David August Bossen

1927 - 2015

David August Bossen obituary, 1927-2015, San Francisco, CA

BORN

1927

DIED

2015

David Bossen Obituary

David August Bossen

January 9, 1927 - April 21, 2015

On April 21, 2015, David August Bossen, 88, entered into eternal rest at his home in Menlo Park, CA surrounded by his loving family. David is preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Ayerza and first wife of forty years, Doris Stephens. David is survived by his beloved second wife of 24 years, Darlene Bossen, and daughters, Alison Tahl, Amy Bossen, M.D., Laura Gomez (Eddy), and stepson, David Phelps. Dave leaves behind 9 grandchildren and one great grandson.

David was born on January 9, 1927 in Clinton, Iowa. Sadly, David's father, "August" died when Dave was just 12 years old. He was subsequently raised by his mother, Rose and her sister, Carey. When Dave was 14, he worked at the Post Office in Clinton and literally rode shotgun when they drove the bank deposits to Chicago.

David is a veteran of World War II serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received a fleet appointment to the Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD. After sustaining a football injury, Dave transferred to M.I.T. where he earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Industrial Nucleonics and Accu-Ray while living in Columbus, Ohio and raising his young family.

Dave thought that Digital technology was the future and thus moved the family to California in 1967 and founded Measurex (which stood for Measurement Excellence). Measurex, an Industrial Automated Process Control System manufacturer which dominated the global market in the pulp and paper industry; one of the original Silicon Valley Companies, it was traded on the NYSE. In 1997, Measurex was sold to Honeywell Industries. Mr. Bossen continued on as CEO, Chairman of the Board, and finally Chairman Emeritus when he retired in 2000.

It must be mentioned that "Mr. B", or Dave, as his employees referred to him, was as beloved and respected a CEO as has ever headed up a Silicon Valley Tech Company because he regarded and treated all his employees as family.

In his retirement, Dave traveled extensively with Darlene, loved playing golf and enjoyed a challenging game of bridge. He was a 25-year season ticket holder to the SF Giants and the 49er's; he attended 4 World Series, 2 Super Bowls, 2 US Opens, and the Masters in 2010. David truly enjoyed the spoils of a successful career and shared them with his family and friends.

Dave holds several patents. He is highly regarded as a Pioneer in the Pulp and Paper Industry, and at the time of his passing, he had been nominated to the Global Pulp and Paper Industry Hall of Fame which is to be announced in the Fall 2015.

A memorial service will be held for Dave in June (exact date and time to be determined) at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA of which he was a member for nearly 50 years.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to American Cancer Society in Dave's name.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 1 to May 3, 2015.
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Memories and Condolences
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I feel blessed having the opportunity knowing and spending some short time with the Bossen family, and could sence the greatness of Dave. So sorry that he is no longer with us. Dear Darlene, so sorry for your loss. Your friend. Yochi Lavi.

December 20, 2015

I was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Dave Bossen. We had worked together as supplier-customer for many years, during the formative era of digital process control in the pulp and paper industry. I recall having nominated him to become a Fellow of TAPPI (Technical Assn of the Pulp and Paper Industry), one his many awards as a true pioneer in process measurement and digital control. Richard M. Ludwig, VP (ret), Hammermill Paper and International Paper.

June 5, 2015

I will never forget Mr. B's way of making everyone feel ablsolutely, totally at ease and confortable with him. Here we were, a bunch of kids invading his home in Woodside, and he would greet us and play volleyball with us, cheer and drink and have fun. What a great man he was, and what great memories I shall keep with me. It was a pleasure and a distinguished honour to have met you mr. B, thanks for accepting me as your friend.
Raffaele Zallone

raffaele zallone

May 12, 2015

This was a great man, a special father, grandfather, and step-father. I know I am a better person for having "Pop" in my life! Rest in Peace Mr. B..... David Conrad Phelps

May 5, 2015

We loved you and will miss you

Dianne Newman

May 4, 2015

Semper Fi,

Scott Crumpacker

Scott Crumpacker

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

Herb USMC

May 4, 2015

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. Thank YOU for your service in The Corps,David....... And Semper Fi.

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

May 4, 2015

Sincere condolences on the your father's passing.

Walter Mackins

May 3, 2015

Love and miss you daddio.

Laura Gomez

May 3, 2015

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