Douglas Reid O’Connor
A True Character Left an Indelible Mark
Douglas R. O’Connor, 92, passed away peacefully in late April. Doug, Doogie, and, even more affectionately, the Douger lived a full life in Tiburon, enjoying the company of his friends and family into his twilight years.
Son to Doris and Percy O’Connor, Doug came into this world alongside his fraternal twin brother, Jim, and older brother, Dave. Born and raised in San Jose, California, he excelled in school, sports, and, of course, socially! After high school, he got his undergraduate degree at San Jose State University.
Shortly after, Doug joined the Army during the Korean War. He served in Korea, Japan, and, fortuitously, Hawaii. After the Army, he got his law degree at Santa Clara University, the stepping stone to a nearly 50-year law career, which included work at Southern Pacific Railroad and later his own successful practice in San Francisco. Not one to wake early, Doug was usually the last to board the morning ferry in Tiburon on his commute into the city.
Sports — about every activity from billiards to rugby — held Doug’s attention. In particular, he loved playing and watching tennis at the Tiburon Peninsula Club, where he was a longtime member. A perfect day would include playing a set or two of tennis, a refreshing post-match swim, and a cold adult beverage. He’d close out the day from the comfort of his home to catch local professional sports on TV.
When not on the mainland, Hawaii — particularly the island of Kauai — was a favorite family vacation spot, where Doug enjoyed boogie boarding at Poipu’s Brennecke’s Beach with his kids and barbecuing on the lawn at Kiahuna Plantation. Doug made an impression wherever he went, endearing himself to people of all ages with his charm, big chuckle, and genuinely warm personality. He made fast friends with many acquaintances, but for those he deeply cared about, his friends and family, he showered them with unconditional love and support. He truly relished his role as father to his three kids, or “monkeys,” as he lovingly referred to them.
Doug is deeply missed by his daughter Heather, son-in-law Jeff, and granddaughter Clare of Alameda; son Brian of San Francisco; and son Jim, daughter-in-law Cecily, and grandkids Colin and Dana of Corte Madera. As the Hawaiian folk song goes, “Aloha-Oe, Until We Meet Again.”
Donations may be made in Doug’s name to the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation, a local organization benefiting the community that meant so much to him, or the Wounded Warrior Project, as Doug and his brothers were all veterans and supportive of those who served our country. The family will be holding a small memorial service.