Blaine Janin Obituary

Blaine Covington Janin

Blaine Covington Janin, age 72, died peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2015 surrounded by family and friends at UCSF Hospital in San Francisco, California.

He is survived by his wife Susan and their two Maine Coon cats, Lilly and Sammy. He is also survived by his brother Henry Huntington ("Hunt") Janin, his nieces, Michele Janin (Tom Linebarger), Nicole Janin Sheehan (Andy) and Melanie Janin Robadey (Jean-Luis), his nieces' children Alexandra, Emily, Alexander, Justin, Layne, Julian, Luca, Alicia and Juliette, and his devoted caregivers, Darcy Alexander and Choi Reyes.

Blaine was born in San Francisco California on November 29, 1942 to Henry Covington Janin originally of Chiselhurst England and Evelyn Ewing Salisbury originally of Salt Lake City Utah. He resided in San Francisco during his entire lifetime. Blaine graduated from Stanford University in 1965 and from Boalt Hall School of Law in 1968.

He served in Vietnam first as a pilot of F-4 Phantom jets. On his 186th mission, his plane was hit by a missile over Hanoi. He successfully flew the disintegrating jet out to the coast where he and his navigator ejected and were rescued. Thereafter he served at the MACV headquarters in Saigon.

After his military service, he began his legal career at Pillsbury Madison and Sutro. He and two friends later formed their own law firm Horning Janin and Harvey where he enjoyed practicing law for many years. Ultimately he became a solo practitioner and continued practicing law until his retirement in 2011.

He married his wife Susan in 1990 and they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary shortly before his death. He and Susan divided their time between their homes in San Francisco and the Russian River. Blaine and Susan both loved to travel and they cruised around the world for several months each year.

Blaine loved cooking and was a fabulous gourmet cook, much to Susan's delight and relief. His other passions included opera, gardening, and photography.

A private celebration of his life will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Francisco SPCA or another animal welfare organization of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from May 19 to May 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Blaine Janin

11 Entries

Bob Portnoy

October 3, 2020

In updating my sound system recently I came across some rather humorous exchanges I had with Blaine when he and I arranged the purchase of some QUAD ESL 63 speakers from London in 1984. His very clever dealings with the various authorities made our purchases painless. in my last contact with him, he was blowing speaker and amplifier fuses left and right!
How sad to see that Blaine left us in 2015. RIP.

Robin Briggs

September 13, 2019

Susan - I was the Office Manager at Horning, Janin & Harvey. They gave me my first break into management. Blaine was one of my favorites, and he supported me during my growth as a manager, among staff who were older than me. I will always remember my time with Rick, Blaine and Peter. Now that I am retired, I am looking up old friends. I am so sad that Blaine is no longer with us. He was a true gem of a person. My best to you - Robin Briggs

Malcolm Kelso

July 8, 2015

I remember Blame very well. We met at a summer school together at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach. He had a good sense of hummer and we managed to stay out of trouble which was a accomplishment. I also remember his Dad Chrysler 300DBlame was very taken with it. Not many of our background served in the Military or went to Viet Nam, it was a credit to who he was as a man that he did. He was a good man. An man is remember by the deeds he leaves behind.

David Simpson

June 6, 2015

I worked in the same office with Blaine in Vietnam where I knew him as a colleague, friend, and mentor. A thoughtful, independent-minded, fun-loving, and good-humored man. Remembering him now, I think of gourmet lunches in downtown Saigon and his desktop tape deck, which was always loaded with Mozart and Puccini. Sail on, Captain J.

Binky Monjauze

May 23, 2015

Blaine was always a kind and loving person and friend. His love of opera was contagious (especially Madam Butterfly) and his sense of humor a joy. My condolences to his loved ones. I know he will be sorely missed.

May 20, 2015

I will miss Blaine's wit. His stories of Star always entertained me. My condolences to the family.

Dominique Mondini

May 20, 2015

My brother from another mother.......RIP Blaine
Dominique Monjauze Mondini

May 20, 2015

My brother from another mother.....RIP Blaine
Dominique

Rick Bradley

May 20, 2015

P.S.2 When Blain was getting his law degree form Boalt in 1958, I was just starting my law practice with a firm in the new Alcoa Bldg. at 34, after 10 years in claims for ins. cos., while I attending night law school at GGU and I too practiced in San Francisco (and Marin),but only to 2007.
Blaine was on Pacific Ave. in Pacific Heights during the "good old days."
He came from a fine family and made them proud of him for his accomplishments.
God Bless.

The driveway across from the Janins' 1959

Rick Bradley

May 20, 2015

P.S.1 As an 82 year old friend of the Janin family from the 40s and 50s, who was stationed at Naval Air Facility, Oppma, Japan during the Korean War, has a BA for U.C. Berkeley and a trial practice in S.F. and Marin for 40 years, I am proud of Blaine's accomplishments, especially his being a pilot of an F-4 in Vietnam that included being hit by a missle, safely ejected and was rescued!
What a guy! May he rest in peace.

2716 Pacific Ave. 1958

Rick Bradley

May 20, 2015

The Covington Janin family lived across the street from the driveway into my Grandparents' home at 2716 Pacific Ave. (1906-1966) and were friends of the family.
My heart goes out to Susan and the Janin family.
God Bless You, Rick Bradley

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