- Deceased's name: Leigh Weimers
- Age: 76
- Date: Aug. 30, 2012
Leigh Albert Weimers was born in Napa on Nov. 11, 1935 and started his writing career working for the daily Napa Register.
He graduated from Napa High School and earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism at San Jose State University in 1958.
Upon graduating in 1958, he went to work for the San Jose Mercury News, but nine months later he was drafted into the Army.
He served in Germany and continued to write for the Stars and Stripes, returning to the Mercury News two years later.
His career with the Mercury News spanned 47 years, ending when he retired on his 70th birthday. He served in various capacities at the newspaper including general assignment reporter, assistant city editor and founding editor of the lifestyle section. Beginning in 1965, he began working as a columnist.
Weimers served as founding chairman of the San Jose Police Foundation, as well as a member of the boards of directors of the San Jose State University Alumni Association, Rotary Club of San Jose, Silicon Valley Capital Club, San Jose Trolley Corporation, O'Connor Hospital Foundation, the Air Systems Foundation, Villa Montalvo Center for the Arts, American Cancer Society and the Stroke Awareness Foundation.
He received numerous awards for journalism and civic involvement, including the Spirit of the Arts Award from Arts Council Silicon Valley, the international Significant Sig award from Sigma Chi Fraternity, and the Tower Award, San Jose State University's highest service award.
He was also awarded an honorary Juris Doctor degree from Lincoln Law School of San Jose and he founded the Silicon Valley First Festival, an annual online festival celebrating innovation that is held every New Year’s Day.
In retirement, Weimers continued to share his views with a weekly commentary on KLIV radio and a column in San Jose and Gentry magazines.
He wrote a blog, Boomerometer, on aging for Baby Boomers.He also has contributed articles to regional and national magazines, is the author of "Leigh Weimers' Guide to Silicon Valley," published in 1986 and 1993,and co-author of "Silicon Valley: A 110-Year Renaissance," published in 2007.
Weimers, often referred to as "Mr. San Jose," died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012 at the age of 76, from unsuccessful heart repair surgery at Kaiser Santa Clara.
He is survived by his wife, Geri Stone Weimers, his daughters Kristin Weimers and Karin (Bill) Church and three grandchildren, Kellen Weimers, Marguerite Church, and Nicolas Church.
Services for Leigh Weimers will take place at 3:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, 80 So. Market St., in downtown San Jose.
