1956

mgore@scu.edu

Redmond Kernan III ’56 on April 13, 2009. Born in New York City, May 27, 1934, Redmond moved to Carmel, Calif., with his mother, aunts, grandmother, sisters, and brother to be closer to his father Redmond Kernan II, who fought as a General during World War II. Redmond and his friends did their part during the war, checking out Pebble Beach golf course for intruders. He graduated from Santa Clara University, then served in Korea. He remained in the Army as a reservist for many years, rising to lieutenant colonel. After leaving the service he had a job offer as an engineer in the City of Los Angeles, but left after two smoggy days to return to San Francisco. He started in the City of San Francisco engineering department, then joined the Redevelopment Agency. Before he left in 1990 he was acting director of the agency. He is proud of his leadership role in the design, development, and construction of Moscone Center, South Beach Harbor, and Yerba Buena Center. A standout in the many projects he helped foster was winning the fight to allow DeLancey Street to build its wonderful community in South San Francisco. Before and after he retired, he served on numerous boards, including San Francisco Planning and Urban Research (SPUR), the Presidio Historical Association, and the California Heritage Council. He was a commissioner on the Golden Gate National Recreation Area Advisory Council, and helped start NAP, Neighborhood Association for the Presidio. A long time board member of PAR, Planning Association for the Richmond, and recently received a commendation from the Doyle Drive planning committee, for his help in designing the new roadway through the Presidio to the Golden Gate Bridge, which is about to be funded as part of the federal stimulus. Redmond is known for his courage, commitment, and personal charm. All these qualities, plus a sense of humor, have been essential recently in the huge fight to protect the Presidio Main Post, a nationally designated historical landmark district. Mourned by his wife, Sharon Gadberry; his children John Kernan, Julia Garrett, Michael Kernan, and Brendan Williams; grandchildren Samantha, Sydney, and Kevin Garrett and Redmond James Kernan.

08 Nov 2018