George Vukasin
April 18, 1933 - February 15,2016
Alamo
LONGTIME PILLAR OF THE OAKLAND/EAST BAY COMMUNITY GEORGE VUKASIN DIES AT AGE 82
Former Oakland City Councilman, Vice Mayor, Port Commissioner, and President of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Board of Directors George J. Vukasin passed away peacefully in his home in Alamo on Monday, Feb. 15, just a few weeks short of his 83rd birthday.
Mr. Vukasin was CEO of Peerless Coffee and Tea, the pioneering Oakland coffee roaster that made craft roasting popular long before Peet's and Starbucks were born. He was an early force of the Specialty Coffee Association and served several effective terms as the President of the National Coffee Association. During that time, he was awarded the country of Colombia's highest honor, the Manuel Meija Award, named after the father of the Colombian coffee industry, for the work he did to elevate Colombian farmers out of poverty.
Mr. Vukasin was born on April 18, 1933 at Merritt Hospital in Oakland, the son of John P. Vukasin, who had founded Peerless Coffee in 1924, and his wife Natalie. His only sibling, U.S. District Court Judge John P. Vukasin Jr., died in 1993.
Mr. Vukasin was educated in the Oakland public schools including Fremont High and attended UC Berkeley, Class of 1955, where he was one of Pappy's Boys, the football players who played for legendary coach Lynn O. "Pappy" Waldorf. Criminology major, he had his heart set on becoming an FBI agent, but it was not to be.
After graduating from Cal he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, specializing in military intelligence. He completed his active service two years later and joined the Army reserves, where he served for 35 more years, finally retiring as Deputy Commanding General of the 6th U.S. Army, with the rank of Major General. Among the numerous awards and decorations earned during his military career, the honorable Army Distinguished Service Decoration for exceptional meritorious service made him the most proud.
Upon returning to civilian life in 1957 Mr. Vukasin rekindled his ambition to join the FBI, but his father summoned him home to work in and eventually take over the family business.
Mr. Vukasin quickly gained a reputation as a businessman who treated everyone fairly: his employees, his customers, his suppliers - even his competitors.
During the early years of his coffee career, he met a beautiful stewardess for Pan Am named Sonja Halvorsen. It was love at first sight and for the next 50 years they were partners in both life and in the thriving coffee business.
Branching out into the community, Mr. Vukasin served as Chairman of the Alameda County March of Dimes; President of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, board member of Summit Hospital, St. Mary's College and the Oakland Boys' Club; and President of the Oakland Port Commission, where he supervised the construction of Oakland International Airport and brought the Japanese container program to the Port of Oakland.
In 1969 Mr. Vukasin was elected to the Oakland City Council and served as Vice Mayor from 1975 to 1977. In 1983 he became president of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Board, where he served for 10 years without pay and helped establish the Coliseum as the best of example of one sports complex being the home to 3 professional sports teams.
He was also a longtime member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, Yerba Buena Masonic Lodge, and the Scottish Rite for which he holds the prestigious 33rd Degree.
With all his accomplishments, if you asked George what he was most proud of, he would simply say his family. George and Sonja built a life together that was surrounded by fun, friends and family. They enjoyed travelling the world together, exploring exotic locales and building many strong relationships throughout the world that continue on today into the next generation.
Family was the center of his life and nothing made him happier than spending time in Alamo, Lake Tahoe and Los Cabos with his children, (Kristina, Michelle and George Jr.) and grandchildren. He would attend every school activity, sports game and social event he could just to support his grandkids. If there was ever an example of a great father and grandfather, he was it.
Mr. Vukasin is survived by his wife of 50 years, the former Sonja Halvorsen; his children George Jr., Kristina Brouhard, and Michelle Thomas; sons-in-law John Brouhard and Jason Thomas, daughter-in-law Beshka Vukasin; and grandchildren John, Natalie, and Samantha Brouhard; Pryor, Clayton, and Charlotte Thomas; and Ellis and George John Vukasin 3rd.
A public viewing is scheduled at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland from 4 PM to 6 PM on Sunday February 21st 2016. A memorial service is being planned for early next month.

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Published by Contra Costa Times on Feb. 20, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for George Vukasin

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

21 Entries

PETER O GODESCHALK

February 14, 2019

May the Great Architect always watch over your family and keep them safe.
As it is written and ever shall be.
Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit GVSR .:

Darryl Darden

April 21, 2016

Dear Sonja,
I was then BG Vukasin's aide-de-camp. He was one of the most gracious men I'd ever met. BG Vukasin exposed me to people and places a "little black kid from Berkeley" had never seen before. He made a major difference in my life.
God bless him and your family.
Darryl Darden

Richard McMurdo

April 13, 2016

Dear Mrs. Vukasin:
Many years ago, when Major General Vikasin was a Colonel, Commanding the 4th Brigade, 91st Division. (Tng), I worked for him as his Administrative Officer and Senior Civilian Technician. I went on to spend a career as a Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Special Agent, but remember those days working with Colonel Vukasin as instrumental in my development as a leader. I remember him introducing me to "George's Blend" at the Peerless Coffee Company, accompanying my family on a tour of the U.S Enterprise and introducing us to you and your family. I greatly respected George Vukasin and ask that you accept my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
R. Burke McMurdo
Redmond, WA

J H

March 7, 2016

I loved to hear your stories of were you traveled and things you had done you lived life to the fullest

Dolores Tower

March 4, 2016

Extremely sad to hear of George's passing.
He was our "coffee man" as we served Peerless Coffee in our donut shop for 20 years - Flaky Cream - in Fairfield, Calif.
His presence was a welcome break of our day.
He was also a great friend of my sister, Anna Charrette in Martinez' Bakery.
May his soul rest in peace.

Christina

February 28, 2016

We were so sorry to hear about George's death
Dallas, Janie and Christina Cason

Gail Aune

February 26, 2016

Dear Sonja

Bob and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family in the loss of George. My memories of him go far back to family gatherings. George, who always had a twinkle of devilment in his eye, had a zest for life. It was a source of pride for me to see him turn that enthusiasm into a devotion to the City of Oakland. Peerless Coffee has always been special to me as both my uncle and mother worked there for a time. I clearly remember John upstairs in the tasting room. It is consoling to know that the business goes on and the accomplishments of George are imbedded in the fabric of Oakland. How wonderful that his life made a difference to so many!

Bob and Gail (Porter) Aune

February 25, 2016

Sonja,

I was so sorry to hear about George. Want you to know that I am remembering and thinking of you.

Kathy Colla O'Kane

Steven Vargas

February 25, 2016

I didn't know Mr Vukasin personally, but knew of his many endeavors as a leader and business man. His skills brought Oakland forward and set the solid foundation this city now enjoys, bold, skillful, his accomplishments many. My sincere condolences to his family, may God give them strength through this difficult time.

Kristine Christensen

February 22, 2016

Dear Sonja,
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet and talk with George the day that I delivered the Pan Am bag. I had hoped that we could meet again as he wanted to meet my husband, Richard. So sorry this didn't happen.
George was undoubtedly a rare genial and vital person of outstanding accomplishments. May he rest in peace.

We extend our sympathy to and your family.

Sincerely,
Richard and Kristine Christensen (Pi Phi)

Mery Santos

February 22, 2016

I met George in 2004 at the Fancy Food show in San Francisco. Little I new then, that he loved to be there shaking hands and sharing nice conversations. He was an icon on the Peerless booth. We missed seeing him there and he will be missed by all. My deepest condolences to all of you, Sonya, Kristina and George, I have know you for a few years now and have lots of respect and appreciation. My prayers and trust peace is in your hearts. Mery Santos

February 21, 2016

Dear Kuma Sonja and families

Words can not express the sorrow we have in our hearts for the loss of Kum George. We were so blessed to spend many times together, with that our memories will never be forgotten.
Thinking of you with lots of love
Kum George Kuma Angie Sekulich and Silva families

George Vukasin

February 21, 2016

Dear kuma Sonja and families
words can not express the sorrow we have in our hearts for the loss of Kum George. We were so blessed to spend many years and times together. With that , our memories will never be forgotten .
thinking of you with love Kum George Kuma Angie Sekulich and silva families

Compton Gault, Jr

February 21, 2016

To Soja and family- My deepest condolences to you all. i was a Lieutenant Colonel who had the distinct privilege and honor to have served with Major General Vukasin for many years at the 91st Training Division Fort Baker, California. MG Vukasin was agreat leader who inspired me and supported me in every position I was apponted to serve under his command. MG Vukasin was truly a great officer and gentleman. I raise my hand in a final salute to you Sir and may you Rest In Peace.

Roy Stearns

February 20, 2016

Dear family, friends and former U.S. Army soldiers,
Major General George Vukasin was commanding general of the 91st Division when I was a Lieutenant Colonel and Battalion Commander. I was mentored a time or two by him and it helped me become a better commander and soldier. I and others I am sure, gladly render a hand salute in honor of his memory.
Roy

Bill Weiman

February 20, 2016

Mr.Vukasin, thank you for everything. A true Oakland legend!

February 20, 2016

Dear Sonja;

We are very distressed and deeply saddened by the news of George's passing. Our families are kumovi and have good memories of our relationship over many years. George was a dear friend and he will be greatly missed by all.

With love and sympathy,

Mileva and Chris Brown
Peterborough, NH

Peggy White

February 20, 2016

Dear Sonja and family,

George was truly an inspiration on every level. His legacy will live on through all of you. Please know he will forever be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Peggy White

Peter Godeschalk

February 20, 2016

I am very saddened by the loss of GVSR he was a great leader and mentor to me. I enjoyed our friendship for the seven years that I was his assistant you will be missed. May the Great Architectect of the Unerverse look over the family on this rough and rugged road.

My Sincere condolences to the Vukasin Family,

Peter Godeschalk

tom lovely

February 19, 2016

Dear Sonja and Family:
My heart felt sympathy to all of you. How time goes by. What a great man. Just knowing him was an honor. Sitting at courtside at a Warrior game, back in the day, was such a treat. I cherish those memories.
Tom Lovely

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