Ragnar Nordgren Jr.

Ragnar W. Nordgren, Jr. Aug. 26, 1932- Nov. 4, 2010 Most often known as "Junior" or "JR" by those who knew him well, he was born on Peoria Street and remained a lifelong resident of Daly City-Colma. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, Junior worked for Southern Pacific Railroad for 45 years as a locomotive engineer, a job he loved. Junior was a world traveler, an avid reader, a cataloger of history. He had an uncanny encyclopedic knowledge and a wry sense of humor that fueled endless stories and quickly turned strangers into friends. He relished talking politics and eliciting the latest news with a "What's doing, kid?" Junior was proud of his Scottish heritage and had a passion for genealogy, piecing together the history of a family he loved. He is predeceased by his mother Sarah (Jean) and father Ragnar, his beloved sister Florence, his eldest niece Deborah and sister-in-law June. He is survived by Frances, his devoted wife of 32 years and his brother Leonard and his in-laws Paul, Sandra, Pamela (Bill), as well as his nieces and nephews, Sheila (Marty), Denise (Alfred) Jodi, Douglas and Linda (Jay). He is remembered by his "grandchildren" Nicole (Daniel), Tina (Jeff), Carrie (Tim), Amber, Sheri, Holly (Ernesto), Staci; and his great nieces and nephews Shannon, Dennis, Anthony, Martin Paul, Shawna, Sarah and Allison, and their children. Junior was blessed with many loyal friends and family. He was a friend of Bill W.'s for over 34 years which was a source of pride for Junior. Activities include active membership in the Native Sons, Parlor 231, the Westbay Alano Club, and a volunteer docent at Colma Historical Association Museum. At his request no funeral services will be held. A celebration of his life is being planned for friends and family to share their stories and laughter. Special thanks to the dedicated staffs of Ft. Miley, Pacifica Nursing and Rehab and VITAS hospice. In lieu of flowers, he requested donations to the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund 39899 Balentine Drive, Newark, CA 94560, the West Bay Alano Club 7330 Mission St., Daly City, CA or charity of your choice.