Long time San Francisco resident and Sierra Club activist, died peacefully at home from lymphoma on August 27, 2015.

Dan was born on September 9, 1941 in Philadelphia, to Daniel Francis Sullivan and Patricia Farnham Sullivan. He has one sibling, Nancy (Sullivan Tryzelaar) who lives in Portland, Maine.

Dan graduated from Princeton University in 1963 and from Harvard University Law School in 1966. After law school he spent a year in Denver with VISTA. In 1968 he moved to Trenton, New Jersey to work in the New Jersey office of Community Affairs office on urban programs.

In 1970 he moved to San Francisco because he was attracted to the rich cultural life and the wonderful opportunities for hiking and exploration. Over the years, he enjoyed performances by the SF Ballet, SF Opera, SF Symphony and the many educational opportunities provided in the SF Bay area like the Friday lecture series at the Asian Art Museum, OLLI, and the Fromm Institute.

In 1983 Dan married Kathleen Wesner. The couple loved the wilderness and enjoyed backpacking, hiking and bird watching as well as trips to Hawaii, and around California (the Sierras, Yosemite, Carmel, Palm Springs, and Mendocino).

Dan worked as an editor for a lawbook publishing company (initially Bancroft Whitney and later acquired by Thomson Publishing) for over 20 years. He retired from the company in 1992. However, his avocation has been his many volunteer activities. He started as a Sierra Club volunteer in 1975 at the SF Bay Chapter and then later he helped the club to develop and maintain its national political program and remained actively involved in that program until quite recently. During the 1980s Dan was a key player in pulling together 13 chapters to develop a California statewide legislative advocacy program, called Sierra Club California. Over the years he has also been involved in various local, state and national efforts with the Sierra Club, with much of his emphasis on water policy.

In 2005, Dan joined San Francisco City Guides. Dan led walks 2 to 3 times a month in the Castro neighborhood and at Lands End. Other volunteer work includes being a board member and treasurer for the Tuolumne River Trust and organizing outings for the Princeton Club of Northern California.

Dan was a quiet, modest man who avoided the limelight but he was a hard worker behind the scenes who took much satisfaction in making things run smoothly. He had a great impact on many people's lives and will be fondly remembered for his generosity, integrity and sharp mind. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his sister, Nancy, thirteen nieces and nephews including Anneke, Liesbeth, Pieter, Erick, and nine great nieces and nephews.

Donations in Dan's memory may be made to Sierra Club California, 909 12th Street, Ste. 202, Sacramento, CA 95814, the UCSF Foundation, Box 45339, San Francisco, CA 94145 or a charity of your choice. A memorial gathering for Dan will be held on Saturday Sept 12th at 3:00pm at Ellard Hall, Most Holy Redeemer Church, 110 Diamond St, San Francisco.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 31 to Sep. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Dan Sullivan

12 Entries

Lynda Marenich

January 4, 2016

I've thought of Dan so many times this past year & never stopped my hectic pace to reconnect with him. I am poorer for that selfishness. He was a wonderful mentor while I worked in the Sacramento office in the early 90's and taught me grace, understanding, patience & fogiveness. He attended my wedding in '96 and his presence there meant so much. My condolences to his family. He will be missed dearly.

Bill Winchester

October 12, 2015

Katy, I just heard. From my. Brother,her Mike who talked to your brother JiM. So sorry to hear about Dan's death. From reading his obituary, you and Dan had a wonderful, full life with very many meaningful contributions to the California area.
I am fighting cancer myself right now so I can emphasize with what he must have gone through
All our best to you. Bill and Cathy Winchester

Ryan DeMatteo

September 11, 2015

I'll carry your memory Dan. You were organically kind and so sincere, sensitive, and aware. When I was really in tough times, you took me into your home and gave me shelter, and I was pretty much a stranger to you. The example of life you made through own is a rare one, and one I'll try to live up to. Thank you. Travel well.

Cynthia Denny

September 7, 2015

I met Dan Sullivan at my first meeting of the CNRCC for the Sierra Club and worked with him to reestablish a Wetlands Committee with his help and leadership. He was instrumental in coordinating my efforts and bringing together top advocates from other parts of California. All the while being supportive, encouraging and extremely adept at both policy and working with people. Never critical or politically motivated in his work, he won the hearts of all who knew him.
Thank you Dan for the great example you were to all of us in advocacy and human kindness.

I look forward to advocating with you before the throne of God for the protection of all of the inhabitants of this beautiful earth that we so passionately strive to reclaim and conserve.

Margaret Okuzumi

September 2, 2015

I am so sad to learn of Dan's passing. He was part of the group of people who founded Sierra Club California back in the 1980's, and SCC will not be the same without him. I will miss his gentle presence and kind soul.

September 1, 2015

I remember Dan for so many things, but perhaps the most personal is that he introduced me to the Sierra Club California when he and Larry Fahn asked me to be the SC Cal. Political chair. I would never have had the courage to leave my comfortable Outings and Local Political Chair but for him.
Emil Lawton

Dave Thack

September 1, 2015

I had the pleasure to work with Dan Sullivan for the last four years through his volunteer leadership with the Sierra Club. Despite the fact that a majority of our interaction was via video conferences and emails, I felt like I knew him well. I relied heavily on Dan's institutional knowledge and attention to detail (most recently sending him an email a little over a week ago). He was a good person who lived a rewarding and meaningful life. He will be missed.

Liz Meyer

September 1, 2015

I've known Dan for more than 3 decades through our Sierra Club volunteer work together. He was a quiet but inspired and brilliant worker. He will truly be missed by countless people.

John Cordes

September 1, 2015

Dan was a wonderful man and I am glad that I got to work with him. He was kind and gracious and I will miss him. John Cordes, Loma Prieta Chapter

Lillian Miller

September 1, 2015

I am so saddened to hear of Dan's passing. He had been my go-to guy for California questions since I started at the Club. He was always such a joy to talk to. He will be missed by a great deal of people.

Deanna White

September 1, 2015

I worked with Dan at the Sierra Club. Dan was such a smart and kind man and always went out of his way to be helpful.

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