Danforth JOSLYN

1930 - 2017

JOSLYN, Danforth March 12, 1930 - February 9, 2017 Danforth "Dan" Joslyn died of natural causes in Santa Rosa on February 9, 2017, having lived a full life of 86 years. Born into poverty, Dan worked hard to make a better life for the ones who were dear to him. Raised in Washington D.C. by his mother Sue Lee and stepfather Sergeant Saul Matosky, Dan worked on a dairy farm, earning funds to attend George Washington University in Washington DC. While there, he met Mary Landers, a chemistry major who was in his German class. They married in December 1952, and graduated with BS degrees in 1953. Dan served in the army during the Korean War, then returned to George Washington University for law school, graduating in 1958. While at GW, Dan joined Rolf Illsley, who had founded a tech start-up, which later became Optical Coating Laboratories, or OCLI. In 1959, OCLI relocated to Santa Rosa, built a factory and became a well-regarded company and major Sonoma County employer. Dan became its President and COO in 1981. As OCLI's business expanded, Dan traveled broadly for business and was fascinated with the world. Dan and Mary raised two children, and had started taking time together when Mary died in February 1987 of cancer. Dan found solace and renewal with a family friend, Judith Bolander, whom he married in April 1988. Dan and Judy created a new life together and Judy's three children joined the family. From 1988 - 1993, Dan was President and CEO of Flex, a Joint Venture between OCLI, and Imperial Chemical Industries of Britain. After "retiring" in 1993, Dan continued to work for new tech start-ups until 2005. Dan's later years were filled with grandchildren, who delighted him with their fresh energy and curious ways. Dan loved to laugh and tell stories about his days as a "lad on the farm" and his business adventures. As Judy's health failed, they moved to assisted living, where Judy died in December 2012. Dan is survived by his brother, Myer, his children Geoff, Nanette, Ivar, Katie and Ame, and grandchildren Kara, Brian, Drew, Tony, Eric, Bradyn, Andrew, Alivia and Paris. A memorial service will be held on April 1, 2017, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., at the Fountaingrove Inn, 101 Fountaingrove Pkwy in Santa Rosa.