermortuary.com