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Herbert Mager

1942 - 2018

Herbert Mager obituary, 1942-2018, Oakland, Ca

Herbert Mager Obituary

Herbert Leonard Mager Jr.

June 9, 1942 - October 16, 2018

Herbert Leonard Mager Jr, died on October 16, 2018, at his home in Oakland. He was 76 years old.

Herb leaves behind his mom, Daisy; his sister, Debbie; his son, Evan; his daughter-in-law, Liz; his twin granddaughters, Isabelle and Victoria; and his girlfriend, Janet. Herb also leaves behind countless friends and many extended family members. Herb was married for 43 years to his wife, Bonnie, who died in 2015.

Herb had a social and intellectual life that brought him great joy. He audited classes at UC Berkeley and was becoming an expert in European history. He helped found a men's book group in 2000 that still meets every month. He joined and, at times, helped lead the Claremont Club in Berkeley. He supported many local theater companies in the Bay Area. He participated in a group that gathered every month to read Shakespeare plays. He traveled California and the world with Janet. He spent lots of time with his granddaughters, sharing with them all the things he loved.

In addition, Herb was a ravenous reader, a great writer of limericks, a sincere Anglophile, a master of word games, a proud Oakland resident, and a loving father, grandfather, and husband. He had visited 48 American states and more than 20 countries.

Herb was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 9, 1942, to Herb (Senior) and Daisy Mager. He was proud of his Cleveland roots, a pride he shared with the close-knit extended Mager family who all lived nearby on the West Side. He attended Western Reserve Academy for high school. Herb then went to Harvard, from which he graduated in 1964 with his undergraduate degree in math.

After serving in the Army for two years, Herb attended business school at UC Berkeley and graduated with his MBA in 1969. At Berkeley, he met Bonnie Braniger while folk-dancing. They were married in 1971, lived in London together in 1973, returned to live in Oakland, and had Evan, their only child, in 1976. Herb and Bonnie traveled all over America and Europe together throughout their marriage. Herb worked for Bank of America for 38 years, where he eventually became a vice president working in technology. He retired from the bank in 2007.

Herb will be greatly missed by his friends and family. A memorial service will be held after the new year, but no date is set. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donating in Herb's name to the Friends of the Oakland Public Library (fopl.org).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 5 to Nov. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Mager

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Serena Richardson

November 14, 2018

It is with great sadness I learned of Herb's passing, cousin of my dear friend Nan. While I did not know him well, we only met once or twice, I know he was an important and positive touchstone in Nan's life. He will be missed. All my love to Nan and her family.

David Hanna

November 13, 2018

Herb and I were in the same 1969 UC Berkeley MBA class. He accepted at position at Bank of America in their new Management Sciences department and told me they were hiring. With that information I applied and thus began my career at the bank. We worked together for several years when our careers took slightly different directions. I lost touch with Herb decades ago but remember him as the thoughtful man who helped me start my work at Bank of America.

James Eyres

November 10, 2018

My condolences to family. Herb and I joined the Management Sciences Dept of Bank of America 1969-70, both fresh out of the Army. We were friends who composed items for Herb Caen and laughed a lot. I would like to attend his memorial if possible. [email protected]

Linda/Peter Boero

November 8, 2018

Dearest Evan and Family:
Your mom and dad were truly exceptional people....many great memories of fun on Mathieu Avenue and the never-ending hospitality and good company with Herb and Bonnie.
God bless,
Linda and Peter Boero

Lc

November 6, 2018

My condolences to the family. May the joyful memories of your loved one sustain you and may the God of peace comfort you. Jeremiah 29:11,12.

November 6, 2018

Sorry for your loss May the God of Comfort give Comfort to the family at this time of bereavement. God gives mankind hope at Revelatio

RK

November 6, 2018

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences at this time of your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1, 2

November 6, 2018

Sorry for your loss.May the God of comfort give you strength and your memories give you you peace. 2 Cotinthians3,4

November 6, 2018

I'm very sorry for your loss. May prayer comfort you at this time. 1 Thessalonians 5: 17, " pray constantly "

November 6, 2018

Condolences to the family and friends at this sad time,may the words of Acts 94:18,19 bring comfort at this time.

November 6, 2018

I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. 1 Peter 5 : 7. C M

Earnie Ray

November 6, 2018

My deepest sympathy to your family . May you keep in mind the hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time . John 17:3

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