Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Dirkes Obituary
George was a prominent tax attorney, specializing in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. He was a partner of Bancroft and McAlister, joining the firm in 1974. He was a graduate of Bucknell University and St. John's University School of Law. After serving as a Captain in US Army Intelligence, he received a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in New York State and California and was admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He co-authored a practice book entitled "California Trust Practice" and was a contributing author to "California Will Drafting." He lectured and wrote extensively in the areas of estate planning, and estate and trust administration.
George was a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, and State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He was a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the former chair of the Bar Association of the San Francisco Probate and Trust Law Section.
For years, George was selected by his peers for inclusion in "The Best Lawyers in America" and as a "Super Lawyer," placing him in the top 5% of attorneys in Northern California. These designations, however, meant little to him. What he valued was the close friendships and relationships he had with so many of his clients. He was family to many of them.
George was a former mayor of the Town of Ross, California and served as a planning commissioner of the City of Larkspur. He served on the Board of Directors of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust and was chair for several years. He was a member of the Meadow Club, Congregation Rodef Sholom and Wood River Jewish Community in Ketchum, ID. George currently served on the Advisory Board of SF Achievers and on the Legacy/Planned Giving Committee of Congregation Rodef Sholom.
His professional life allowed him to enjoy the things that he valued the most: weekly Grandpa time with his dear Carter and Ella, reading and classical music, crosswords, golf, biking, skiing, and fly fishing with his buddies. He and Gail traveled the world together and loved the time spent with family and friends. He had so many friends. In his soul, he was a simple man who gave his heart to so many. He will forever be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Services at Congregation Rodef Sholom and burial at Mount Tamalpias Cemetery were held on Wednesday, December 9th. There will be a gathering at George and Gail's home at 7 pm on Saturday, December 12.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made in George's name to SF Achievers (244 Kearny Street, 6th Floor, SF 94108), Canal Alliance (91 Larkspur Street, San Rafael 94901), Marin Agricultural Land Trust (PO Box 908, Point Reyes 94956), Congregation Rodef Sholom (170 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael 94903) or to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Dirkes
Patrick Donohue
December 1, 2024
I can´t believe George has been gone for 10 years. Our relationship began through work, but after so many years of his incredible advice, it became a personal friendship. He was such a kind man and whenever I needed advice he was my go to guy! I´m sure he´s looking down at all of us and smiling. That would be the George I knew!
Hugh Heller
December 1, 2023
Miss you George. Finally moved out to Marin, as you urged me to do over 40 years ago.
Hugh Heller
January 3, 2016
George and I were classmates and friends at St Johns Univ. Law School. We kept in touch pretty regularly until a few years ago. My wife and I are visiting our son and daughter in law in San Rafael and just learned of this very sad news.
Our condolences to Gail and Jane.
Hugh and Leslie Heller
December 13, 2015
What a wonderfully intelligent and pleasant gentleman George was! I was privileged to know and work with George during the Bancroft, Avery & McAlister years, and always appreciated George's chuckle and professional demeanor -- friendly but still the height of business. He helped me with a personal matter -- small in contrast to his normal work -- and never felt he considered my issue any less important.
It was an honor to know George, and I am sure those loved ones he leaves behind will go forward as he would want, with courage and the knowledge that he loved them as they love him.
Melissa Batchelder
Lanny Udell
December 13, 2015
I didn't have the privilege of knowing George, but listening to his friends and dear ones talk about him, I feel like I missed the opportunity to know a wonderful person. My heartfelt condolences to Gail and the rest of the family.
December 12, 2015
My heart is just breaking after reading this. George and I became friends after he asked for some help with his fitness goals. I worked with George for about 3 years and learned so much about compassion for others from George. When I needed help after the death of my mother, George stepped right up offering professional advice at a very difficult time for me. I am living out of the country right now and have just learned of this. Sending many blessings and healing thoughts.
Tarri O'Donnell
Marlea Taylor, CPA
December 11, 2015
I had the honor and the privilege of working with George professionally over the years, and he was an intelligent and courteous man with deep integrity and respect.
My kindest thoughts go out to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Tina Luster
December 10, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. I connected with your family during the long wait when both of our loved ones were in ICC and surgery last week. Thank you for reaching out to me in a difficult time for you. I didn't know George, but meeting, for a brief moment, his sons and wife, I can see that he was a good man. My sympathies are with you at this time.
Alicia Levin
December 10, 2015
The strength of George's character was evidenced by the many people who took time out of their day to pay respects. A person's friends are a strong testimonial to a person's strengths. Special wishes are being sent to his wife Gail (a treasured friend) and to his children and grandchildren. With love, Alicia
Sarah Cameron Lerer
December 10, 2015
George was a pleasure to know and to work with. I am so sad for Gail, his family and all the rest of his friends. His memory will indeed be a blessing.
Carol Waxman
December 9, 2015
George was such a kind, intelligent and thoughtful person. He was too young to leave this world.
Sabrina Roblin
December 8, 2015
George was a good-hearted, generous man and an excellent lawyer. He made such a difference by helping with a challenging family transition and trust settlement. My heart goes out to Gail and the family for their loss.
December 8, 2015
A great friend and fraternity brother who remained in contact through many years and miles. George and I plus four or five fraternity brothers were in attendance in Hershey, PA in 1962 when Wilt Chamberlain, playing for the Philadelphia Warriors, scored 100 points! We told stories and laughed about that night every time we got together. A great friend who was kind and generous and kind to everybody! Dick Leslie
Debby Hamolsky
December 8, 2015
George was a man of strength,kindness and integrity. His wonderful humor could light a room. He had a capacity to listen and hear at frequencies most of us don't hear. I am honored to have known him and and to have witnessed and experienced his generosity, his intelligence and his authentic humanity. I will miss his stories and the gifts of knowing him more.
To his family - who I do not know - he loved you! That I do know.
To Gail, I am so happy for you that you have shared in his life with him and I so ache for you at his loss.
Patrick Donohue
December 8, 2015
George was my hero! As a client he guided me through many situations, that I wouldn't have the knowledge or expertise to handle! He will be missed by many people, family, friends and clients. He is in my thoughts and prayers! Never met a more admirable man!
Lucinda Lee
December 8, 2015
We will all miss the special friendship that George gave to each of us; he was always full of wise advice, great stories, wonderful smiles, and kind words. We take your example with us everywhere. Much love to the family of sweet George; thanks for sharing him with his lawyer buddies.
Larry McFadden
December 8, 2015
It is with great sadness I learned today of George's passing. He was a dear friend whose wisdom and friendship I treasured. We both served on the MALT Board for several years and I came to love him like a brother. Unfortunately, i am out of the country until next year so will be unable to attend the services but my love and thoughts will be with his family.
Steve Isaacs
December 8, 2015
He was a special person, who will be missed by many.
Mount Tamalpais Mortuary Cemetery-Mausoleum-Cremation
December 7, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
Make a Donation
in George Dirkes's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for George Dirkes
How to support George's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor George Dirkes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
