Robert Henry “Fast Floyd” McKenzie (1950–1993): San Francisco Punk Rock Legend

Fast Floyd and a concert poster for his band

Robert Henry “Fast Floyd” McKenzie was an American guitarist and bandleader best known for his role in the early punk and R&B scenes of New York and San Francisco. A founding member of Mink DeVille, he played guitar alongside his childhood friend Willy DeVille (born William Borsey) during the band’s formative years in San Francisco. When DeVille relocated to New York, McKenzie—known professionally as Fast Floyd—remained in California due to unresolved legal matters and went on to establish a distinctive musical identity on the West Coast.

After leaving Mink DeVille, McKenzie immersed himself in the burgeoning San Francisco punk scene centered around the famed Mabuhay Gardens club. Though he played primarily R&B, Fast Floyd became a fixture in the inclusive and experimental punk milieu of the late 1970s, sharing bills with acts such as DNA, MX-80, The Offs, The Mutants, and The Controllers. He later formed his own group, Fast Floyd and the Famous Firebirds, who gradually refined a hard-edged R&B sound that resonated with a loyal audience independent of the punk movement.

Archival images of Fast Floyd and the Famous Firebirds

By the early 1980s, the Firebirds had become known for their provocative stage shows, especially after the addition of Floyd’s girlfriend “Silke” as a vocalist. Her performances—often in negligees and marked by uninhibited theatrics—earned the group a reputation as “San Francisco’s raunchiest band” and made them perennial favorites at the city’s Exotic Erotic Ball.

In 1983, the group released their sole LP, Devil’s Daughter. The album’s cover featured an uncredited photo of famed exotic dancer Candy Barr (Juanita Dale Slusher), who was widely known for her connections to Jack Ruby and Mickey Cohen, her conviction in a notable marijuana case, and a brief prison sentence for shooting a husband. Barr, having since become a Christian, objected to her image being associated with the album’s title. A copy of her letter to the band survives in the archival record, in which she disputed the photo’s authenticity but nevertheless requested a financial gift should the album turn a profit.

A comprehensive archive of Fast Floyd’s career—containing original lyrics, over 60 promotional flyers, photographs, contact sheets, handwritten setlists, and fan correspondence—provides rich documentation of both his artistic output and the DIY mechanics of life in an independent band during the late 20th century.

The band's only LP release "Devil's Daughter"

McKenzie was also a member of a lesser-known band called The Spiders and maintained a lifelong passion for history, ancient weaponry, and vinyl records. He died by suicide in May 1993. Despite his relatively brief career, Fast Floyd remains a cult figure in the annals of West Coast punk and R&B history.

Sources: Find A Grave, Between the Covers Rare Books archives, Discogs, YouTube, eBay, the Max’s Kansas City 1976 & Beyond album booklet, and the blog Too Short a Life.

Richard “Dick” Duvall (1933–1960): CHP Officer Killed in Line of Duty

Dick Duvall and Grave Marker

Plot 71, Grave 290

Richard “Dick” Duvall (1933–1960) was a California Highway Patrol officer whose tragic death in the line of duty led to lasting changes in law enforcement procedures and posthumous honors in his name.

Born in Oakland, Alameda County, California, in 1933, Duvall was the son of Cecil and Dorothy Jensen Duvall. During his early childhood, the family relocated to San Leandro, where he attended local schools and became a standout football player at San Leandro High School. Following his graduation, Duvall enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving two years before returning to civilian life. He went on to attend Armstrong College of Business in Berkeley, graduating in 1956.

In September 1957, Duvall married Gwenellen “Gwen” Jones. He soon entered the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Academy and, upon completion of his training, was assigned to the Victorville office. There, he served as a patrol officer for just under two years.

On February 23, 1960, Officer Duvall was fatally shot during a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 66 outside Victorville. His final radio message was, “I’m chasing a fast one.” Unbeknownst to Duvall, the motorist he was pursuing, James Kendrick, was an escaped felon in a stolen vehicle, wanted for armed robbery. As Duvall approached the car, the suspect opened fire, killing him instantly. The fugitive was apprehended six days later in Shell Beach, California, after a gunfight with law enforcement. He was convicted of first-degree murder and executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin State Prison on November 3, 1961. Authorities believed he may have had an accomplice, but none was ever located.

Officer Duvall’s death, at age 26, was a pivotal moment for the California Highway Patrol. Commissioner Bard Crittenden subsequently implemented a policy requiring officers to work in pairs during graveyard and parts of the evening shifts—a practice designed to increase officer safety during nighttime patrols.

Duvall was survived by his wife Gwen, who was pregnant at the time of his death, and their daughter Deanne. His son, Richard Jr., was born in July 1960.

In 2010, in recognition of his service and sacrifice, a portion of State Highway Route 15 in Victorville was officially named the" CHP Officer Richard D. Duvall Memorial Highway."

There is a Facebook page that honors his life. 

Sources: California Highway Patrol Memorial Records, San Bernardino County Historical Archives Facebook, Find a Grave, San Bernardino Sun and Los Angeles Times.

John D. "Jack" Fletcher (1921–1990): TV and Movie Character Actor

 

Sherman Hemsley and Jack Fletcher

Plot 52D, Lot 129  W 1/2

Jack Fletcher was an American character actor and theater educator whose career spanned stage, film, and television from the early 1960s through the late 1980s.

Born in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, Fletcher became a respected presence in both theater and screen. He was deeply involved with the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) in San Francisco, where he taught acting and directed productions, including Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and Richard III. His work at A.C.T. helped shape the careers of emerging performers and contributed to the company’s national reputation for theatrical excellence.

On television, Fletcher was best known for his recurring role as H.L. Whittendale on The Jeffersons, appearing in six episodes between Seasons 4 and 11. His character was the wealthy and eccentric owner of the Whittendale Building, where George and Louise Jefferson’s dry cleaning business was located. Fletcher’s portrayal of the imperious landlord added a recurring dose of corporate satire and class contrast to the show.

Jack Fletcher

Fletcher also made guest appearances on numerous television programs and performed supporting roles in several films. His work was marked by a distinctive presence and versatility across genres.

Television credits include:
The Jeffersons, Bewitched, Chico and the Man, Welcome Back, Kotter, Gimme a Break!, Knots Landing, Charles in Charge, Charlie's Angels, Silver Spoons, Small Wonder, and The Munsters Today.

Film credits include:
Elvira: Mistress of the Dark (1988), Pennies from Heaven (1981), Any Wednesday (1966), Rabbit Test (1978), Off Beat (1986), and Once Upon a Mattress (1964).

He died of a heart attack in Los Angeles, California, on February 15, 1990, at the age of 68.

Robert Wasson aka "Fat Fairy" (1935-1985): Drag Performer, Chef, and LGBTQ Community Icon

 

Robert Wasson, left with Harvey Milk; right, as "Fat Fairy"

Section 73, Plot 1470

 Robert Wasson, affectionately known in San Francisco’s queer community as the “Fat Fairy,” was a beloved drag performer, culinary professional, and activist figure during the transformative LGBTQ movements of the 1960s and 1970s. With his self-styled nickname, audacious humor, and signature flair, Wasson became an enduring part of the Bay Area's queer cultural landscape.

Wasson rose to prominence as a regular presence in drag performances and was an active member of both the Court de San Francisco and the Royal Court of Oakland—two cornerstone institutions of queer pageantry and activism. He is remembered for his appearances at community events and his bold participation in street-level politics, including his close friendship with civil rights pioneer Harvey Milk.

Professionally, Wasson was a chef for many years, most notably at the Pall Mall Grill on Haight Street, where he worked during the “Summer of Love” in 1967. Later, he transitioned into catering before settling into a quieter life as an employee at a bookstore in Oakland.

Newspaper account of gravemarker being place 3 1/2 years after death

Tragically, Wasson’s life was cut short during a robbery at the bookstore. When confronted by an armed assailant, he fought back, and was fatally shot in the torso. He died at the scene.

Robert Wasson’s funeral reflected his theatrical spirit and deep impact on the community. Attended by several hundred mourners and carried by eight pallbearers, his elaborate service featured his personal theme song, “If They Could See Me Now.” Per his final wishes, Wasson was interred in full drag regalia, wearing a light gray evening gown. A bottle of Pepsi and a bag of potato chips—his favorite snacks—were placed in his casket. His burial was reported on the evening news. A grave marker with the inscription “They Can See Me Now!” was placed nearly four years after his death.

Bois Frederick Burk (1906–1993): Early Gay Rights Advocate; Part of Kinsey Study

 

Bois Burk and Burial Vault

Main Mausoleum, Section 12, Crypt Niche 2, Tier 1

Bois Frederick Burk (1906–1993) was an early gay rights advocate, diarist, and archivist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for preserving a unique and candid record of mid-20th century gay life, culture, and activism. His papers, held by the GLBT Historical Society, provide an important window into the "homophile movement," the rise of gay liberation, and the personal experiences of gay men navigating social stigma, legal discrimination, and aging.

Born on November 4, 1906, in Kentfield, Marin County, California, Burk was the youngest of four sons raised on a five-acre ranch. His father, Frederic Lister Burk [featured on this site HERE], was a pioneering educator and the first president of San Francisco State Normal School (now San Francisco State University). His mother, Caroline Frear Burk, came from a prominent Hawaiian family.

Burk graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1924 and earned a degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1929, where he was president of the Cal Chess Club. He worked for insurance firms in San Francisco before joining the UC Berkeley Physical Education Department as a clerk in 1942. In 1956, he was forced to resign—apparently due to his homosexuality—though the circumstances remain unclear. A later attempt to obtain a federal job was rejected by the Civil Service Commission in 1959 on grounds of “gross immoral conduct.”

Burk lived a largely solitary life, never having a long-term partner, and resided in boarding houses and hotels around Berkeley. Despite frequent arrests related to public sexual activity and ongoing social marginalization, he was a tireless participant in the early gay rights movement. He was interviewed by Dr. Alfred Kinsey in the 1940s, became a member of the Mattachine Society in 1952, and actively participated in the League for Civil Education and the Society for Individual Rights during the 1960s. He embraced the philosophy of Gay Liberation after 1969 and attended many community events, leaving behind a trail of annotated programs and newspaper clippings.

In 1976, Burk filed and won a landmark age discrimination case against a gay bathhouse after being turned away for being “an old toad,” highlighting intersectional biases within the LGBTQ community. His extensive archives include autobiographical writings, correspondence, reflections on public sex and police entrapment, and records from local gay organizations. They are among the earliest and most personal documentary legacies of gay life in the Bay Area.

In his final years, Burk moved into a retirement facility in Berkeley under the care of relatives. He died on June 5, 1993, at the age of 86.

Sources: GLBT Historical Society, Bois Burk Papers; Online Archive of California (oac.cdlib.org); J. Howell Genealogical Database; Kinsey Institute, Find a Grave

Samuel Thompson Leet (1828–1890): California State Senator, Pioneer Merchant, and Landholder

 

Samuel Leet & Family Plot

Plot 26, Lot 152

Samuel Thompson Leet was a 19th-century California pioneer, merchant, and public official, best known for his contributions to the early development of Placer County and for serving as a State Senator in the California Legislature during a formative period of statehood.

Born on November 26, 1828, in DeRuyter, New York, Leet came to California soon after it became a state in 1850, accompanied by three of his brothers. He initially settled in Placer County, where he engaged in mining and mercantile pursuits during the height of the Gold Rush. He was one of the early residents of Michigan Bluff and later Dutch Flat and Colfax—important hubs in the Sierra Nevada gold region. He was also listed among the principal early traders in Auburn following the 1848 discovery of gold along the Auburn Ravine, which led to the establishment of one of the state’s earliest and most enduring mining settlements. His name appears alongside other pioneer merchants and traders such as Bailey & Kerr, Disbrow & Willment, and Wetzler & Sutter, marking him as a key figure in Auburn’s transformation into a major trading post.

Leet Oakland home at 562 East Fifteenth in 1887

Leet's role in California extended into public life when he was elected State Senator from Placer County in 1859, representing the area in the 11th Legislature (1860–61). He served during a time of political turbulence and infrastructural expansion, notably around issues like taxation of mines and support for the development of the transcontinental railroad. His vote for Lecompton Democrat Milton Latham in the U.S. Senate selection process suggested independent thinking within a fractured Democratic Party.

Outside of politics, Leet continued his work as a businessman. He operated a provision store in Colfax during the early railroad era and partnered in land acquisitions, most notably filing for a massive 10,500-acre claim in the Pleasant Grove district of western Placer County using federal land scrip. His ventures extended to real estate as co-founder of the San Francisco-based auction house Talbert & Leet, which was appointed to handle high-profile state tide land sales in the late 1860s.

Later in life, Leet relocated to Oakland, California. City directories from the 1880s list him as a resident of 562 East Fifteenth in Oakland, where he lived with his wife, Cynthia Roanne Pomeroy Leet, and several of their children. He died there on December 20, 1890. His estate was formally administered in Alameda County the following year, as confirmed by court records.

Henry Arthur Wright (1946–1968): Vietnam Casualty: Awarded Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for heroism

Henry Wright & Burial Vault

Main Mausoleum, Section 174, Tier 3, Niche 1

Henry Wright a United States Marine Corps officer and decorated combat hero who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. A native of Oakland, California, Wright was the son of Roy E. Wright and Marjorie J. Wright. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1963 and from the United States Naval Academy in 1967, where he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Wright deployed to Vietnam on January 5, 1968, and was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force. On February 6, 1968, amidst the early weeks of the communist Tet Offensive, his unit was called upon to assist a Combined Action Platoon (CAP B-4) engaged in a fierce battle in the hamlet of La Chau (2), located south of Da Nang in Quảng Nam Province.

At approximately 08:45 that morning, CAP B-4 came under intense enemy fire and requested support. A two-squad reaction force from Company D, supported by an M48A1 tank, responded from nearby Hill 47. As they approached La Chau, the tank struck a land mine and was subsequently disabled by enemy B-40 rocket fire, igniting the vehicle. The Marines immediately came under heavy automatic weapons and small arms fire from entrenched North Vietnamese Army forces.

1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment in Vietnam

Lieutenant Wright organized his platoon and led them across open terrain under heavy fire to reinforce the embattled Marines. Disregarding his own safety, he moved to an exposed vantage point to assess the battlefield and better direct his men. He then led an aggressive assault against enemy positions, personally directing fire and maneuvering across a rice paddy. When his radio operator was seriously wounded, Wright carried him to safety while continuing to provide medical aid and tactical leadership.

Returning to the fight, Wright resumed command of his platoon, providing covering fire to facilitate the evacuation of the wounded. He was mortally wounded by enemy fire during this effort. Despite the intensity of the battle, his leadership helped prevent further casualties and contributed to the Marines’ success in breaching the enemy line.

For his valor and selflessness, Second Lieutenant Henry A. Wright was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” for heroism. The citation praised his “bold initiative and fearless action,” which were instrumental in saving fellow Marines and accomplishing the mission. His actions upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and Naval Service.

Lieutenant Wright had been in Vietnam for just over a month at the time of his death. He was among nine Americans—eight Marines and one Navy corpsman—who died in the action at La Chau, with twenty others wounded.

His Bronze Star Medal was presented posthumously to his parents by Colonel Donald Kennedy, Director of the 12th Marine Corps District Headquarters in San Francisco.

Sources: Oakland Tribune, Sept 2, 1968, Bronze Star Medal Citation, U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Records, Marine Corps Command Chronologies, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund - Wall of Faces, Combined Action Program After Action Reports (CAP B-4), Find a Grave, and Dept of Defense Casualty Reports

Richard Miner “Dick” Apgar (1836–1887): Civil War Veteran; Solano County Sheriff

 

Dick Apgar's Obituary and Grave Marker

Plot 24, Lot 12

Dick Apgar was an American Civil War officer, lawman, and civic figure active in both San Francisco and Oakland, California. Known for his colorful personality and broad involvement in public service and politics, Apgar’s life spanned frontier migration, military service, and the turbulent political scene of post-Gold Rush California.

Born in Montgomery County, Ohio, in April 1836 to Jacob and Hannah Apgar—both of New Jersey origin—Apgar journeyed westward as a teenager. At the age of 16, he joined a wagon train bound for California, arriving in 1854 and initially trying his fortune in the goldfields before settling in Solano County.

During the Civil War, Apgar was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in Company F of the 7th California Infantry Regiment at the Presidio of San Francisco on November 30, 1864. He was stationed at Fort McDowell in the Arizona Territory before mustering out with his unit on April 13, 1866, also at the Presidio. After the war, he returned to Solano County and married Lois Marie Marston in Suisun, California, on July 4, 1869.

Fort McDowell in the Arizona Territory

Apgar embarked on a career in law enforcement and public service. In 1871, he was elected Sheriff of Solano County. Following his term, he served for four years as a turnkey at San Quentin State Prison. He later moved to San Francisco, where he became deeply involved in local politics. He lobbied the State Legislature in Sacramento and played a key role in the establishment of Police Court No. 2, serving for several years as its bailiff. He was appointed doorkeeper of the California State Assembly during the 1881–82 legislative session.

In the early 1880s, Apgar relocated to Oakland, where he was admitted to the bar, though he did not practice law. He ran unsuccessfully as the Republican nominee for the State Assembly from the 53rd District in 1884. At the time of his death, he was described as a wealthy man, having made astute investments in land and stocks, with his estate estimated at $100,000—a considerable sum for the time.

Apgar was deeply involved in fraternal and veterans’ organizations, including the Freemasons and the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a member of Mount Moriah Lodge in San Francisco, and his funeral was conducted with Masonic honors in Oakland by Live Oak Lodge. Members of Lincoln Post No. 1 and delegations from other Grand Army posts were in attendance.

Richard M. Apgar died suddenly on December 21, 1887, in Oakland due to heart failure. He was 51 years old. His widow, Lois, survived him until her death in 1903 and received a widow’s pension under the 1890 federal pension act. 

The land where he resided in Oakland is known as the Apgar Tract and a street still bears his name. The Apgar Tract is a historic residential subdivision situated in the Longfellow neighborhood of North Oakland. It encompasses the area around Apgar Street, which runs between Market Street and San Pablo Avenue. The tract was developed during a period of significant growth in Oakland, as the city expanded to accommodate a burgeoning population and increased demand for housing. Today, the Apgar Tract is characterized by a mix of residential properties, including single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. Many of these structures date back to the early 20th century, reflecting the architectural styles prevalent during that era. The neighborhood's proximity to transportation hubs, such as the MacArthur BART station, and its location near major thoroughfares have made it an attractive area for residents seeking convenient access to the broader Bay Area.

Margaret Burrows “Margy” Sanford Oldenburg (1909–1943): First Casualty of WWII WASP Program

Margy Oldenburg & Grave Marker

Plot 65, Grave 2573

Margy Oldenburg was a pioneering aviator and one of the earliest members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Born on July 29, 1909, she graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1931. Her passion for aviation was ignited in 1933 after meeting legendary pilot Amelia Earhart, inspiring her to take up flying during a time when few women had access to the cockpit.

PT-19 Aircraft

Oldenburg joined the WASP program as part of Class 43-W-4, which began training in February 1943. In early March, the weather in Houston had been poor and training flights were grounded. When skies cleared, the students of 43-W-4 were eager to resume flight training and practice spin maneuvers in the PT-19 aircraft. Tragically, something went wrong on one of the flights, and Oldenburg and her instructor dove straight into the ground. She was killed on March 7, 1943, during that routine training flight, becoming the first fatality of the WASP program. The Army Air Forces Training Command reportedly ordered that the accident be kept quiet to avoid public scrutiny.

Because WASP pilots were considered civilians at the time, Oldenburg was not afforded military honors or benefits. Program director Jacqueline Cochran and fellow pilots personally covered the costs of returning her body to Oakland, California, for burial.

Major Bernard Thomas “B.T.” Kelly (1918–2004): WWII hero during sinking of USS Helena

 

Major B.T. Kelly and Grave marker

Major Bernard Thomas “B.T.” Kelly (1918–2004) was a decorated United States Marine Corps officer best known for his heroism during World War II, particularly during the sinking of the USS Helena (CL-50). Born on July 9, 1918, in Chicago, Illinois, Kelly graduated from Northwestern University before commissioning into the U.S. Marine Corps. Over a 26-year military career, he served with distinction in multiple theaters of operation, including World War II and the Korean War.

As commander of the Marine detachment aboard the USS Helena, Kelly was stationed on the ship during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Helena was damaged but survived the assault, later returning to combat duty in the Pacific. On July 6, 1943, during the Battle of Kula Gulf, the Helena was struck by three Japanese torpedoes and sank. In the aftermath, Kelly played a critical role in organizing the evacuation and ensuring the survival of many sailors and Marines. His leadership under extreme duress—coordinating rescue efforts, caring for the wounded, and maintaining discipline—was widely praised and later documented in several books on naval warfare and the Pacific campaign.

U.S.S. Helena in WWII

Kelly continued to serve in major Pacific operations, including the amphibious assaults on Peleliu and Okinawa, two of the war’s bloodiest battles. After Japan's surrender, he was assigned to Tientsin, China, where he helped oversee the formal turnover from Japanese forces. He later served in the Korean conflict, extending his service in active combat roles into a second major war.

After retiring from the Marine Corps, Kelly pursued several civilian leadership roles. He was the director of the Service Department at Rossmoor in Walnut Creek, California, and later served as director of the Northern California Laborers’ Union Training Center in Dublin, California. He also worked as the financial manager at Kelly World Travel in Lafayette. In retirement, he remained an avid traveler, photographer, and student of history, and took up golf with enthusiasm.

Major Bernard T. Kelly died on June 28, 2004, at the U.C. Davis Medical Center. His actions aboard the USS Helena and throughout his military service continue to be recognized in historical accounts of the Pacific War.

Sources:

• U.S. Navy historical records and USS Helena rescue reports (usshelena.org)

• Public obituary, Sacramento Bee, July 2004

• Various books and accounts of the Pacific theater, including Cruiser: The Life and Loss of HMAS Perth and Her Crew and The Lost Ships of Guadalcanal (Richard Frank)

• Naval History and Heritage Command archives