Mervyn Conrad ("Kip") Diehl passed away suddenly, but peacefully on September 21, 2017 in his home in Santa Rosa, California. He was 78 years old. Kip will be greatly missed by his wife, Linda, son Rod, daughters Janis and Melissa, five grandchildren, as well as family and friends. Born in San Francisco on April 2, 1939, Kip was the son of Mervyn Henry ("Buz") and Marjorie Dorothy (McNeill) Diehl. Kip graduated from George Washington High School in San Francisco in 1957, and later attended City College of San Francisco and the University of California at Berkeley. Kip also proudly served in the United States Coast Guard Reserve from 1958 to 1965. Kip was a lifetime resident of the Bay Area, and his family's roots in northern California extend back to the mid-1800's when his great grandfather, Konrad Diehl, emigrated from Germany to pursue the American Dream in San Francisco. A few generations later, Kip fulfilled that family dream by establishing himself as a successful businessman, focusing on real estate in the Bay Area. Kip enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially swimming and exploring beautiful beaches. He was also a lifetime learner, an avid reader, and always enjoyed spirited conversations with his family and friends, sharing his ideas and opinions about current events. In accordance with Kip's wishes, there will not be a formal service, and the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Sep. 27 to Oct. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Mervyn Diehl

17 Entries

mike leffert

March 3, 2025

Hey Kip - I'm still out here waiting my turn but everyone else keeps breaking into the line.

Susan Meacham

March 1, 2025

AS it comes up on8 yearsof your passing Kipper I find myself still missing youmore than ever. You were like a brother to me and there are just to many fun times to try and list. You had such a kind heart and great sense of humor. And of course those beautiful blue eyes. The week you left was horrible ,as cancer returned to me and we lost our studio in the caribbean to hurricane Irma. Who could forget the trip to mendocin,China,Florida,Palm Springs to name a few. Oh the fun we had. Oh and sailing in Point Richmond .Alan & I will always be missing you...a forever friend. xoxo Love Susan

mike leffert

September 21, 2024

No idea why, Kippy, but I'm still here. Came close this year, but no cigar.Hope to see you soon.

mike leffert

September 21, 2023

Still out here waiting my turn. It's so enough already.

Michael Leffert

September 21, 2022

Well Kippy, always a step ahead. But I'm gainin' on ya.

michael leffert

September 21, 2020

Another year gone by. Still think of him maybe every day. Never be another one like him.

Avrum Shepard

May 29, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. Kip and I went to Washington together and shared some wonderful times. He had a great sense of humor. His childhood was full of laughter and joy. He and Mickey Leffert and I used to hang out together. I'm happy to see he had a good life as an adult and sounds like a wonderful family. Peace be with you.

Avrum Shepard

SuZan (formerly Dona) Spunar

October 23, 2017

Dear Kip's family,
I am so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful human being. If it wasn't for Kip I would not be alive. When I was 14 and body surfing at China Beach, San Francisco, in 1955 I got pushed by the incoming tide towards the rocks at Baker Beach ~ not that far from the GG Bridge. Not having swimming skills, I was in the process of drowning. Kip, who I had not yet met, witnessed what was happening and immediately jumped into the water and saved me. I owe my long life to him and I don't have words big enough to describe my gratitude.
May your memories of him bring you peace! Dona SuZan

October 22, 2017

October 4, 2017

My deepest condolences! May God comfort and be with the Diehl family during this time of loss. Kip will never be forgotten! Psalm 112:6

Diane Pelham

October 3, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. Holidays will never be the same again. He will be missed.

Melinda Feinstein

September 30, 2017

I rented an apartment in Cotati from Kip between 1999 and 2002. He was one of the best landlords a tenant could ask for. He and his wife Linda were particularly kind to me, and I felt as if they cared for me like one of their own children. Over my three years there, I received a good dose of tough love, as well as a ton of support and sage advice. I think of Kip very fondly and can only hope that he's looking out for me from the other side. I'm sending comforting thoughts and prayers to Linda and the rest of Kip's family.

Karen Schulz

September 30, 2017

Keeping tbe Diehl family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I only met Kip a few times, but I feel as though I knew him through Jenny and Rod and the memories they have shared. May his sweet smile bring you comfort always.

Michael Leffert

September 29, 2017

My closest friend in high school. Always just a step ahead of me.

Michael Leffert

September 29, 2017

My closest friend in high school. Always ahead of me, but not by much.

September 29, 2017

Sad to hear that Kip is gone. I worked as a real estate salesperson for Kip back in the late '70s and early '80s. He was one of the smartest people I have ever known. Kip, as my employing broker, was always honest and fair, yet creative enough to save me and my transactions when I needed help.

Larry DeBora

September 28, 2017

I'm sadden about hearing the passing of Kip. Many will miss his outgoing personality and his knowledge on so many different topics. My condolences to Linda and the Diehl family. RIP my friend.

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