George Stephen Dolim

1925 - 2018

George Stephen Dolim, FAIA
Jan. 2, 1925 - March 21, 2018
Resident of San Mateo
For nearly 64 years George was the beloved and devoted husband of Ruth C. Dolim and loving father of Stephen Dolim and his wife, Margie (Granite Bay), Clare Dolim (San Mateo), Judith Shafer (Seattle), and Gregory Dolim (Portland), and the cherished grandfather of Michael and Stephanie Dolim, and Lilian and Charles Shafer. He was surrounded by his loving family during his final days at home. Preceded in death by his brothers James, Frank, Loren and John Dolim.
George, born in Wailuku, Maui, graduated high school from St. Louis Academy, Honolulu. In 1948, he earned his Bachelors and Masters in Architecture from UC Berkeley, where he was an active member of the Theta Chi fraternity. George began his 62-year career at Hertzka & Knowles (H&K) in San Francisco (1948-2010), retiring as President. In 1986, George was inducted as an honored Fellow of the AIA (American Institute of Architects). In 1997, he accepted the Special 25-year Award for Excellence in Design from CC-AIA for H&K's lead in the architectural design of the Crown Zellerbach Building, San Francisco.
Inspired by Clare, who has Cerebral Palsy, George dedicated his energy and talents to removing physical barriers for people with disabilities. Since 1966, George was a key leader in the establishment of the Recreation Center for the Handicapped (now the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center). He was active in all aspects of the design, development, and community awareness for the Center, on the Board as President, as Director Emeritus and ultimately as the 1996 recipient of the Banner of Love Humanitarian Award.
For over 30 years, George raised awareness for the needs of people with disabilities through his work with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) in roles as National President, Board Member and President of UCP California. George was awarded UCP's 1981 National Roger Firestone Award for his advocacy of people with disabilities. In 1972, Gov. Reagan appointed George to the CA State Developmental Disabilities Planning & Advisory Council. At the forefront of ADA law, he served on the CA Council of the AIA Committee on Environments for People with Special Needs from 1973-76. In 1983, President Reagan invited George to the White House for the Signing Ceremony for the Proclamation of the Decade of the Disabled Persons 1983-92.
George was involved with many activities including St. Catherine Church & School, the Olympic Club, Family Club, Serra High and Mercy High Schools. A member of the Family Club for 28 years, George was Captain of Camp 49, worked feverishly on myriad stage set designs for shows and was recognized as a Knight of Appreciation for his many contributions.
George loved gathering for family dinners and hearing stories from his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins. George enjoyed oil painting and filled his home with beautiful land- and cityscape's. George was humble, patient, and filled with passion. As a devout Catholic, his love of God, family and life was apparent to all who knew him — he will be missed by all.
Memorial Services
Rosary: Friday, April 13, 2018, 7pm at Crosby-N.Gray & Co. Funeral Home, Burlingame, CA
Mass: Saturday, April 14, 2018, 12:30 pm at St. Catherine of Siena, Burlingame, CA. Reception to follow in the parish hall.
Memorial Gifts: Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center, San Francisco, or St. Catherine


View the online memorial for George Stephen Dolim, FAIA