REMEMBERING FRIENDS: Many have made an impact or impression or a legacy that has impacted our business, our community, and/or ourselves. These are our friends who made a difference to us. How do you want to be remembers? Life is short. Thoughts become things; Choose the good ones.
Bob, Susan, and Storm the Husky
BOB HORAN, owner of California Printed, passed away last month. We met Bob in the late 80’s as our T-Shirt silkscreener for New George’s Nightclub, and all of our subsequent businesses, bands, film productions, and on to Creekside & Stonework. Bob made shirts, jerseys, hats and just about ever bay area sports team, from high schools to the Golden State State Warriors.
Bob is survived by his loving children, grandchildren, and his wife, Susan. Bob and Susan loved Creekside, not just the shirts and hats they created for us, but they were regulars. We’d also go over to their shop on Mitchell Blvd and occasionally bring their favorite, The Perfect Storm pizza. While our logo was designed by Rob Mesarchik at Blend Branding,
A graduate of both Southern Illinois University and San Francisco State University, Bob opened California Printed in 1971, serving countless companies and teams for over 50 years. Bob brought them to life in print. Bob’s son Shane contacted me to let us know that Bob passed away, wearing his favorite Creekside T-shirt.
Memorial services TBD. Check back to this page for possible public invite. – Pat Townsley, 12/2/2024
KAY COLEMAN: 
September 30th, 2023 was a bittersweet night in San Anselmo; a magical evening of live music with upwards of 1000 people in Creek Park, dancing and celebrating in our fine town to the live music of local favorites “Wonder Bread 5” on the closing night of “Live On The Avenue” 2023 summer concert series. In the middle of the second set, during the peak of the high energy party band, we received notice that Kay Coleman had just passed away. For those of us in the leadership of the community who knew Kay, we knew that if she was seeing her town of San Anselmo, so full of life and energy, that night… her mission in this community was complete.
A long time San Anselmo resident, Kay was a member of the San Anselmo Town Council for over 10 years, and a Town Mayor. Her sensible sage wisdom, passion for the town and it’s history, sense of humor and easy going personality brought balance to the force. She loved this town, the people, and she really loved Creekside Pizza & Taproom. Her husband, Carter Coleman, and family members would frequent Creekside, and Carter would often (and proudly) proclaim that he “was sleeping with the mayor.” Cater passed in 2022, After an early retirement from Town Council in 2019, they had moved to Petaluma, where Kay enjoyed our sister-restaurant, Stonework Pizza & Tap, just a few miles from their home.
We will remember Kay for her sparking smile, commitment to our Town, and love of people. She lived, she loved, she left a legacy. We should all aspire to these principals.
Thank you Mayor Coleman. – Pat Townsley, October 2023
STEPHEN SIMMONS: It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of a good friend, mentor, and community icon, Chef Stephen Simmons. Stephen was one of the most grounded and integrity-based humans, loving his family, food, and a passion for service. Stephen was an owner of the beloved Bubba’s Diner in downtown San Anselmo for years, plus “FORK” on San Anselmo Avenue (which was later turned into the Michelin Star “Madcap” by Chef Ron Siegel). In and around these times, Stephen consulted for many fine dining restaurants on menu design and hospitality management throughout the Bay Area, including becoming culinary head chef for a well known local filmmaker. It was from here I met Stephen at Skywalker Ranch where I worked with Stephen for two years plus some mercenary “VIP” catering at “Groves” in Sonoma County and another in Los Altos hills. Stephen’s passion for utilizing seasonal vegetables, contrasting and expertly pairing flavor balances, and eye-catching presentation were evident on every plate; simple and elegant. If we were doing executive dinners for six or dinner for 200 celebrity guests, every detail was spot-on. With the added pressure of the clientele’s expectations, Stephen was by far, the calmest and composed chef I’ve ever met. On the extremely rare off-chance something unexpected came up, Stephen wouldn’t miss a beat, staying composed, directing the team with an even and soft voice. His pre-planning and coursing ensured there were never any mishaps. Professional, passionate, and compassionate.
- Chef Stephen on YouTube: CLICK HERE
I left “The Ranch” properties to open Creekside, and things changed at The Ranch once several divisions left for Letterman. Stephen continued consulting, became head chef at the renovated Peacock Gap Country Club, we had several conversations on menu design for Stonework along the way, and he was most recently proud to be a the award winning Birch & Rye in San Francisco. Today, I regret I never took him up on his multiple invites for dinner there.
Memorial services were held this summer in the Russian River area where Stephen loved spending time at his house with friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Stephen’s family, and his memory will live on.
Stephen Simmons, another great contributor to the fabric of the quality of life here in San Anselmo. You are missed. Memorial services were held at Stephen’s Russian River home.
Thank you Chef – Pat Townsley, April 2023
PERRY LITCHFIELD: Many decades ago on 4th Street in San Rafael, New George’s Nightclub brought many souls together under the ownership of Tom Hutt and Don Swartz, Holding the venue together through contracts, occasional disputes and suits, was our attorney, Perry Litchfield. He rocked as hard as he worked ..and he worked hard. His family legacy goes back to San Rafael pioneer, Whitey Litchfield, owner of the “Litchfield’s” motel there along the freeway. Under that loved and hated iconic sign was a live music venue, THE live music venue in San Rafael in the 50’s and 60’s, and is now a City of San Rafael historical landmark.
Perry too, was a historical landmark at New George’s. He was unorthodox, a powerhouse, a funny guy, and served his clients and community for decades as an attorney, the founder/owner of a well known Marin rehab clinic, and real estate investor. Perry became a regular day-timer here at Creekside, where we would reminisce about the crazy shows, nights, and many cocktails at New George’s from ’88 to ’96.
Perry leaves behind his son Charlie, who is running their family law firm. Memorial services were held at Peacock Gap Country Club, attended by friends, colleagues, and many of our old New George’s Nightclub crew.
Cheers Perry! Thanks for the laughs. – Pat Townsley, June 2023
JAY MURPHY: A vision that began percolating in 2008, solidifying in 2015, Creekside Pizza & Taproom became a company in 2016 with the signing of the 20 year lease on our downtown San Anselmo location through the support and advocacy of local commercial Realtor, Jay Murphy. With other offers on the table, Jay went-to-bat for us and our half-baked crowd-funding restaurant concept. Jay believed in our underdog mission, our passion for our community and our purpose. Without Jay Murphy, there would be no Creekside.
Jay Murphy was a 5th generation San Franciscan who resided in San Anselmo with his wife, Casey, and son. In 1970 he began his successful commercial real estate career as a facilities manager for Lucasfilm Ltd, and he retired from HL Commercial Real Estate in 2020. Jay graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in Education, and was very active in the San Anselmo community. He was a Board Member of the Consortium for Children, San Anselmo Parks and Recreation, and Past President and Board Member of St Anselm School. Jay was also an actor and singer in local productions and a good story teller for all those who knew him. Many San Anselmo businesses leased or purchased their locations through Jay, and he worked for the success of the local business community. He was on a first name basis with all City staff and council members. (Thanks to HL Broker Bob Knez for this information)
Folks, Time is short. Today, go out and thank someone for doing something, anything. Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to lately. Help a neighbor, Be nice. Take a moment to appreciate the moment. There are only so many tomorrows.
Peace be with you, and Thank you for your faith in our vision. – Pat Townsley, June 2022