Proctor Patterson Jones Jr.

1952 - 2025

Proctor Patterson Jones, Jr.
07/17/1952 - 04/09/2025
Proctor died at home on April 9, 2025, at 72 after a prolonged illness. The second son of Proctor and Martha Jones, he was raised in San Francisco, attended Grant Elementary School, Cathedral School for Boys, Shawnigan Lake School (British Columbia), Midland Academy, and graduated from Washington High School. Like his father, Proctor was a photographer, and they worked on many travel/photographic books together, including the Dawn of Glasnost, given by President Reagan to President Gorbachev on his visit to the US, as well as several Napoleonic tomes.
Moving to Paris after high school, he worked at Mother Earth's Café, a gathering place for artists and Americans, and as a bartender at Joe Allen's for several years. He developed a passion for all things French, as well as a command of the language, and made a pilgrimage to France at least annually throughout his life.
Proctor was known for his artistic sensibilities and zest for life, much of which was inspired by his lifetime friendships with restaurateur Enrico Banducci, writer Curt Gentry, cowboy Bob Cecchini, artist Tony Dingman, and poet Gino Sky, all of whom encouraged him to live life to its fullest, to never sacrifice the creative, and to value good fellowship. Proctor was a skilled cook, who loved to entertain, and his parties were known for their good food and drink, bawdy jokes, music, and unusual hats. Often seen zipping along in his Vespa from Sutro Heights to North Beach, in search of fabulous foods at his favorite places - Swan Oyster Depot, Little City Market and Lucca's Deli.
He adored San Francisco with its vibrant history and colorful personalities and was a guide at Mr. Toad's Tours, as well as taking many on tours throughout the City in his beloved Model A Ford with its distinctive horn, which he rang to smiles and waves. He also was a fixture at Café Trieste, where he took immense pleasure in the warm friendships garnered over coffee and conversation.
He was a devoted husband of thirty-two years, and his greatest joy was his daughter, Alice May Pfeffer Tugboat Jones. Proctor was a full-time dad - determined to raise a cultured San Franciscan by encouraging sailing, scuba, and accordion lessons - none of which stuck. Instead, he imparted values of kindness, curiosity and an open-hearted approach to life: a willingness to befriend a stranger and to always offer a seat at the table; a staunch need to be early and slightly over-dressed; and a deep admiration for the natural beauty of California. He delighted in sharing the redwoods with Alice and his beloved Stinson Beach and instilled in her an unwavering pride and gratitude in being a part of the most beautiful city in the world.
He took grand joy in the fellowship he received as a member of the Bohemian Club, Olympic Club, St. Francis Yacht Club, and the Travellers Club in Paris. He is survived by his wife Leslie Ward and daughter Alice, brother, John Beverly, and sisters Martha Griffinger and Jessica Jones; eleven nieces and nephews; and his beloved cats, Polly and Jacques. Special thanks to the wonderful gentlemen that took care of him over the last three years. Your patience deserves a toast! There will be a celebration of his life later this summer. Donations to his memory may be made in his name to the San Francisco Historical Society.