Chester Thomson Rice Age 91, of Kentfield passed away peacefully at his home in Kent Woodlands on April 26, 2013. Chester, known as Chet to his friends and "Buddy" to his family, was born in Schenectady, NY on March 3, 1922 to Chester Williams Rice and Helen Currier Rice. Chet graduated from Albany Academy in 1940 and Princeton University in 1944, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. After serving as a lieutenant in the US Navy in World War II, Chet followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps to General Electric, where he began his career as an engineer. On June 18, 1955 Chet married Martha "Marty" Conney in Amsterdam, NY. They settled in Kentfield in 1963 after purchasing The Smilie Company, an independent camping and sporting goods store in San Francisco. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Chet enjoyed camping, backpacking, fishing, skiing, and cruising in his 1978 VW camper. He was a passionate ham radio operator, and spent several decades as a proud member of The Marin Amateur Radio Club. Chet is survived by his four children: Peggy (Peter) Hoyt of Winnetka, IL, Ted (Julie) Rice of Eugene OR, Chester "Willy" Rice (Paola Lancellotti) of Burlingame, CA, Jenny (the late Joel) Lubin of Davis, CA, his sister Holly (David) Richards of Coral Gables, FL, 12 grandchildren: Abby, Olivia and Tommy Hoyt, Spencer, Audrey, Kyra, Madi, Gemma and Marco Rice, Joshua, Taylor and Parker Lubin, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Marty, his wife of 54 years, his sisters Barbara Allen and Priscilla Lovejoy, his brother Wilbur Rice, and four fine English setters: Cookie, Pemmy, Terry, and Molly. A celebration of Chet's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 4th at The Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 St. Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. Memorial gifts may be made to: The Marin Amateur Radio Society at http://w6sg/.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 19, 2013
Gerri & Jeff
Loved Chet. Unfortunately we hadn't heard of Chet's passing. We are greatly saddened. He was a good man.
June 26, 2013
Nigel Lemaire
I met Chet at the Marin Amateur Radio Club. He was a GREAT GUY! Always happy and friendly. I will miss him!
73s old friend
June 10, 2013
Tom W6SYT
Chet was always glad to chat with us about VW campers (we have one, too) and his '78 was a well kept, superb example. Whether we met at ham picnics, Field Day, or just in the Lucky Supermarket parking lot we could count on a great chat on almost any topic; he was cordial, funny, enthusiastic, and an allaround great guy. Marin is the better for his being here, but the poorer for his passing.
Tom W6SYT and Kadi
May 10, 2013
Edward McCann
A jewel of a man. Always willing to offer sage advice, guidance, encouragement
And support. His VW camper was an icon of years gone by. One of those great contributors to mankind, as well as a great supporter of amateur radio and the great outdoors.
AG6CX
May 5, 2013
Wilbert Harris
Chet you are a great friend and "Ham friend".You will be dearly missed. The birds and animals will miss you. "Rest in Peace friend".
Willie and Madeline
W6hst
May 4, 2013
Walt Jackson, Jr.
I never had the personal opportunity to meet Chet, but I always remember his consistent presence on the 4C's net whenever I monitored or checked-in. I to thank him for his service to this country as a Naval officer at a critical time in history as an Air Force veteran and fellow ham operator...73's Chet.
"Cool" Walt Jackson, Jr. N6ADR
May 3, 2013
Robby & Barbara Robinson
Family of Chet,
Chet brought light to our morning net 5 days a week.. His weather report from the side of his bed was great. Chet never had a bad word about anyone. He loved HAM radio and enjoyed being a net controller on HF net. Your mother has been missed and now your Dad has joined her in a better place. We will miss Chet deeply. Our HAM radio family is getting smaller and your Dad was major part of it. God bless all of you. Robby N6MNL and Barbara KD6OKJ Contra Costa Communications Club
May 3, 2013
John Tim (W6QNT)
Goodbye, Chet. I shall miss sitting at the same table with you at our Ham Radio breakfasts and trading small talks.
May 2, 2013
Stu Dake
My deepest condolences Chet's family. He always had a smile on his face and was one of the nicest people I've ever met. Stu , AC6GD
May 1, 2013
Ralph Hall
April 30, 2013
Jan Ellis
I heard today about Chet's passing and wanted send my condolences. I lost touch with your family but have very fond memories of Chet. I worked at Smilies and acquired my first sleeping bag and backpack and life long love for the back country. Chet was right there encouraging me to go explore. Chet always had a sparkle in his eye and a wonderful impish laugh. He was kind and generous and he made the world a better place. I feel blessed to have known him in this life time.
April 30, 2013
Natalie Mealer
Natalie Mealer WA6QVM
I have good memories of Chet at 4cs Ham club
My best to the family
April 30, 2013
Just want to add my condolnses to the Rice family. Always loved his comments on the Radio. We will miss him. Ken Miller KA6TUX
April 30, 2013
Robert & Meredith Gregory
Over the many years it has been a pleasure to have met you Chet and Marty. We talked every week on Ham Radio for well over 20 years. As you know I too was in the Navy and it is great to see you Chet in uniform. Thank you Chet for your service to the country and to your friends! 73's, Fair Winds and Following Seas throughout Eternity. Bob-AB4AL
April 30, 2013
Dave Hodgson
Dear Rice Family,
Chet was a great friend and fellow ham radio operator.We had a lot of good times together He will be missed.
Dave Hodgson- Sausalito
April 30, 2013
RIP WA6PAC. 73 & 88 dear friend.
Rich Carbine & Marilyn Bagshaw
April 30, 2013
Jim/Jan Kuhl
Our condolenses to the family. We are Ham radio friends from CCCC. Enjoyed his reports from the patio for rain measurements from downtown Kentfield on the morning nets. Jan AC5RB and Jim AC5QI
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