Search by Name

Search by Name

Jeff Lockwood Obituary

Jeff Lockwood
July 10, 1945 - July 29, 2023
Jeff Lockwood died peacefully early Saturday morning on July 29th with family at his side, at the age of 78.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda, their three children: Lindsay, Courtney and James, his two sons-in-law: Mike and Cosmo, his daughter-in-law: Brittany, his five grandchildren: Max, Harper, Oliver, Isabel and Reilly, and last, but never least, his dog, Murphy.
A longtime resident of Mill Valley, Jeff was born and raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio, the only child of Kenneth and Jane Lockwood. He was deeply proud of his midwestern roots and was quick to make friends, even from a young age. He was a dog lover, raised with German Shepherds and was rarely without a canine companion throughout his life.
Jeff became a committed California resident at the age of 13, when he moved to Los Angeles with his father after his parents' divorce. He attended University High School in Westwood and developed a profound love of the nearby desert region that persisted throughout his life.
In 1963 Jeff moved north to attend UC Berkeley, where he studied economics and became the proud, if slightly mischievous, president of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. Many of his Fiji house brothers became lifelong friends. After completing his undergraduate degree, he continued his education in international business at Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, AZ.
He was preparing for a position abroad in Caracas, Venezuela representing Goodyear when the draft for the Vietnam war changed his plans. He resolutely served in the United States Army on the front lines of the conflict as a 1st Lieutenant with the 101st Airborne, leading a platoon of over 40 men, all of whom survived combat. This was one of his proudest accomplishments, impacting him significantly for the rest of his life.
After his military service, Jeff returned to his career in international business, using his keen business sense and singular ability to form strong interpersonal relationships to build his export business, Lockwood International. This led to a lifelong love of travel and meeting people from all over the world. Jeff always remained true to his initial vision for the successful company, a commitment to the potential of what American products could offer to benefit the world.
In 1976, it was on his ferry commute across the Bay that he met Linda Reilly, a Levi's fashion designer from New York, who would become his wife. Together, they bought an ever expanding home up on Mount Tamalpais in Mill Valley, CA, and raised two daughters, a son, and several dogs. Jeff participated in recreational softball with a team called the Awful Awfuls and also enjoyed coaching Little League and CYO basketball. He loved few things more than celebrating his children's successes, in sports, arts and especially academics.
Of course, he also rooted hard for his Bay Area Teams. Jeff was a long-time season ticket holder of the A's and Giants, a fan of the Niners and Warriors, but also a deeply committed student of the workings of the front offices and the economics of the professional and collegiate game, including his beloved Cal Bears (Go Bears!).
In addition, Jeff was always a proud member of his community, serving as the Chairman of Kiddo!, the influential non-profit supporting Mill Valley's public schools, as well as tutoring students in math in Marin City for more than 20 years. He supported several local organizations focused on improving the community in many ways. He was also a lifelong student, continuing Spanish lessons throughout his life to better communicate with more people, both at home and abroad. This came especially useful as he explored Mexico for over 50 years, and more specifically Baja California, which he "raved" about and introduced to all who were dear to him.
Still, despite all of these experiences, he always seemed most content where he could often be found (and heard) - on the floor of their home of 44 years, laying on the white shag carpet, wrestling with "puppies", his kids, and later his grandkids, and experiencing the greatest joys of life with his family.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, September 23rd at 1:30pm at the Spinnaker Restaurant in Sausalito, CA. In Lieu of flowers, the family asks you please consider donations to Chronicle's Season of Sharing Fund, World Central Kitchen or a charity of your choice.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Aug. 12, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Lockwood

Not sure what to say?





Courtney

April 6, 2024

I have many fine memories of Jeff beginning with sharing an apartment while attending Thunderbird and listening to his Spanish dialogues each weeknight. We´re sorry for losing you Jeff and regret not seeking you while we could. Sending you much love. Courtney & Linnea Carswell

Jacki and Jim Copacino

September 23, 2023

We have not known Linda and Jeff for very long, but we developed an immediate friendship. We suspect this was not unusual for the Lockwoods. Jeff was gregarious, warm and welcoming. He had keen, curious mind and a great sense of humor. He embodied empathy, warmth and exuberance. We'll never forget the twinkle in his eye and the sound of his laughter. He left us too soon, but the time we shared with him was a gift. Linda, our thoughts are with you and we will see you soon.

Sean Hamer

September 11, 2023

I had the pleasure of knowing Jeff as a member of the Awful Awfuls. Jeff was a mentor and an influential person to me. When my cousin moved to SF Jeff helped her connect with people in the bay to get work. Jeff would give the shirt off his back if asked. I tell two stories about Jeff; one the rafting trip down the Grand Canyon with his family; the second how excited he was to take his family back to Vietnam to see where he served. What a great man! All that have met you Jeff will miss you. I wish Linda and family the best.

Tim Hamilton

August 29, 2023

I loved this guy!
Deep condolences to all of us who loved him too.
T

Millie Sawyer

August 23, 2023

I was so sadden to hear of Jeff´s passing. He was always so full of life. I learned a lot working with him and will treasure those memories. I´m sending prayers for strength for the whole family because I know that´s what it will take to move forward through this time.

Alan VanHartesveldt

August 23, 2023

I knew Jeff for over 50 years. Our families were all friends, and we spent many happy times together. It was at his suggestion that we go down and see "Cactus League" spring training games in 1987, and what great times we had. There will never be another like Jeff, and we already miss him deeply.

JACK RICHMOND

August 21, 2023

I met Jeff in 1968 in Akron, Ohio as part of Goodyear International´s 1968 group of 14 trainees, preparing for overseas assignments.Jeff clearly was the charismatic leader of our group - funny, intelligent and a true friend. There will never ever be another JEFF in my lifetime....we managed to keep in contact for 55 years...I will miss hiim very much....and felt blessed to have him as such a wonderful ´old Buddie!´ May you Rest in Peace amigo!!! I love you!!!

Larry Colvin

August 13, 2023

Jeff was both a buddy and a mentor. He was one of the `great´ ones. I know I will miss him but I will always smile when I think of him.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Jeff Lockwood's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Jeff Lockwood

Sep

23

Memorial service

1:30 p.m.

Spinnaker Restaurant

Sausalito, CA

How to support Jeff's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jeff Lockwood's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more