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BORN

1937

DIED

2019

Martin Beresford Obituary

Martin Beresford

July 4, 1937-January 14, 2019

Coming of age at the end of World War II, Martin Beresford's education (graduate of St. John's College, Oxford, in economics and philosophy), aptitude (officer of the Parachute Regiment in the British Army) and personality served him well in an international career that took him to London, Brussels, Hong Kong, Tokyo and San Francisco. He worked for Cadbury Schweppes, Proctor & Gamble, and McKinsey & Co., among other multinationals. His last assignment was in Tokyo as head of Asia for KMV. He retired when it was acquired by Moody's in 2002.

Martin's youthful beginnings as a pugilist found success and notoriety while on the Oxford boxing team, in part for breaking visiting Rhodes Scholar Kris Kristofferson's nose in a sparring match, and in part for the few quid he earned boxing outside school.
Martin also loved tennis, running, cycling, and sailing (member of the South End Rowing Club). But it was hang-gliding that captivated him most. An advanced hang-glider pilot, he relished riding on the wind at Ft. Funston and elsewhere, giving up flying reluctantly at the age of 72.
He enjoyed reading, reciting, and writing poetry. He published a book of haiku that distills his memories of wartime London, his British Army days, loves and deaths, God, and most of all, hang-gliding.
Dinner party conversation at the Beresfords' often turned to discussions of the merits of free markets, global events, and the after-life; tales of his cat's latest antics, and occasionally Martin playing his tuba, blended with plentiful fine wine.
He was active in the Queen's Club and the Japan Society of Northern California, and was a director of the Marina Community Association and the Presidio Planning Association.
Born in London on the fourth of July 1937, he and his family spent the war years in Somerset, England. He became an American citizen in 1996. He died at home in San Francisco, age 81. His ashes will be scattered during a final flight over Ft. Funston.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Masae Matsumoto, of San Francisco, and his sister, Susan Marshall, of Wells-next-the-Sea, England.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent in his honor to the SPCA San Francisco, RSPCA UK, Salvation Army San Francisco, or Salvation Army UK.
A gathering to celebrate Martin's life will be held Sunday, Feb 10, 2019 from 2-5 p.m. at the Festa Lounge, 1825-A Post St, 2nd floor in Japantown, SF.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 1 to Feb. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Martin Beresford

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Joan and Alan Scott

January 26, 2025

Always good and fond memories of a special friend.
Love to Masae as always.
Alan and Joan

Mark Weedon

January 26, 2025

We still miss you, Martin. Mark & Julie W

Alan and Joan Scott

January 27, 2021

We should add that Martin gave Joan much useful advice when she set up Genji Gallery in Hng Kong in 1972, especially about profit margins!! and was so kindly and helpful on her frequent purchasing visits to Japan. Fondly remembered by us both. We think of him para sailing above for ever! Love to Masae.

Mark Weedon

January 26, 2021

I am a McKinsey mate of Martin’s, mainly working for the Hong Kong then Governor in the early 1970’s, and as a close friend subsequently. I was horrified to hear of his demise, & miss his friendly banter-eg re the hang gliding ‘safety committee’ meetings! While I’m in UK, we’d still meet where/whenever, including SF & UK. We miss you Martin.

December 29, 2019

Joan and I remember Martin with affection and respect, such an engaging man, no respecter of institutional stuffiness and ready with a sharp and apposite put-down.
We send Masae our warmest love.

Mark Weedon

June 27, 2019

Horrified to hear-over 5 months later- of the death of my McKinsey & ongoing friend. We got his usual Xmas cheery message/photos, but had no idea of events only 2 weeks later.
He will be much missed by his many friends in UK, US & elsewhere-and on the safety committee' of his hang-gliding club in SF!
Mark & Julie Weedon

VG

February 3, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Martin. When someone you. Love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure that fills. You with love and brings you joy. May you find comfort in Jesus promise of the hope of everlasting life at John 6:40.

Edward Marshall

February 2, 2019

So sad and surprised to hear of Martin's passing. We just had another dinner at Green's a few weeks before.
Decades of sailing on the Bay and traveling: Rafting down the Grand Canyon, bicycling in Yellowstone and just last year cruising down the Columbia river with Martin were all memorable. Political discussions, concerning Israel were always on the table. His repertoire of limericks and songs was bottomless.
Of course, his dealings with the Evil Dwarf must be legend.
As a fellow cat person, I always enjoyed visiting his three, especially Scotty.
My dear friend will be missed.

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Make a Donation
in Martin Beresford's name

Memorial Events
for Martin Beresford

Feb

10

Celebration of Life

2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Festa Lounge

1825-A Post St, 2nd floor, Japantown, SF, CA

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