Nathan “Nat” Landes
Resident of Woodside
July 25, 1918-Feb. 27, 2016
Nat died at his home in Woodside surrounded by his loving family. He was pre-deceased by his wife of 68 years, Evelyn Landes, and leaves behind his children Mark and wife Joyce; Michael; Debbie and husband Phil; and Jon and wife Doreen; grandchildren Beth and husband Evan, Marni and husband Andrew, Zachary, Emily, and David and wife Kitty; and great-granddaughters Rebecca and Amy.
Nat was born in New York City on July 25, 1918 to immigrant parents who both came from Transylvania. He earned his bachelor’s degree from City College of New York, School of Engineering. In his civilian life, he worked first as a contractor and then as a developer with his oldest son, Mark.
Nat was responsible for building many Bay Area structures, including the original KPIX in San Francisco, Ampex campus in Redwood City, Holiday Inns throughout California, many shopping centers including the first enclosed shopping center in Santa Clara County (Westgate), Hiller Aircraft Corporation, and many buildings on the Stanford and Santa Clara University campuses. He also built 106 acres of Redwood City, including houses, the Woodside Plaza and the Roosevelt Shopping Center.
Nat was an optimistic, generous, brilliant, and determined man. He was also a modern man, engaged and knowledgeable about current events and technology to his final days. His most recent wish was that he could live to see the results of the upcoming presidential election. He had a love of learning throughout his entire life. He was able to have an informed discussion on a diversity of subjects. He surrounded himself with books and computers. He was one of the earliest members of the Stanford Palo Alto Users Group (SPAUG) and purchased one of the first PCs in the 1970s.
At age 97, he gave a two-part lecture to SPAUG entitled “Living Through the Twentieth Century,” describing the many changes he saw in technology and computers throughout his lifetime. In the past few months of his life, he was observed reading a book on quantum physics and challenging himself with math problems to keep his brain sharp. In addition to studying, he had a variety of other talents and interests. At different times in his life, he played the violin, had photography as a hobby, and flew his twin-engine Cessna 310 airplane.
Nat served nearly 40 years active duty and active reserve, retiring as a Colonel in the United States Army. During his career he earned a host of battle ribbons, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Stars and the Legion of Merit. In 2014, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his contribution to the liberation of the French people during World War II. After Germany’s surrender, he served as military government officer of Leipzig, and later was in charge of two displaced persons camps. Reflecting on his wartime experiences, he said his proudest accomplishment was “… not losing a single man in my battery.”
In the late 1960s, Nat was elected to the Woodside Town Council where he served 10 years, including four as mayor. He also served for 10 years on the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), a regional governing board. He was deeply engaged in Jewish and community nonprofit organizations throughout his adult life.
A partial list of his contributions include President of Congregation Beth Jacob for two years, member of the Board of Directors for Congregation Beth Jacob for 17 years, member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Welfare Federation for 10 years, and with nine other men he founded the Peninsula Jewish Community Center and served on its Board of Directors.
Nat miraculously survived numerous brushes with death during World War II that he said should have killed him. He was grateful for every day he lived thereafter. His positive attitude to his last day of life continues to inspire.
Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City on Tuesday, March 1 followed by graveside services with full military honors at the Hills of Eternity Cemetery in Colma. Donations in his memory may be sent to the charity of your choice.
Sinai Memorial Chapel
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