S. William Jansen

1927 - 2016

S. William Jansen

S. William Jansen (1927-2016) died peacefully on Nov. 2nd. Bill was born in Detroit to Clara and Stanley Jansen. His brother, David Pringle Jansen preceded him in death by 21 years. Bill attended University High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Michigan State University. He competed on varsity swimming teams for both schools. Bill joined the federal Merchant Marines and served during World War II. He worked in sales and marketing in Detroit, and relocated to San Francisco in 1958, also working in sales. Bill met Jane Davenport from Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, and they were married in San Francisco in 1968. Shortly thereafter they established a small vineyard in Sonoma County. Over the years they were able to purchase surrounding property, and Bill supported Jane's vision to establish Quarryhill Botanical Garden in 1987. They split their time between Glen Ellen and the city until Jane's death in May 2000. Bill was an avid golfer, having played all his life, and was a member of the Country Club of Detroit and the San Francisco Golf Club. Bill is survived by several Jansen and Davenport nieces and nephews. Upon his request, there will be no memorial services. Contributions in his memory may be made to Quarryhill Botanical Garden at PO Box 232, Glen Ellen, CA 95442.