Eugene L. Friend

FRIEND, Eugene L. - Born on August 16, 1916 at Mount Zion Hospital in San Francisco, passed away in his apartment on June 26, 2005 after a long illness. The son of immigrants from Poland and Russia and an only child, Gene worked through his school years with his parents in a cap manufacturing business. After graduation from Lowell High School and the University of California, Berkeley, Gene and his parents began a men's clothing business called Howard's Clothing on Market Street. Gene was the haberdasher to many and had a special ability to sell clothing during the stylish '40s and '50s. During and since his involvement with Howard's, he became involved in the real estate business and was an advisor to many retail businesses and philanthropies. "Gene," as he was known to family and friends, was a leader in both the general and the Jewish community, serving on numerous municipal commissions and boards of directors. In an interview which he gave in 2002, Friend said that "I love the city of San Francisco, and I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve this wonderful community." Gene was the quintessential Commissioner on the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission where he was seated for 24 years, the majority as commission president. He left an indelible mark on the restoration of Golden Gate Park and the Zoo, and the Park Department thrived under his leadership. Gene had a reputation for being able to see issues clearly, ask direct questions and get things done. Gene has also served as president and vice-chairman of the Koret Foundation where he was instrumental in helping Joseph Koret to establish a foundation that gives numerous gifts throughout the community. Gene also served the City as a commissioner on the Parking Authority, a charter member of the Bay Area Conservation and Development Commission, and as president of the Market Street Development Project. He served as trustee to the University of San Francisco, the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, Mount Zion Hospital, and the Fromm Institute for Lifelong Learning. He was president of the American Friends of the Hebrew University NW States region as well as the Lake Merced Golf and Country Club. Gene Friend was honored for his many community contributions, including his receipt of the Hebrew University's Scopus Award, the UCSF Medal, and the Banner of Love from the Recreation Center for the Handicapped. His colleagues lauded him for his ability to give civic and philanthropic projects the leadership boost that they needed for success. His last name was well suited to him as many remarked "no one could have a better friend than Gene." Gene and his wife, Elinor, to whom he was married for over 65 years, made their affection for the city tangible with significant contributions to numerous organizations. Gene's pride in San Francisco was second only to that in his family, who he valued most highly and who were always his first priority. He will be dearly missed by sons, Bob and Don; daughters-in-law, Michelle and Janie; and grandchildren, Nicole and her husband Gar; Benjamin, Jason and Lauren. A Memorial Service at Congregation Emanu-El at Lake St and Arguello Blvd. in SF, will be held Tues, June 28 (today) at 4:00 pm. The Friend Family requests that contributions honoring Gene Friend's memory be made to the Jewish Home or the charity of one's choice.