In Memoriam

It is with profound sadness that we share with our members that Jan Gray has passed away. Gray joined the association in 1974 and was most recently affiliated with Coldwell Banker, where she led the Gray-LaVey team with her daughter, Barbara LaVey. Previously, she was a partner and owner with Canyon Realty and Oceanshore Brokerage. Throughout her career, Gray was revered as a mentor and for her significant contributions to the local real estate community on the coast. Her association leadership included serving on the Boards of Directors for SAMCAR, the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.), and the Pacifica-Half Moon Bay Board of REALTORS, where she served as president in 1994. She also served on numerous committees including Coastside Government Affairs, Professional Standards, and Grievance as well as the Board of Trustees for the SAMCAR Foundation. In recognition of her service, Gray was named SAMCAR REALTOR of the Year in 1998 and later attained National Association of REALTORS (NAR) REALTOR Emeritus status. Our thoughts are with her family, colleagues, and friends who, like us at SAMCAR, are undoubtedly feeling this tremendous loss of a true legend in our community.

It is with profound sadness that we inform our members that Phil Houston has passed away. He joined the association on 10/02/91 with RE/MAX Mid-Peninsula then RE/MAX Dolphin and later Coldwell Banker, Pacific Union, KMS Investments, and most recently, Compass in Burlingame. Phil served as the twentieth President of SAMCAR in 2014 and in numerous committee and leadership roles. He was an exceptionally dedicated volunteer, having served as Treasurer, Region 25 Chair, and a director at the local and state level for several terms. Most recently, his expertise and perspective served the interest of his fellow members as an advisor on the Supra contract negotiation task force. In 2025, he achieved California Association of REALTORS Honorary Member-for-Life status. SAMCAR was notified of Phil's passing by longtime colleague, friend, and past president Olivia Edwards who was given permission by his family to share this announcement. A funeral service was held on June 18, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Life on July 10, 2026.

It is with sadness that we inform our members that Victor Catanzaro has passed away. He joined the association on 09/28/72 and was the designated broker for Wall Street Properties. Victor was an association member for 53 years and was granted REALTOR Emeritus status by the National Association of Realtors in 2012. SAMCAR was notified of Victor's passing by his wife.

It is with sadness that we inform our members that Bill Haskins passed away. He joined the association on 04/05/82 and was broker associate with Omarshall, Inc. Bill obtained his salesperson license in 1976, broker license in 1979, and first joined the Pacific-Half Moon Bay Board of Realtors in 1982. He was a member of SAMCAR for 31 years and had achieved National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Realtor Emeritus status in 2018. SAMCAR was notified of Bill's passing by longtime friend and colleague, Frank Vella. A funeral mass will be held Friday, April 10 at 10:30 AM at St. Roberts Catholic Church.

It is with great sadness that we inform our members that Jeanne Garde has passed away. She joined the association 01/13/84 and was the longtime manager of the brokerage formerly known as Today Sotheby's (previously RE/MAX Today), serving as the ninth President of SAMCAR in 2003 and in numerous committee and leadership roles before her retirement in 2020. SAMCAR was notified of Jeanne's passing by her former brokerage, Golden Gate Sotheby's. She is survived by her husband, Jim Meader, also a SAMCAR Past President (2001).

It is with sadness that we inform our members that Joan Ryan has passed away. Ryan was the first executive officer of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS (SAMCAR) after the merger of four local boards in 1995. She led the association until 1998 upon her retirement. Prior to her role as SAMCAR CEO, she was the executive of the former North Board from 1981 until the formation of SAMCAR.