Lloyd Roger Tennyson passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on September 18, 2019 following his long and courageous fight with melanoma.

Roger was born in Santa Barbara and after graduating from Santa Paula High School in 1953, made the last-minute decision to change from a pre-law curriculum at Stanford to pre-dental studies at the University of California. While at Cal, he enjoyed being in the Cal Band, and remained an extremely loyal supporter of all things Cal Bears. After completing his pre-dental program at Cal, Roger then attended UC Medical Center, San Francisco (now UCSF), where he had the good fortune of having his future wife, Mina, assigned to him as a patient.

After graduating from dental school in 1959, Roger and Mina married in October of that year. Roger then went on active duty with the United States Navy as a dentist aboard the carrier USS Bennington and after serving three years, separated from the service and the couple settled in San Mateo, soon after the birth of their first of two sons. It was at that time that Roger opened his practice of dentistry for children.

Hobbies and the friends they generated were a large part of Roger's life. They ranged from his days where he would organize and run model airplane contests, all the while competing alongside his sons, restoring and riding motorcycles, including a ride around the mountain course on the Isle of Man during TT week. Following his retirement in 2002, his hobbies included restoring and showing his 1953 Lincoln Capri and sailing with the South Beach Yacht Club in San Francisco, where he was honored to serve as the club's Commodore in 2002.

Roger always found the greatest joy with those closest to him, and although these last few years his focus had been on caring for his beloved wife Mina, (whom he lost just one short year ago to Parkinson's Disease), he still found the time to bring his incredible patience, wisdom, humor and intelligence to the lives of so many. We will often remember the man who made our fear and pain go away, not only as a dedicated and talented dentist to so many, but as a dear friend, husband, father and grandfather.

Roger was preceded in death by Mina, his wife of 59 years; he is survived by his sons John and Scott (Pamela), and his granddaughter Shae. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Mission Hospice and Home Care (attn: Home Care) is suggested.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Tennyson

8 Entries

Mike Beeson

February 14, 2024

Dr Tennyson was our family pediatric dentist for 30 years, most of that time we drove up from Menlo Park because of HIM. From my teen-mom mother who never was made to feel ashamed when she brought her children for checkups and far too many cavities, to emergency responses on Halloween night when my toddler sister fell on her face and seemingly broke off her teeth (they were actually shoved up into her gums!). I can still see the airplanes hanging from the ceiling and feel him jiggle my jaw while injecting the novacain ;). I saw him last when I was 19, still not wanting to go to an 'adult dentist' and he offered me a toy from his magical toy chest and yes, I took one :). Thank you Dr Tennyson.

Kerrianne

March 26, 2022

I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. Tennyson face-to-face but I had several phone conversations with him. We had to speak regarding business but he was so personable and nice. Our conversations were long (in a good way) and I learned so much about his fascinating life, love for his wife, and pride for his family. He even mailed me the book he wrote, signing the inside. I think about him often because I rarely meet a soul as kind as his.

Jeffrey Stephen Montgomery

October 12, 2020

Model Airplanes... from age 9 years to 18 years (yes - to big for the dentist-chair), I remember all of the model airplanes "hanging-around" in Dr. Tennyson's dentist office in San Mateo. I am 65-years now; however, I will always remember his smiles and humor, he was always so friendly... God Bless Dr. Tennyson.

william de selover

January 26, 2020

Roger was my dear friend and buddy for more then a half century. I have to wish him and Mina Fair Winds and Following Seas. They were a pair that cannot be replaced....

November 11, 2019

Dr Tennyson was my dentist, mentor and friend
He showed me how to build and fly model airplanes along with his sons who were also my friends
He taught me lessons about being an adult before I was an adult, including advice when I was a teenager and wanting to be a doctor-which I became.

Came in handy when my dad died when I was 18 and Dr T had prepared me to be an adult

All of his lessons were delivered with humor, he had a great laugh, humility-he had a boatload and honesty which resonated from his being.

Will never forget him

Kirk Pappas, MD

Kenneth Pizzi

November 4, 2019

I've had the pleasure and the privilege of knowing both Roger and Mina for over 40 years. Roger, was not only my dentist for many years, but a mentor, friend, and like a father to me. I recall the wonderful Cal games, the dinners and Super Bowl parties at their home. Their generous friendship and hospitality is something I will never forget. For all the lives they've touched, like mine, we are all the more richer and greater for it. I shall miss him deeply. God Bless Roger and Mina both.

Fred & Betty Barnes

October 27, 2019

We have so many fond memories of Roger and Mina. We first met when they were expecting the birth of Scott and we were expecting our first child, Kevin. Over the years we have remained friends and made a lot of memories together. A lot of those memories are from the days when we shared ownership of the "Bonnie Blue" at Pete's Harbor. It was my (Fred) first and last sailboat, and Roger, forever the teacher, taught me to sail. Those were such fun days with Roger. There are so many wonderful memories that we will always cherish. We loved him and will miss him and his smiles and chuckles.

Joanna McIsaac Kierklo

October 23, 2019

I can't imagine never again talking to my mentor, motivator, confidant and dearest friend. I had the privilege of being a part of his (and Mina's) life for 50 years. How lucky I was. My heart is breaking!

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