In Memoriam of Past Members of Local 16

Randall White

June 17, 1953 - June 13, 2023

Randall was a union rep for NABET 51 in SF in the late 1980s. When NABET merged with IATSE, he became a union rep for International IATSE. Afterwards, he became a proud member of Local 16, working for more than 25 years. He’ll be missed by his family and the multitude of people who have communed with him over the years.

David Jayne

February 2, 1963 - May 24, 2023

David Jayne passed away May 24, 2023, in San Francisco. He had been with Local 16 since 1996. He was a long-time Audio-Visual technician as well as a talented musician.

September 13, 1982- March 1, 2023

Joshua Cortez passed away on March 1, 2023 at the age of 40. A San Francisco native, Josh honed his craft initially at Somarts Gallery in the City before working with Local 16 for 17 years as a classically trained stagehand that specialized in rigging, stage carpentry, electrics, props, and film work. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his strength of character, love of family, humor, and kindness; his passing is felt by us all and he will be missed by all those lucky enough to have known him.

David Badella

July 14, 1952- December 20, 2022

It is with great sorrow and sadness to inform you of the passing of the Santa Rosa Symphony’s beloved stage manager, David Badella. Dave was so devoted to our orchestra musicians, crew and staff, keeping us all safe and sound, and he took the utmost care for all of the Symphony’s productions for many years. In addition, he was a 30-year employee of Luther Burbanks Center. He was a true friend and he shall be greatly missed.

Theodore "Ted" Doke

August 22, 1975 - November 15, 2022

Ted Doke passed away on November 15, 2022. He had been working with Local 16 since 2010. He was a skilled video technician. He will be missed.

John Whittaker

August 26, 1985 – November 6, 2022

Read John's Obituary

Michael Thonus

January 22, 1973 - June 7, 2022

Mike arrived in San Francisco in the 90’s and quickly established himself as a top rigger in the Bay Area. He was the Head Rigger at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium for many years. His skill, work ethic and infectious sense of humor will be missed by many.

Richard "Dick" Tipping

May 3, 1941 - May 15, 2022

Richard Olague

February 7, 1930 - January 7, 2022

He worked in the Theatres and did craft service for many feature films.

He was a tireless advocate for Local 16 and often spoke eloquently at Union meetings on solidarity.

Joe Carl Parsons

January 5, 1943 - February 24, 2022

He started with Local 16 in 1974 as an apprentice with his longtime friend Steve Cardellini. Joe Carl work for several years between the SF Opera and SF Ballet before transferring over to motion pictures where he was a Best Boy on many productions. In recent years he was living in Arizona, but always enjoyed returning home to attend the retiree luncheon where he could catch up with old friends.

Keith Gabriel

May 8, 1950 - February 7, 2022

Keith was a longtime member of IATSE Local 16. He was primarily an electrician and worked for many years at the Warfield Theatre.

Katsuhiko Okada

January 4, 1946 - January 4, 2022

Katsu Okada, a longtime member of Local 16 since 1993 passed away on January 4^th, 2022. He was an extraordinary craftsman whose talent and skill contributed to many Film, Opera, Ballet and Commercial sets in the Bay Area.

He enjoyed salmon fishing and would often share his “catch” with crew members. He will be deeply missed.

Kandi Blomquist - Mc Cann

March 12, 1966 - January 9, 2022

A member since 1992. Kandi excelled as a master electrician and lighting designer. Kandi was a mentor and advocate for women in the industry. She lit numerous events, specializing in lighting for charitable causes. She was active in Habitat For Humanity building homes as well as Walk For Life raising funds to fight cancer and support survivers. With her rescue dog Atlas she spent many hours at local food banks. Her tattoo “I chose love” says it all.

Maurice Beasley

August 1, 1944 - December 9, 2021

Brother Maurice Beasley passed away at home in Reno, Nevada on December 13 of heart and lung complications.

Maurice was a long time Journeyman of Local 16 and worked in many capacities including as the Master Carpenter at the Geary Theatre for the American Conservatory Theatre. He was a loyal and steadfast friend to those he loved and always responded when asked to help. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him well. Russet in peace my brother.

Steve Rammer

July 26, 1967 - October 24, 2021

Originally from Wisconsin Steve was with Local 16 since 2000. He worked in a various array of venues including Moscone, Concerts and the Theatres.

May he rest in peace.

John Seau

November 14, 1969 - September 24, 2021

John was a True Brother in All Aspects of Life. Union, Family & Friendship. RIP Brother John!

Bill Beck

August 25, 1937 - September 19, 2021

Bill was a terrific man, hands down. Bill drew the model drawing we used to build our FX model props on many of our ILM model projects. He was 83. Bill will be missed by all those who worked with him.

Doug Elliott

March 10, 1942 - September 10, 2021

Doug Elliott has been a members of Local 16 since 1970. He worked extensively on films, in the theatres but was most at home in the shops around the Bay Area, the last of which was Island Creative. He had a strong work ethic and will be missed by many.

John Maynier

April 3, 1952 - August 13, 2021

John Maynier was a long time member of IATSE Local 16. He was a skilled builder and stage carpenter. He served our country honorably in the Vietnam war. May he rest in eternal peace.

Peter Stolz

September 23, 1945 - August 7, 2021

Peter worked at Industrial Light and Magic beginning in 1979 primarily as a special effects and pyro technician and his film credits for the more than 30 films included Return of the Jedi, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Nash Bridges, and Milk. He worked extensively for he SF Opera, SF Ballet, and SF Symphony. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Cecil Forbes

March 22, 1927 - July 11, 2021

Cecil Forbes was born in 1927 and was longtime member of Local 16.

He worked extensively at the San Francisco Opera House as well as on several motion pictures.

He was a gracious gentleman and he lived his 94 years well. May he Rest in Peace.

Charles "Cubby" Sedgwick

June 24, 1957 - June 5, 2021

Memorial Information Here

Charles “Cubby" Sedgwick was a long time member of IATSE Local 16.

He started his career in music and perfected his craft as a premier audio technician. In addition he was an Assistant Business Agent with Local 16 for several years and was elected as Sargent at Arms.

He will was beloved by many and will be deeply missed.

Ira Keeler

July 22, 1940 - April 15, 2021

Ira worked at ILM as a model maker for nearly two decades and contributed to dozens of projects during that time. From Return of the Jedi and the Back to the Future films to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Star Trek First Contact, and Jurassic Park. Ira was an invaluable member of the team. He was a truly gifted artist, and craftsperson, and was always very kind.

John Souza

June 1,1976 - March 23, 2021

John Souza has been a part of Local 16 since 2006. John has worked many music events as well as conventions and theater productions.

Clark Higgins

August 3,1950 - March 16, 2021

Dan Freundl

November 29, 1963 - March 3, 2021

Dan Freundl has been a member of Local 16 for over twenty years. In addition to working many events at Moscone he was a skilled scenic artist and painter.

Bill Garbe

October 20, 1947 - February 9, 2021

Bill “Hippy Bill” Garbe was longtime stagehand and roadie and work extensively at the Warfield Theater. He was famously known as the flag waiver at Rat Dog concerts. He was beloved by the many musicians and crew members he worked with.

Mike Kane

June 5, 1935 - January 28, 2021

Mike was a member of Local 16 for 58 years. He was the master carpenter of the San Francisco Opera House.

He was a great mentor and friend to many at Local 16. Those who worked with him will always be eternally grateful for his leadership and dedication.

Gary Roloff

June 29, 1953 - December 28, 2020

Greg Cox

June 27, 1962 - December 4, 2020

Scott Green

April 9, 1970 - November 2, 2020

Scott Green was with Local 16 since the late 1990’s. He was a gifted Audio Engineer who worked extensively at various venues with Local 16. He was a friend to many and well respected by his colleagues.

Paul Puppo

March 14, 1963 - August 30, 2020

Paul was an 18 year member of Local 16, he was a talented electrician who creativity and ingenuity was realized in many productions done by the SF Opera.

Jonathan Michael Davis

April 4, 1963 - July 11, 2020

Mickey D was a longtime member of Local 16, he worked in many capacities, from set dresser to stage carpenter to being a House Head at the Cow Palace which was home to many productions in the Bay Area.

John Jacobs

October 29, 1948 - June 12, 2020

John was a 30 plus year member of Local 16. He was a longtime crew member at the Marin Center for the Performing Arts.

Michael Hayes

July 14, 1954 - June 15, 2020

Michael was a sound technician with Local 16 and toured with many bands during his career.

Hugh Byrne Jr

June 8,1952 – April 24, 2020

Hugh was a member of Local 16 for 45 years. He was an exceptionally talented stagehand who worked in all facets of stagecraft but really excelled in the Motion Picture and Commercial industry with his many different camera rigs and camera car. Brother Hugh Byrne was not only a talented stagehand but an exceptional person.

Brien Burroughs

January 23, 1970 - March 16, 2020

Brien was a journeyman with Local 16 for over 20 years. Apart from being an experienced rigger, he was also a filmmaker.

John Kilpack

February 17,1962 - March 21, 2020

Brother John will be greatly missed. He was with Local 16 for over 25 years, and he was a premier follow spot operator and a beloved crew member to all.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Heather and his family.

Robert "Baba" Carman

May 27, 1941 - January 11, 2020

Robert was a long-time journeyman with Local 16 starting his career in the 1960’s. He was a stage carpenter who eventually became the house flyman at the Curran Theater in San Francisco.

Ryan Snyder

March 17, 1971 - July 15, 2019

Ryan worked through Local 16 for 18 years. He was a talented sound engineer who worked on many corporate and theatrical productions.

Bennett Steinmuller

August 10, 1967 - July 3, 2019

Bennett worked through Local 16 for 20 years. Originally hailing from New York he worked in many capacities with Local 16.

Benny Te'o

December 8, 1955 - May 16, 2019

Benny worked through Local 16 for over 20 years, primarily as an electrician and rigger. He worked at the SF Opera and for many touring theatrical productions.

John Maucieri

November 7, 1952 - April 17, 2019

John Maucieri passed away unexpectedly at age 66. John spent a large part of his career as a theatre electrician at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Masonic, Curran, Golden Gate and Orpheum Theaters. He was known as a premier follow spot operator and took great pride in this. He will be deeply missed by his Local 16 family.

Ted Moehnke

January 22, 1937 – January 29, 2019

Ted was a member of Local 16 for 54 years, receiving his gold status in 2015. Ted started out working Ice Follies in 1961 where he met Eddie Powell at Winterland. They spent a number of years working in the theaters and the Local 16 office together. Ted also worked on a variety of films including George Lucas’s first film THX1138 and a great many others with Lucas’s production company: Industrial Light and Magic. He was not just a prominent stagehand but an exceptional person.

Ernest E. Wright

July 2, 1965 - January 9, 2019

Ernest "Ernie" Wright passed away January 9, 2019 in Alameda, CA, at the age of 53.
Ernie was two years into his apprenticeship with Local 16. He was most recently working on 13 Reasons Why as a scenic painter.
Ernie will be missed by all who knew him.

Link to Ernies obit.

Dennis DeVost

January 7, 1953 – November 25, 2018

He was a journeyman stagehand for IATSE Local 16, serving both the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra for 26 years. He treasured his many friendships and travels with both orchestras and their crews and took great delight in being active outdoors.

Link to Dennis's Obit

Larry Eisler

December 25, 1955 – June 17, 2018

Larry Eisler was dedicated to his Union and still always put his family first. He started with Local 16 in 1990 doing many shows for Bill Graham Presents including Days on The Green, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd and many more. Larry was an excellent craftsman and enjoyed working in every major Film from Robin Williams, to The Rock, to TV Nash Bridges. Larry was an exemplarity Union brother. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

Jay Jaworski

June 22, 1968 – May 18, 2018

Jay worked in the entertainment industry in various capacities for well over 2 decades. He was a DJ and music director at KUSF. He was a booker and sound engineer at various nightclubs in San Francisco. He worked as a stagehand for Bill Graham Presents, JK Sound, and Stage II prior to joining Local 16, where he became a journeyman in December of 2017. His life tragically ended just over a month shy of his 50 th birthday.

Groove in peace, Jay.

Jonathan Young

May 1, 1961 – January 7, 2018

Jonathan “JY” Young was a theater graduate from St. John’s University in Minnesota who moved to San Francisco to pursuit his passion in theater. He became a dedicated Local 16 member for more 23 years. JY cherished his "San Francisco" family that likewise adored him, including his co-workers at the SF Ballet, SF Opera, American Conservatory Theater, Local 16 and Island Creative.

Thomas Rienecker

April 16, 1954 - February 10, 2018

Thomas Rienecker, age 63, a 20 year member of Local 16, died in a tragic motorcycle crash on Saturday February 10th, 2018 in Sonoma, California, Tom, also known as “Moose” was born in San Rafael, CA and studied Industrial Arts and Theater at Santa Rosa Junior College.

George Moore

March 20, 1936 - December 18, 2017

George Moore began work for Local 16 in 1971 as a builder, rigger and stagehand. Before his retirement in 2006, he served as Master Carpenter for the Orpheum Theater. George was profoundly dedicated to the union, serving many years on the Executive Board. He was always a gentleman and proud to be a Local 16 member.

James Anthony Aiken
December 15, 1956 - October 25, 2017

From Fairbanks, Alaska. Interested in theater since school days, Jim joined "Up with People", followed by Alaska Repertory Theater before moving to SF, joining the local and working most of the time for the SF Opera and SF Ballet. He also sang with the SF Gay Men's Chorus and Seattle Men's Chorus. Jim loved 1960's TV , Bond films, classic horror films, Tom Lehrer, opera and his dogs. He could answer every question on Jeopardy correctly and was quick with a pun.
Jim was a Journeyman with Local 16 for 28 years.

Michael Edward Meier

February 22,1949 - August 12,2017

Michael worked for countless productions and tours from Disney to Phantom of the Opera and many other movie and event productions in many roles over the years. Michael had a love for show business as well as hang gliding and scuba diving.

Sandy Howell

May 28, 1950 - June 18, 2017

Sandy has left us to be on the best designed and painted set ever,
with the best music, in the best outfit,
with some of her best friends.
The rest of us will have to catch up with her on another day.

John Chapot

April 30,1949 - May 9, 2017

He was very active in theater in college and even after his retirement he was always helping out at small theater companies.
During his career in Local 16 he served as both a Prop Master and in the carpenter department at the various Theaters in San Francisco. He also was on the construction crews for many movie sets. In addition to being an outstanding stagehand in the field, John gave generously of his time to Union Activities whether serving on committees, teaching new apprentices or serving as a mentor to many.

Kirk Charles Schreil

July 15,1956 - April 15, 2017

Kirk Charles Schreil an audio engineer responsible for the sound in thousands of concerts,
theater performances, trade shows, corporate conferences, presidential receptions and other special events around the Bay Area for over 35 years

Kirk passed away at his post on Saturday, April 15, 2017,
at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco, CA.

Frank J. Krumenaker

November 1, 1946 - March 20, 2017

Frank Joseph Krumenaker III passed away peacefully on March 20, 2017. Frank was born in Queens, NY, and graduated from Fordham University with his degree in Economics. After serving a tour in Ecuador with the Peace Corp, he moved to San Francisco in the summer of '69. Frank was a member of Local 16, and worked as a stage hand for the SF Opera Company and the SF Ballet for over 26 years. He met the love of his life, Barbara, and they were married in 1983.

Tom Cheles

December 19, 1945 - January 2, 2017

He started in 1997 and became a member on 11/24/2003.

Tom will be missed by all those who knew him.

Lynn Patrick McKee

January 4, 1942 - January 3, 2017

He became a member on 2/6/1980. Lynn Patrick McKee began with the Opera in 1975, was the Assistant Master Electrician in 1983 and by 1987/8 was the Company’s Master Electrician, a post he held until his retirement in 2003-04

Bob Finley Jr.

December 22, 1933 - February 19, 2016

Bob Finley passed away on February 19^th, 2016. He was a proud member of Local 16 for over 50 years. He was a long-time Special Effects technician and served as Vice President of Local 16 for many years.

Robert Boyle

January 1,1967 - September 12, 2016

On September 12 Local 16 lost Brother Robert Boyle.

Robert Worked in Video Engineering/Screen Switching and Directing for many companies in the industry.

You can help Roberts family at this link

CHECK THIS
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Michael Fulmer

February 17, 1944 - June 8, 2016.

Mike was one of the original model makers at Industrial Light Magic and was instrumental in producing some iconic images that will live in Motion Picture History forever. Among some of his creations were the Millennium Falcon and X Wing Fighter in the “Star Wars Movies” and the bicycle used by Elliott in “ET”.

He was a gifted artisan, welder, and fabricator who used his hands and vast imagination to create mythical movie magic.

Dwight Williams

January 28, 1935 - April 13, 2016

Dwight joined Local 16 11/1/72.

He spent 10+ years at ACT. and countless film and tv projects.

James Segura

July 30, 1966 - February 2, 2016

James started with Local 16 on 05/01/96. He became Journeyperson on 10/6/99.

George Van Buren

July 18, 1928 - September 18, 2015

George Van Buren was a
Gold Card member of Local 16.
Attached is an article wrote by
Eddie Raymond about George.

Jim Ripka

Jim was born 1/15/76 and started working with Local 16 on 4/27/07 as a Rigger.
He started the apprentice program on 10/7/13 and would have graduated at the November meeting of 2016.

Patrick Fitzsimmons

July 12, 1948 - February 20, 2015.

He was a 44 year member of Local 16. Pat worked for many years at the San Francisco Opera, on the "Streets of San Francisco" series, and on many features filmed in San Francisco. He later worked at Industrial Light and Magic.

Luree Baker

Luree Baker passed away December 2014. Luree was initiated in Local 16 in 1988. Luree was an instructor in San Francisco for many years and taught many of Local 16 stagehand in Theater. He was on staff with the San Francisco Symphony for many years.

Dave "Keebler" Vernali

January 11, 1965 - November 22, 2014

He was a fine woodworker who loved to design and build, from furniture to home projects. He put his heart and soul into rebuilding his home. He was very proud of his work building stage sets for major films.

Jack (Copie) Kirkwood

Jack passed away 6-24-2014. He worked from 1965 until he retired in 1994. Jack was born July 3, 1936 and became a member of Local 16 in 1967. He worked at the SF Opera for many years and then became the house carpenter at the Golden Gate Theater.

Glen Chadwick

Glen Chadwick passed away August 2014.
Glen was initiated in Local 16 in 1960. He was a former Ice Skater with the Ice Follies and was the Head Carpenter at the Curran for many years. His two sons, Michael and Nick continue to work in Local 16.

Michael Catalano
February 15, 1973 - July 6, 2014

Mike lived in Oakland, CA, married with 2 children. Worked through Local 16 for approx 20 years. Worked on many conventions in town as well as film production.

Terry Mullen
August 14, 1969 - August 8, 2014

Terry was born in San Jose, CA, lived in Daly City, CA, married with 2 children, worked through Local 16 for approx 15 years. Worked for many years at Phoebus Lighting as well as many other venues in San Francisco.

Kevin Kowolke

December 5, 1962 - May 17, 2014

Kevin was born in La Crosse WI. Worked through Local 16 for approx 20 years, was also a member of Local 141 in La Crosse, WI. Worked in many of the theaters and conventions sites, as well as with FM Productions.

Bill Patchett

January 9, 1959 - April 30, 2014

Bill lived in San Mateo, CA, became a Local 16 member in 1989 upon merger of Local 16 and Local 409.

PHILIP HERON

Philip was a journeyman builder and general stagehand. Initiated in 1985 He was also a teacher at
Zelerbach Hall at Berkeley

LISA MARIE DEVLIN

11/16/2013

Lisa was a member of Sceinic 800 and a co-worker to many members of Local 16

DAVE TOLMIE

10/19/2013

Dave was a Musician, an Audio and General AV tech and a journeyman since 2000

ART WILLIAMS

9/21/13

Journeyman Builder, fly man, master carpenter.Journeyman since 1985

EARL ANNECSTON

6/30/2013

Earl was a electrician and a shop carpenter and a Local 16 Sargent at arms.

Journeyman since 1954

KEVIN RODGERS

6/12/2013

Journeyman since 2002

BILL MALEY

2/14/2013