David Walker Calfee

1921 - 2015

David Walker Calfee
9/23/1921 - 2/6/2015


David Calfee passed away on February 6, 2015, shortly after breakfast with his grandchildren. Dave lived by his motto "The more the merrier," always welcoming company and instigating frequent adventures with his family and friends, including swimming at the Richmond Plunge, camping on the Eel River, organizing Fourth of July carnivals and skiing at Sugar Bowl.
Dave was born on September 23, 1921 and raised in Richmond. He attended Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor degree in political science. While at Stanford, Dave met Mary Helen Bergman, whom he married in Miami, Florida after joining the Marine Corps in March, 1943. Dave and Mary Helen made Richmond their home, raising their four children, Dave, Kent, Shirley and Laura.
Dave served in the Marine Corps as a torpedo pilot in the Pacific theater. After the War, he returned to the Bay Area and attended Hastings College of the Law, from which he graduated at the top of his class. Dave practiced law until he was elected as a Municipal Court judge in 1958. He served as a judge and was known for sporting red socks and colorful bow ties, which Mary Helen made for him, until his retirement in 1981.
In Richmond Dave took great joy in serving his community. He was a member of the Richmond Rotary Club for more than sixty years, during which time he served in many capacities and formed some of the most valued relationships in his life. Additionally, he was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts and played active roles with the Richmond YMCA, AFS, and the Elks Club.
In 1985, he moved to Meadow Vista, where he and Mary Helen spent close to ten years gardening and enjoying life together until her death. In Meadow Vista, Dave built friendships and continued to serve the community. In particular, Dave became an active member of SIRS, which he enjoyed until his passing.
In 1994, Dave married Betty Stiles Hoye, with whom he was lucky to share 20 wonderful years. Dave and Betty loved to entertain, graciously hosting family and friends from near and far, who appreciated his enthusiasm for friendship, generosity and good jokes. They also enjoyed the peacocks, occasional grammar lessons and board games by the fireplace.
Dave is survived by his wife, Betty, four children, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and his many friends. He will be remembered for saying that he "had 10,000 friends and not one to spare." With his passing, we have lost a true friend, a loving husband, father and grandfather and a model of kindness.