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WILLIAM GAUS Obituary
William A. Gaus, distinguished attorney, faithful husband, and beloved father of six, died September 21, 2012 at age 67. He was married to Therese B. Gaus for 34 years.
Bill, a partner at Dillingham & Murphy LLP in San Francisco, was born June 2, 1945 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Arthur and Laura Sheerin Gaus. After graduating from Beloit College in 1966, he served in the Peace Corps as a math teacher in the Philippines. In 1971, he completed his law degree from Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of Law Review and Order of the Coif. He taught at University of Michigan Law School before beginning his practice as an appellate lawyer with the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C. In 1974, he was hired by Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro in San Francisco, where he met his wife Therese. In 1978, they married and settled in the Haight-Ashbury. Thereafter, Bill became a partner of Pillsbury, Madison & Sutro.
In his employment law practice, Bill was a leading trial lawyer who successfully argued precedent setting cases before the California Supreme Court and the National Labor Relations Board. Among other distinctions, he co-authored Defense of Equal Employment (McGraw-Hill, 1982) and was named Employment Lawyer of the Year in 2000 by California Lawyer. Through his litigation, trials, publications, and ongoing counsel, he left a considerable mark on employment law both in California and nationally.
A longtime parishioner of St. Agnes Church, Bill sat on the board of Catholic Charities and served his community most memorably as the coach of CYO basketball and baseball teams.
Bill was adored by his children, who especially enjoyed attending baseball games with their father, a longtime Giants season ticket holder. His wry good humor, wisdom, and humble generosity will be dearly missed.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Therese, children Joe, Arthur, Ann, Edward, Paul, and William, brothers Andy and David, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 1st at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Church, 1025 Masonic Ave., San Francisco, CA. 94117. Donations may be made to St. Agnes Church in memory of William A. Gaus
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM GAUS
Lucia Savage
October 8, 2012
I am so sad to learn this news. Bill was a treasured colleague and advisor, and I know what a family man he was, and I know what a tragedy thisis for the Gaus family. I am holding you in my prayers.
Maureen McGinley
September 29, 2012
Dear Terry:
I am so sorry for your loss and will remember you all in my prayers.
September 29, 2012
Terry,
As an old friend of Andy, you and Bill have been part of the fabric of our friendship for many years, despite the fact that we are on opposite coasts. Through Andy, I enjoyed knowing about your happy marriage, your great kids, and wonderful life together. May your many memories and your family's loving support buoy you through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children, as are those of Andy's friends, Hal and Leslie Lockhart. All the best, Judy Gibian
Melanie Mah
September 29, 2012
Dear Mrs. Gaus, Joe, Arthur, Eddie, Annie, Paul and Bimi,
I am so sorry to hear about your recent loss. I know that there are no adages or words to instantly relieve your sorrow but know that I am thinking of you and that all of us are here for you. I will always remember Mr. Gaus at CYO games and you all being a huge part of Matthew's childhood. All of you make a strong, beautiful, and supportive family and Mr. Gaus will always be in your hearts. I know firsthand that this is a very difficult and trying time and if there is anything we can do for you please let us know. We love you and care deeply for you and will remember Mr. Gaus as an admirable pillar of strength. Sending you my love.
Melanie Mah
September 28, 2012
I wish I could be there for the funeral. Bill was warm and unique and I can hardly imagine a world without him. I will pray for comfort for Andy, Terry, all the children, and David.
September 28, 2012
Dear Terry and family,
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy. We admired and loved your Bill.
-Mary, Melanie and Matthew Mah
Melissa Choy
September 28, 2012
Dear Terry and family:
Tim, Arianne, Alec and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. We have many fond memories of Bill as a coach and dad. Our thoughts are with you.
The Mar Family
September 28, 2012
Dear Terry and Family,
Our heart goes out to you on the loss of a wonderful Dad and husband. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Cassinelli Family
September 27, 2012
Bill and I were close friends in high school. We went to a Beatles concert together in 1964. I remember Bill standing on his chair and shouting, "Ringo, I love you!" I am saddened by his death.
Molly and Jock Hooprr
September 27, 2012
My heart and thoughts are with you. I am on the East Coast and won't be back until midNovember. Iam so so sorry. Jock joins me in sending love to you and yours, Molly Hooper
Richard & Barbara Aguilera
September 26, 2012
So very sorry for your loss.
September 26, 2012
Dear Terry: Pearl and I are praying for you and your children. We cannot come to the funeral Monday because we will be in Paris. We are going to Lourdes and we will pray for you when we are there. Your old neighbors Leonard and Pearl
Fitzpatrick
Lisa & Mary Gaus
September 26, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gaus family.
September 25, 2012
We were very saddened to hear this news. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Terry and all of their children.
Lynn and Bud Oakley
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