Jeffrey Scales

1944 - 2019

Jeffrey McGalliard Scales

Jeffrey McGalliard Scales, who so loved life, lost his, Sunday, January 6.
Jeff escaped from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare and cruel brain disease. His ravaging decline of 7 years left him only with a smile and a firm handshake, two trademarks he would have chosen. Jeff suffered with valiant grace, participating in every Clinical Research Study at UCSF in search of a PSP cure.

Born August 2, 1944 in San Francisco, to Katharine Plant Scales and Percival McGalliard Scales. A 5th generation Californian, Jeff lived in Marin County his entire life; Kentfield, San Anselmo and beloved Inverness. Jeff attended Ross School and Redwood High School. Jeff graduated from the University of Arizona with a Business Degree before joining the Navy at the height of the Viet Nam War. While classmates were given deployments to Southeast Asia in perilous positions, Jeff had the good fortune to be given the post of Rota, Spain. His service was distinguished by his reporting that nary one Viet Cong soldier appeared on the Costa del Sol while he was on duty!

Jeff returned to San Francisco to begin his career in the Corporate Insurance business. He began with Marsh and McClennan, Heffernan-Keiler and Doble, and retired from Gallagher Insurance after a prestigious 45-year career. Jeff enjoyed the challenge of creating innovative insurance coverage, loved the details, and was dedicated to his clients. Among his were the Archdiocese of San Francisco, the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael and Marin Ecumenical Housing Association. While vacationing in New York in 1990, Jeff received word that his client's Dominican Covent was burning in San Rafael. His family feared their vacation would be abbreviated but Jeff confidently assured them, "I wrote the policy myself. I know the Sisters are covered" …and they were. Vacation ensued! Widely respected for his business knowledge and ethics, Jeff was President of the Western Association of Insurance Brokers and a founder of its Blue Ribbon Conference.

The same committed discipline he demonstrated in his insurance coverage was implemented in his athletic accomplishments. Possessing little athletic prowess, Jeff successfully ran the London Marathon, New York Marathon, Climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and walked the Camino de Santiago Compostela in Spain! To train, Jeff mathematically figured out distances, terrain, and made a schedule for training and doggedly prepared for each feat with absolute and unrelenting discipline.

Known for his sense of humor and fun spirit, as President of The Bachelors of San Francisco, he surprised guests at its Ball with the squealing arrival of the Stanford Marching Band at the Palace Hotel! There, as always, he loved being the center of the dance floor kicking out his Charleston! For 25 Christmas mornings Jeff could be found "neighing "at the bottom of the stairs as he heralded the arrival of the promised Christmas pony! Holiday dinners ended with Jeff eating fire and everyone cheering. His empty place at the head of the table will be heartbreaking!

A proud member of the Bohemian Club, Jeff was a member of Sunshiners' Camp and served as Grove Captain for two Midsummer Encampments. He loved the white jeep, the camaraderie, the music, speakers in that gorgeous redwood cathedral. His 70th birthday there brought 85 friends and family from near and far to Jeff's beloved Grove. "Bohemia's Home is Here" remains his favorite song!

Jeff is survived by his wife of 46 years, Trish, his son, Peter (Kristin), daughter Jennifer (John Lane), his adorable grandchildren, Ben, Charlie, CC and Jack.....who, for them, the Night Before Christmas will never be the same. He leaves brothers, Nick, Kit, Gary (Janet), Sister, Lucinda (Bob Chapman), "Unkie"to many nieces and nephews who loved their "fun" uncle and his Sees' Scotchmallows, and Rombauer!

Caregivers Carlo, Lenny, Hanna, and Tenzin became part of the Scales' family …giving loving and professional care for 4 years. They dressed Jeff every day in cashmere sweaters, slacks and striped socks, causing visitors to remark, "Scales, you look like you are going to the Meadow Club!"

Jeff was a lifelong Catholic and a member of St. Anselm's in Ross, Sacred Heart in Olema, and Saint Vincent's in San Rafael. He chaired every parish and school Finance Committee at Saint Anselm Church. Jeff was a member of the Order of Malta, committing his life to serving the sick and the poor.

Funeral Mass will take place at St. Anselm Church, Saturday, January 12, at 11:00 AM.

Please make any donation in Jeff's name to: St. Vincent's School for Boys,
San Rafael, California 94903

Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo.