Leonard Peter Delmas

1929 - 2015

Leonard Peter Delmas "A SPECIAL PRESENCE" December 17, 1929 ~ November 13, 2015 Life with Len was fun, boundless energy, happy personality, he loved to tease with a quick wit. He was a gentle giant with an infectious smile and a memorable grip who never forgot a face and had a photographic memory for names and numbers. Len was a man of his word. At 19 Len took Patti Broderick on a date, they talked all night about their lives and what they wanted in the future. The romance of the sea had begun. Patti's Mom told her if she married Len, "her life would never be dull". They were an incredible team for 57 years. A true 'renaissance man', his resume reads like an entrepreneur's handbook: retailer in the 50's and 60's with three stores in San Francisco. Delmas and Delmas Jewelers were on Union Square, Ghirardelli Square and Stonestown. His clientele was a Who's Who of the sports world. He was the official jeweler to the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) including the Tournament of Champions for over 40 years. He designed trophies and presentation pieces for the NBA, NFL, including the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl, the American and National Leagues. Historians credit the Bob Hope Desert Classic for making the sport of golf popular and Len was there designing from the beginning, his original logo continues to be used today. 40 years of his creations are on permanent exhibition in the lobby of the Einsenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. In '69 his luck shifted. Sophisticated burglars broke into the Union Square store and stole everything, even receipts, all gone! In '71 he fell off his sailboat near midnight and was dragged around SF Bay for over 2 hours. He was only 42 years old. Faith, courage, perseverance, and willingness to never give up and confidence are what defined him, all his life. Forced to close the stores, he started a direct mail business and moved their offices to San Rafael. After those challenging times, Patti said, "Leonard, they cannot steal buildings." With the help of the Bank of Marin, they bought 'options' on land and named their company Pierpont Trust. Len and Patti became the first developers in what is now known as the Bel Marin Keys Industrial Park. He called himself 'Peter Pierpont' and he was the kind of landlord who would lower rents during tough times and was known for helping tenants and sub contractors grow their businesses. His tenacity in business was equal to his leadership in his sport. He belonged to five yacht clubs and served on several Boards, was instrumental in starting many regatta's that remain today. Len was Senior Staff Commodore and became an Honorary Life Member of the St. Francis Yacht Club, a distinction held by few. He loved racing sailboats and was a fierce fun competitor all his life. He won several Season Championships and many regattas, his racing pal Mike Figour said "he had no fear, his starts would make us shiver". At 85 he still wanted to race! In his childhood Len studied with Fred Sapman and was an accomplished pianist, recitals from age 7 to 15. A 3rd generation San Franciscan, graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep '47 and studied at USF. He served in the Merchant Marines on the Boxer and was a Signalman on the 'President Wilson' in the Navy. He and Patti moved to Marin in '55 and loved life, never ever a dull moment! He died peacefully in his home with his daughter Cinde holding his hand. He is survived by his daughters; Cinde Lou Delmas, Michele Delmas, Denise and husband Bill Sockolov, Suzanne Delmas and six grandchildren: Bryan and Mike Solari, Dana, Matt and Jill Sockolov and Samantha Burnash; also his half-sister Jaina Delmas Maier and children Rachael and Eric Maier; his niece Pam Conklin and husband Kevin Conklin and children Katie and Kasey Conklin; also nephews, Father Peter Bosque, Dominic Bosque and his family, niece Debra Evans and family. He was preceded in death by his parents Aileen Hogan Delmas and Peter Leonard Delmas, his sister Beverly "Pudge" Bosque and his "Bride" Patricia Broderick Delmas. A mass will be held on his birthday, December 17th at 10:00am, St. Ignatius Church on the USF Campus. Reception at noon at St. Francis Yacht Club. The family requests donations be made to the 'Patricia and Leonard Delmas' Scholarship Fund at St. Ignatius, 2001 37th Ave, SF CA 94116 or the UCSF Foundation, Box 45339, SF CA 94145. Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills ~ San Anselmo