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George Douglas Franklin

George Douglas Franklin, 79, passed away on Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, in San Rafael.

  Doug was born to Dewey Leroy Franklin and Effie Maurgarite Nelson-Franklin on April 4, 1933, in Red Bluff. He is the oldest son of four children. He grew up in Sonoma, and graduated from Sonoma Valley High School with the class of 1951.

  He had jobs in Sonoma during his youth in his parents business, in the orchards and doing construction. But he decided on a career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. Starting as a boilermaker, moving on to become a pipefitter, he finally became a scheduler. His passion and skills have left a legacy for the manufacturing of naval submarines.

  He was active in the community. He coached Little League baseball for several years. He was a hall monitor for Sonoma Valley High School, and was affectionately referred to by students and teachers alike as “Pops.” Elder residents of Sonoma looked to him as an ombudsman. In his later years, he served in the Family History Library of Sonoma.

  He loved fishing, baseball and telling stories. He enjoyed being out and about in Sonoma finding the best deals and great conversations with fellow townsfolk.

He is survived by his beautiful wife, Janet; his 11 wonderful children and step-children; and his loving sisters. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Above anything else, Doug loved his family and learned that they were the most important and valuable people in the world.