Former UCSF Employee Dies of Cancer

Robert Kent Leffler

Robert Kent Leffler, 50, who worked at UCSF for eight years, died on Aug. 5, 2007, after a valiant battle against cancer. A memorial to celebrate his life is being planned for Saturday, Aug. 25. For further details, please contact Gary Riggs. Leffler was born on June 21, 1957 in Boscobel, Wisconsin, son of Merle and Frances (McLaughlin) Leffler. He was a 1975 graduate of Fennimore High School and a 1981 graduate of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Leffler had resided in San Francisco since 1983. He was most recently employed as a licensing manager by Sega in San Francisco. Previously, he worked at UCSF in the Office of Alumni Affairs and in the Facilities Management department from 1991 to 1999. Leffler lived life to the fullest as a world traveler, history buff, literary and political scholar, avid reader, actor and masterful storyteller. His vast intelligence, charisma, wit, mischievous sense of humor, generosity and thoughtful nature drew a wide circle of admiring friends and colleagues. Leffler satisfied his thirst for knowledge with studies in languages, world religions, philosophy, mythology and science fiction. Like his father, he loved crossword puzzles and, like his grandfather, and namesake, he developed a passion for horse track racing. He also had an eclectic taste in music and enjoyed the outdoors. Leffler is survived by three sisters: Judy (Tom) Murphy, Green Bay, WI, Joni (Jose) Gonzalez, Hudson, WI, and Janice (Dennis) Lester, Harlingen, TX; his cherished Caroline Pittet, San Francisco, and Brenda Knight, San Francisco; nephews Christopher and Colten Murphy, Green Bay WI, nieces Meghan and Mackenzie Murphy, Green Bay, WI; Alexandra Gonzalez, Hudson, WI, and Courtney Lester, Harlingen, TX; uncles Maurice Leffler, Fennimore, WI, and Dick Cecka, Grand Rapids, MN; aunt Mary Strand, Delano, MN; and several wonderful cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Merle Leffler, in 1990; mother, Frances, in 2003; and baby sister, Mary, in 1956. Visitation services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Church in Fennimore with the funeral immediately following, with Fr. George Horath officiating. Burial will then follow in the Fennimore Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert Kent Leffler Scholarship Fund, Fennimore Scholarship Foundation, attention Steve Lendosky, 1140 Grant St., Fennimore, WI 53809.