Michael Joseph "Joe" Hester

Michael Joseph "Joe" Hester April 16, 1932 - May 29, 2012 Proud Oakland Resident Heaven gained a new angel on Tuesday, as our beloved Dad joined the chorus with his booming Irish tenor. His battle with cancer over, he left us peacefully, surrounded by his family and secure in his faith. Dad was born in Oakland, CA to Michael and Maureen Hester of Co. Roscommon, Ireland. He attended St. Cyril's, then on to St. Joseph's Minor Seminary in Mountain View. He continued his studies at St. Patrick's Major Seminary in Menlo Park. Joe had a different calling and left the seminary to attend Santa Clara University. The Korean Conflict had him drafted to the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany. Upon his return stateside, he chose the school of hard knocks and went right into McGuire and Hester, helping to lead the company for over 50 years as President, CEO and mentor to the next generation. Dad had the opportunity to work with his father, brother and countless other family members over the years. McGuire and Hester was a family organization and Dad's inclusiveness created the larger family that is McGuire and Hester today. He taught his children and employees the value of hard work, commitment to core values and the pride and responsibility of a job well done. A testament to his leadership is McGuire and Hester's continued success and celebration of over 86 years of contracting in the Bay Area and its expert and loyal staff who endeared themselves to Dad. Dad met the love of his life in Mary Van Lahr. They married in 1962 in LaCanada/Flintridge, CA. Dad bought the family home on Turner Avenue in Oakland and in that home raised 11 children, and welcomed countless foster children. Dad was a father figure to many. The door was always open and there was always room for one more. Dad always had a dream of owning more land, and this dream was realized when he bought his ranch in Stonyford. Never was Dad more relaxed than at the ranch, catching up on all his old newspapers and watching his children and grandchildren work the cattle. His dream house was completed this week. Dad, we know the green hills and black cattle brought you great joy. Thank you for that gift. We will be sure your dream of space for everyone is well utilized! Dad was proud of all things Catholic, Irish and Oakland. He was passionate about his family, his work and committed to education. He was especially generous in support of Catholic education, and headed many projects at Bishop O'Dowd, St. Elizabeth and St. Joe's High Schools. He followed his father's footsteps in generous support of St. Vincent DePaul and at Holy Names University. As life brought him towards his life dream of a ranch, his generosity extended north through organizations and individuals he touched. Dad was so proud of his Irish heritage and worked to maintain his relationship with "the old country." He first brought his family "home" in 1981, and countless trips and phone calls have been exchanged since. We can't thank Dad enough for the strong roots and the wings to make these relationships possible and so alive. Thanks to Ireland for welcoming him back for his final trip in 2009. It meant the world to him and Mom. We had the party of a lifetime for Dad's 80th in April. He was so happy and humbled the entire day. Thanks again to all, including our Irish cousins who made the trip in person and in spirit. All there felt Dad's love. Dad had the gift of storytelling, but more importantly the ability to listen and make a real connection. This is the gift that drew people to Dad. Dad also loved a good obituary. The "Irish sports page" was never missed! We know he's reading this, so we hope we did you proud, Dad. Dad was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Maureen, his daughter Kathleen and his brother Robert. We know many were waiting for him and sure someone had a Manhattan in hand for him. He waited a long time for that! He is survived by his wife Mary, with whom he shared so close to 50 years of marriage; his brother Fr. John Hester and sister Sr. Maureen Hester, SNJM, and his children Mike (Janice), Pegge (Mike) Deely, Colleen (Paul) Ustach, Kevin (Amy), John, Moira, Tim, Annie, Matt, Rich and Allen. "JoJo" to his grandchildren Nichola, Tyler, Molly and Ben Hester; Tina, Jack, Pat, Claire and Seamus Deely; Kaz, Cy, Stan and Mary Ustach; and Claudia and Ella Hester. Joe also leaves many nieces and nephews and countless cousins both in the States and Ireland. A Celebration of Life and will be held on Saturday June 2, 2012 at 10:00 am. at Holy Spirit (Newman Hall) 2700 Dwight Way at College in Berkeley,CA. Mom requests no flowers. Please honor Dad in the charity of your choice, or FACE (Family Aid to Catholic Education) 2121 Harrison Street, Oakland, 94612.