John Leutwyler

1933 - 2015

John (Jack) Connor Leutwyler

July 4, 1933 - October 2, 2015

John (Jack) Connor Leutwyler died of natural causes at the age of 82 on October 2, 2015 at The Redwoods skilled nursing facility in Mill Valley, California. Jack was born in Savannah, Georgia, on July 4, 1933 to Frank and Stella (Connor) Leutwyler. Jack was predeceased by his first wife Lavana and son Geoffrey who died in1976. He was also predeceased by his brother Frank. He is survived by his wife Jean, sons Matthew and Michael (Scott) and stepsons Tatum, Nathan and Bob Holt and his and granddaughters.

Jack attended Benedictine Military School in Savannah, and then received his Bachelor's of Science degree in chemical engineering from Clemson University in 1955. In 1961 he received a PhD. in chemical engineering from Yale University. He also studied at the University of Paris-Sorbonne under a Fulbright Grant from 1959-1960.

He was employed by Chevron Corporation, in multiple capacities, until his retirement in April of 1996. He was Vice President and General Manager of operations for Chevron Shipping Company, the marine transportation subsidiary of Chevron. He also served as liaison with his company's interests in Kazakhstan, as well as in positions in strategic planning, traffic and chartering, and corporate logistics and trading.

Jack enjoyed a wide range of interests and hobbies. He loved fishing, worldwide travel, skiing, classical music, ballet and opera. He was a devoted dog owner, and often took his dogs in the fields to hunt birds. He held a membership in the Olympic Club, and was an enthusiastic sports fan, whether cheering on his sons at school athletic events, or rooting for the San Francisco Giants and Forty Niners. He loved to cook his favorite Southern fried chicken and enjoyed dinner parties in the Larkspur home he shared with his family.

He was committed to his wife Jean, his stepsons and sons. His love and support of his family, along with his numerous close friends, was the core of his life. And the many visits from family and friends who were close to him made his difficult later years bearable. For all the support during his decline, the family extends their profound gratitude. We wish to thank his caregivers in Santa Rosa, Bot and Ed Alicdan and the staff at The Redwoods.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 114 King Street, in Larkspur on October 24, at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hospice by the Bay in Larkspur.