FORMER LETTERMAN FENCING CLUB COMPADRES:

Dr. William F. O’Brien, fencer and coach for fifty years in the Bay Area, founder of USF and Letterman Fencing Clubs, passed away on Oct 29, 2001.

Although he requested cremation and no services, a group of his last students did hold a small memorial gathering at Pat O’Shay’s Pub in San Francisco, a popular USF watering hole located geographically between Letterman’s Gym #2 and USF.

There are efforts underway to commemorate Dr. O’Brien’s contribution to fencing, including consideration of proposal for induction into the USFA Hall of Fame and a plaque posted at an appropriate spot (USF, the new Presidio HQ, AFS). In support of these efforts, facts, reminisces and anecdotes are hereby solicited from his former students and associates.

An article is being prepared, hopefully for American Fencing Magazine, but if not there, then for publication elsewhere and personal anecdotes on the doctor will be of great help in writing the article, as well. All suggestions for commemorating Dr. O’Brien’s life and times are welcome.

Contact Bill Cracraft at 650-359-8848, email to billc@fnsreporting.com.