Sylvan Heumann

Sylvan Heumann

(Photo by Steve Haag)

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Sylvan Heumann, born in San Francisco in 1925, died peacefully on October 2, 2013.

Syl led a long and full life. He could relate to anyone, regardless of their age or station in life. He was known for his endless curiosity and appetite for learning. He was beloved by so many people he touched during his long life, from the "sewing girls" in his furniture factory to his friends at numerous marinas, to all his pals at the Sky Kitchen at San Carlos Airport, where he held court and provided tech support to anyone who needed it.

Syl was a renaissance man, with diverse interests ranging from sailing to flying to astronomy to making things to all kinds of technology. Among his many accomplishments, he started the Northern California chapter of Business Executives Move for Vietnam Peace (BEM), he served on the ACLU board for 8 years and published articles in Scientific American, Sky & Telescope and Experimental Aircraft Association magazines.

Syl leaves behind a family he dearly loved: Midge, his devoted wife of 63 years, his brother, Jay, daughters Laurie May (Larry) and Wendy Heumann, son Greg (Inés). He was incredibly proud of his 3 grandchildren, Jessica May Gold, Aaron May and Andrew Heumann, each of whom was inspired and encouraged by their grandfather in different ways.

Syl had a fantastic sense of humor that he called on even during his last difficult years, regaling anyone who would listen with his jokes and Yiddish expressions. At Syl's request, no services will be held. Contributions may be made to the ACLU or The New Israel Fund.