Dr. Francis L. Detert ’44, born on April 13th, 1923 in San Diego, CA, and passed away peacefully on August 19th, 2016 in his San Leandro home at the age of 93. Survived by his nephews: David Detert, and Mark Detert; niece Melissa Redmond; and 5 grand nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brother Earl Detert, and sisters: Miriam Detert, and Sister Peggy Detert.

Francis graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science degree and continued on to Stanford University in 1950 receiving his PHD in Chemistry. In 1943-45 Francis served in the U.S. Navy in WWII in the Pacific Theatre commanding a LCI rocket firing gunboat. He participated in The Battle of Iwo Jima. Francis was employed with Chevron Research in Richmond, California for over 30 years. His expertise was in finding uses for oil byproducts. He traveled the world representing Chevron Research. Francis’s interests and hobbies were spending the day walking all over San Francisco, traveling with his sisters, and wood carving. He was an avid SF 49er and Oakland A’s fan. He was a member of the Olympic Club. He volunteered at San Quentin State Prison where he taught the inmates various business skills including book keeping. He also volunteered at senior housing centers. Cheers to Francis with an ice cold Heineken beer!