Lloyd Flatland

Lloyd Paul Flatland Age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 11, 2011 following complications from prostate cancer. Prior to his illness, Lloyd was enjoying life as a resident at the Redwoods in Mill Valley. Lloyd and the late Mary (Kern) Flatland married in San Francisco in 1954. In 1960 they moved to their home in Kentfield where they raised their family and resided for the next 50 years. Lloyd is survived by his five children; Martin Flatland (Kitty), Jeanne Flatland (Tom), Steve Flatland, Sally Gall and Robert Flatland (Brenda). Lloyd is also survived by his three grandchildren Amy, Erin and Shaun, as well as many close friends. Born in San Francisco on July 21, 1926, Lloyd graduated from Lowell High School and attended the University of California Berkeley. Lloyd joined the U S. Navy in 1945 and served as an Electricians Mate, First Class. After his service in the Navy, Lloyd began what would become a lifelong career of new product development and innovative thought. Lloyd was an inventor and mechanical engineer, who was awarded numerous US patents throughout his career. Much of his innovative thinking was aimed at helping to advance the dental products industry. Many of the products that our dentists use today were influenced by his early innovations in this field. Lloyd was a long distance runner with a special fondness for running the roads and trails in the Marin Watershed. Lloyd was a participant in the Bay to Breakers races in the 1970's and completed the Pacific Sun Marathon in 1981. Lloyd also loved to sail on San Francisco Bay and the surrounding waterways. He was commodore of the Greenbrae Sailing Club in the 1980's. On any given Friday he could be found at Marin Joe's restaurant sharing stories and camaraderie with old friends. Above all, Lloyd was a good friend and mentor to many. If you knew Lloyd, you also knew that any day that you might happen to stop by 'the shop' he was always available and ready to lend a helping hand. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held for Lloyd at 10am on Saturday, May 21st at St. Sebastian's church in Kentfield, CA.