Bill Cogan

Bill Cogan Jan. 4, 1921 - Dec. 12, 2009 Resident of Concord Bill Cogan, a well-known San Francisco photographer, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on December 12 after a brief illness with pneumonia. Bill had two great passions in his life - photography and his family. He grew up in a large, blended Jewish family in Brooklyn, New York, and after attending photography school, set off for Hollywood, California, in the 1940s to work as a theatrical photographer. There he met LaVerne, his wife of 62 years, who immediately recognized his talent, and put her singing career on hold to help him pursue his art. They relocated to Northern California in the early 50s, setting up a family studio on Clement Street in San Francisco, with their first child, Cathy, answering the doorbell when customers rang. A son, Tom, arrived shortly after. Bill was the photographer for the SF Opera, Symphony and Ballet throughout much of the 50s and 60s, and he was a working photographer until he was in his late 70s. He then "retired" to his darkroom, and printed beautiful pictures of nature for another ten years. Bill had been a resident of Concord for the past 42 years. He will be remembered for fearlessly leaping from boulder to boulder through crashing surf to get just the right shot. He will be remembered for his brilliant humor and one-liners in the tradition of Groucho Marx. And he will be remembered for his unfailing love and interest in his children and grandchildren. He always delighted in hearing about their day-to-day adventures, and remarking how special they all were. He will be greatly missed by his wife, LaVerne Fortune Cogan, son Tom Cogan and daughter-in-law Sandee, granddaughter Amanda, daughter Cathy Abbott and son-in-law Fred, and grandsons Ryan and Devin Abbott. He will never be forgotten. In honor of Bill's love and caring for all animals, donations in his name may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek, Ca 94598. Email the family at clcabbott@gmail.com.