Eugene Garfinkle
December 22, 1928 - May 18, 2018

Gene Garfinkle, 89, an accomplished lawyer (UC Berkeley, Boalt Law School), civil servant (BART President), dedicated athlete (Cal Basketball), world traveler, and family man has lost his battle with Alzheimer's dementia, an unfortunate end to an otherwise rich and fulfilling life. Graced with poise, intelligence and good looks, Gene was the quintessential gentleman. Confident and opinionated, smart and reliable, he knew what he liked, and he stuck with it. He loved a good meal, loved a good book, loved a good nap and, most of all, loved being around his family. He frequently said that "as long as we are together, we will be ok". Gene was generous to a fault and made a life out of helping others. He always wanted to share his warm smile and see how someone was doing. In his waning days, he asked for assurance that everything was set up and organized to make it easy for everyone else. He instilled in his family the critical values of education, making a difference, and service, and his life was a testament to these values as well. Integrity, honesty and kindness are truly the lasting qualities of a life well lived, and Gene's was such a life.

He will be missed by all, especially his children, Jan and John Garfinkle, his son in law, Michael O'Donnell, MD, his beautiful granddaughters, Keely, Brienne and Devin O'Donnell. He is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Joan Garfinkle. Late in life, he cherished a loving and devoted bond with Lois Arnold. Gene's siblings, Jack Garfinkle and Ellen Goldstein, along with their spouses and children also held a special place in his heart, as did he in theirs.

We are so grateful for so many caring and compassionate professionals that helped us through this difficult period, especially Melani Catalan, Fe Fatima Suico, Erlinda Ancheta, Sue Pray, Verna Ventura, the staff at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, the staff at Homecare Assistance, Dr. Thoby Lawrence, and Pathways Hospice. You didn't see Gene at his best, but you provided consistent care that was nothing less than heroic. Our appreciation is boundless. In Gene's spirit, and in lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Alzheimer's Association (www.Alz.org) or a charity of your choosing.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 1:30 pm Home of Eternity, 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA 94611.