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M. Lorin Castleman Jr.

M. Castleman Obituary

M. Lorin Castleman, Jr. Resident of Oakland Born April 15, 1939 in Riverside, CA. Lorin passed away September 30, 2010 at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley after a courageous nine-month battle with brain cancer. He had a very successful career as a lawyer, practicing in San Francisco, Hayward and for many years in Pleasanton. He continued the practice of law until August, 2010. Lorin had many interests during his lifetime including photography, travel, music, backpacking, skiing, computers, reading, sailing both sailboats and motorboats and as a pilot of aircraft. He ran in and successfully completed two marathons. He was a man of great integrity, intellect, compassion and generosity. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kristin; a daughter, Kristine E. Castleman (Seattle) and two grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Julie Waite (Paul) and three nieces. His mother, Katharine H. Castleman, and father, Milton Lorin Castleman, both predeceased him. Lorin requested cremation with his ashes being scattered at his favorite places. Donations may be made in his name to The National Brain Tumor Society, 22 Battery Street, Suite 612, San Francisco, CA 94111-5520 or to the Oakland or Tri-Valley SPCA or to Defenders of Wildlife.

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Published by Inside Bay Area from Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for M. Castleman

Sponsored by Kristin Castleman.

18 Entries

Marie Kazebee

March 27, 2024

I am so saddened to hear of Lorin's passing. I worked at the law firm many, many years ago and he was always a joy to work for.

Christine (Pegan) Flores

October 4, 2021

It's hard to believe so much time has passed. I still have so many fond memories of working at Rifkind, Castleman, Haskell & Kahn. Those days helped shape me into the legal professional I continue to be.

DEBORAH MCLEOD aka Gohlke

February 5, 2021

Dearest Kris, I'm sorry to hear about Lorin's passing. Lorin was a lovely nut of man. Working with him and you at Castleman, Haskell and Kahn is an experience that has touched my life in every positive way possible. I think of you often and the times we went running, Friday potlucks at the office, Randi Sharon, Bill (remember when we put the Godzilla under his desk and waited for his reaction. Bill screamed like a little girl. I think the whole idea was probably Lorins.
I hope this note finds you well my friend. You and Lorin have always had a special place with me, always will. I loved watching you two together. You are in my thoughts Kris. Love, Deborah McLeod aka Gohlke

Suzy P.

October 12, 2015

Five years have passed and it's no easier.

Christine (Pegan) Flores

July 29, 2015

Kris,
It probably sounds weird that I still think of our days at Rifkind & Castleman, which morphed into Rifkind, Castleman, Haskell & Kahn with such fondness. I learned a lot from those days - skills that I still use to this day as I continue to work in the legal community. I happened to learn from the State Bar website about Lorin's passing, as well as of Bob Kahn's passing last fall. All I can say is this makes me so very sad. I remember Lorin with much fondness - he was so soft-spoken, but he made me laugh with his ways of doing things. I do hope you are doing well and enjoying life to the fullest.

Suzy Pijanowski

December 4, 2013

Merry Christmas, Lorin. We still miss you tremendously.

October 11, 2011

Hi, Kris. We have talked and talked, but I am still not used to this and suppose I never will be. Lorin and you were the best bosses I ever had. I looked forward to going to work every day and don't think I was ever late. I couldn't wait to get to the office! Imagine. I will miss Friday treat days and the holiday celebrations. Who could forget Jacque Marchatiello dressed up as the Good Fairy, or the Christmas potluck that Terry played the violin and we all sang carols? I have so many happy memories. Thanks for the memories. Love you, Barb Savery

S Narayan

May 12, 2011

Sorry to hear about Lorin's passing. My condolences.

Rob Capurro

January 13, 2011

I was stunned and saddened as I just today heard of the passing of Lorin. Kris, please accept my belated condolences to you and your family. As I have told you before, I never could have made my business work without my relationship to Castleman Law. Far more importantly though, I hope you know just how much I value the genuine kindness and caring that you and Lorin have shown me over these years. I will miss that relationship greatly.

Nancy Hargiss

December 16, 2010

Oh, Kris, I just now heard. I am so very sorry for your loss. Lorin was someone I will never forget. It was an honor and a pleasure to know him. His understated sense of humor made us smile, and his wisdom was a benefit to us all. Nancy Hargiss

Frank and Francine Ruotolo

November 9, 2010

It was our pleasure to have been clients of Lorin, a truly lovely human being. Our favorite"Lorin" story, told while he was helping us plan our estate, will, etc.,had to do with funeral plans. "Do you know what is the perfect estate planning?", asked Lorin. We shook our heads no. "The perfect estate planning is when all gifts are distributed, but the check to the funeral director bounces!" He will be missed. Our condolences to the family.

Allyson Beals

October 13, 2010

My deepest sympathies go out to the family and employess of a man that inspired my niece Suzy!

Georgia & Chris Addison

October 12, 2010

It was a pleasure working with Lorin all those years ago at Castleman & Haskell. Lorin, you were one of the brightest men I've ever known. You will be missed by all. Kris-I will always remember your bright smile each and every day when I walked into the office. Chris and I are so sorry for your loss and your pain. I know Suzy is doing all she can for you right now, and I hope to see you soon. God bless all of you.

Suzy Pijanowski

October 12, 2010

I’ve worked for Lorin for nearly half of my life. He’d walk in the front door every morning carrying 30 pounds of whatever the heck he had in those humongous briefcases, holler “good morning,” and set his things down in his office. Then he’d walk up to each employee and give a personal greeting. He’d ask: “How are you?” “Did you do anything interesting over the weekend?” and my personal favorite, “Can you believe who got kicked off of Idol last night?” Every day at The Castleman Law Firm started with a smile from Lorin.

Lorin’s life was well-lived. He loved traveling to visit family and meeting up with best friends at The Sea Ranch. He was always up to something, from attending the ballet each season with Kris to zip-lining through the Costa Rican jungle. When he wasn’t risking life and limb and climbing the highest mountain trails, he could be found testing out the latest software or his beloved techno gadgets.

Both Lorin and I were great fans of the Harry Potter series (he got me into it). I like to think of him as my own personal Albus Dumbledore, because he was similar in intellect and had the same gentle manner. In Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone, Albus Dumbledore said, “To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.” Whatever that adventure entails, I know Lorin signed up for it with a smile.

Peter Myers

October 11, 2010

Great to have known you, Lorin. Nice touch, good listener, good estate lawyer.

October 10, 2010

I will miss my Uncle so much. So many wonderful memories of our times together. Spring break in Oakland was so much fun. We love you Aunt Kristin. Shelby, Gerald & Kids

October 10, 2010

Kristin - We will so miss Lorin and his geat humor and wit. We love you so much. Dick and Marie

October 10, 2010

We so admired Lorin and cannot fathom you loss, Kris. He was a bright, shining "marry-in" and will be missed always. Please keep in touch and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Ann & Bill

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