San Francisco to Los Angeles Cancer Awareness Ride Tribute 2022
Murrieta Fire & Rescue
Dean Hale July 4, 1968 – November 22, 2019
Murrieta Firefighter-Paramedic Dean Hale passed away on November 22, 2019, after a courageous battle with job-related cancer. Brother Hale began his fire service career with the City of Alhambra, with whom he served for 17 years. He joined Murrieta Fire and Rescue in 2007 and served as an active member for 12 years. Brother Hale served six years as president of Murrieta Firefighters Association Local 3540 before retiring from the post earlier this year. Brother Hale continued to fight on behalf of his members even as he continued his own fight. Dean was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and fireman, survived by his wife, Audrey, and three children, Wyatt, Brittany and Stephanie
Los Angeles County Fire Department
Bill Cyr August 26, 1952 – May 29, 2022
Bill Cyr, 69, passed away on May 29, 2022 at his home in Lancaster, CA, after a valiant battle with kidney cancer. He was born on August 26, 1952 in Long Beach, California, to Maurice and Isabelle Cyr and big sister, Louise. A few years later he became big brother to another sister, Maurine. During high school he was a participant in the Y’s Hikers where he cultivated a love for backpacking and rock climbing. After graduation from Antelope Valley High School, he joined the US Navy, serving on the USS Coral Sea for two West Pacific Cruises to Vietnam. Using his military training in hydraulics, he was hired by Sea World as a rides mechanic while pursuing coursework in Fire Science at Miramar College. In 1978 he was hired by Los Angeles County Fire Department. During his 30-year employment, he served as a firefighter, paramedic, engineer, dispatcher, inspector and captain in various fire stations and inmate camps within the county before retiring in 2008.
Bill was a member of Central Christian Church where he was actively involved in a small group Bible study and assisted with various work projects on campus. He traveled to Mexico, Guatemala, and Bolivia many times to participate in church building and evangelism projects. Additionally, he utilized his construction and woodworking skills to build a family home, remodel and improve other homes, make repairs and special projects for extended family and construct unique furniture items for his family. In retirement he and Patti traveled extensively within the US, sightseeing and visiting family and enjoyed several bucket lists trips overseas.
Bill is survived by Patti, his wife of 47 years; daughters Leslie Cyr and Erin Desko (Sky); sister, Maurine Butler (Sherman); grandchildren, Kai and Xoe Desko; and a large and loving extended family. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family who loved his wonderful storytelling and willingness to help out.
San Francisco Fire Department
Gerald Scullion October 21, 1948 – May 4, 2022
Gerald Scullion (Jerry) of Novato, CA passed away peacefully on May 4, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jerry was born in San Francisco, CA on October 21, 1948 to Charles and Grace Scullion and was the youngest of three boys. He attended All Hallows Grammar School, St. Ignatius High School, and the University of San Francisco. He played basketball in high school and college, and graduated from USF in 1970.
Following his graduation from college, Jerry was a middle school teacher and coach for the SF Unified School District. He coached basketball and soccer and later continued coaching for Novato Youth Leagues while his children were growing up.
After working five years as a teacher, Jerry pursued a career as a San Francisco firefighter which was the highlight of his life. He made many lifelong friends and loved the camaraderie within the Fire Department. Jerry enjoyed working at many different firehouses throughout the city, but spent the majority of his career at Engine 36 where he saw so much action and was a member of the HazMat Unit. Jerry also served as a Strike Team Leader on the Wild Land Fire Unit and had many great stories to share with his family. Throughout his career in the Fire Department, Jerry continually studied and took many promotional exams. He was promoted through the ranks and ended his career as a Battalion Chief.
Jerry retired after a rewarding 33+ years with the SFFD. He became an avid fixture at the gym, regularly swimming laps, attending spin classes, and working out on a daily basis. He had many friends at the gym and continued to work out even when his health had declined. Jerry was an avid Warriors fan, and also loved watching the 49ers and SF Giants.
Jerry’s other passion in life was his family. He enjoyed family camping trips at the Russian River and Camp Mather and loved to relax in Maui, Hawaii. Jerry was “Papa” to his grandchildren and nothing could bring a smile to his face more than seeing his grandchildren. He loved the special cards they always made for him and the many holiday and birthday celebrations they shared.
Jerry was a devoted and loving husband to Georgia, his wife of 51 years. They had three children, Krista, Brian, and Sean and raised them in Novato, CA. Jerry was a loving grandfather to Jackson, Madison, Grace, and Johnny Morey and to Tyler, Brinley, and Vincent Scullion. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Scullion and Grace (Dwyer) Scullion, his brother Michael Scullion, and his infant grandson, JB Scullion. Jerry is survived by his wife Georgia Scullion, his children Krista Morey (Todd), Brian Scullion (Kelly), and Sean Scullion. He is also survived by his brother Tom Scullion (Carol Tapella), sister-in-law Phyllis Stacey (Russ), brother-in-law Nick Corcoleotes (Michelle), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
San Francisco Fire Department
Bill Downing Jr. October 1, 1951 – July 3, 2021
William ‘Bill’ Henry Downing Jr., an El Granada resident, passed away on Saturday, July 3, 2021, after a courageous, 2½-year battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 69.
Bill was born on Oct. 1, 1951, in San Francisco, Calif. He was raised in Pacifica, Calif., and attended Terra Nova High School before receiving a full athletic scholarship to play baseball at the University of San Francisco where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Upon graduation he was drafted in the fourth round by the Atlanta Braves. After a few years of professional baseball, he joined the San Francisco Fire Department in 1975. He cherished his 31½-year career alongside his brothers and sisters of the fire department, especially all the years he spent at Station 8 on Bluxome Street. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant in 2006. Bill’s love for baseball transferred into being a fan of the San Francisco Giants. At a Giants game in 1980 he met the love of his life. One year later, Bill married Christine Marcia Illig. Over the next 40 years, Bill and Chris traveled throughout Europe, vacationed in Hawaii, and raised their two children, Erin and Geoffrey. Nothing brought them more joy than spending time with their beautiful family.
In addition to Chris, Erin and Patrick (McGlennon), Geoff and Paige (Rehn-Downing), Bill is survived by his siblings, Pam (Lechleitner), Bob, David, Annette (Fazzio), and John. He was predeceased by his parents, Gerda and William Henry Downing Sr.
San Francisco Fire Department
Denise Elarms
Denise A. Elarms was born in San Francisco and received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from San Jose State University, later attending the University of the District of Columbia. Following her post-graduate education, Denise worked for the Mayor in Washington D.C. before moving back to San Francisco where she found her calling and joined the San Francisco Fire Department. Denise served proudly as a member of SFFD for 12 years until she was forced to retire due to an ongoing battle with job-related cancer. Denise was an avid member of the breast cancer support organization, Carrie’s Touch, and fought for legislation that would provide coverage and benefits to firefighters with cancer. Denise succumbed to the effects of cancer April 14, 2016 and is survived by her mother, Catherine, and her sister, Beverly.
