Virgil O'Sullivan

1918-2010 Virgil O'Sullivan was born in Colusa on May 7, 1918 and died at his home on December 27, 2010. Virgil attended the University of California, Berkeley, as an undergraduate and earned a degree in economics. He pursued an education in the law at Boalt Hall, University of California, Berkeley. His legal studies were interrupted by his service in the Air Force during the middle years of World War II, where he trained as a waist gunner. When he returned home to Colusa County from military service, Virgil resumed his pursuit of a career in the law. He was admitted to the California State Bar in July 1947 and practiced law in Colusa County for the duration of a professional career that spanned decades. Virgil started farming in Colusa County as a boy on his family's ranch and didn't stop doing the work he loved so much until his death. His passion for the land and the people who earned their living from it informed much of the work he did outside the actual operation of his family's farming business. Virgil devoted his considerable energies as a lawyer and a legislator to helping landowners organize water districts that would allow them to access irrigation water from the federal Central Valley Project. With that water, landowners would now have the water supply necessary to increase the yield of their lands. Virgil also served as a member of the California Water Commission for a number of years, helping to formulate policy and practice recommendations for the beneficial use of the State's water. Public service came naturally to him. Part of his legal career included serving the county as a deputy district attorney. Beginning in 1958 the voters of Tehama, Glenn, and Colusa counties elected him to serve as their state senator for two consecutive four year terms. Virgil also contributed his formidable talents to many other civic enterprises. He helped raise the funding needed to build St. Elizabeth's hospital in Red Bluff. He served on the Board of Trustees of Mercy High School in Red Bluff for many years, some of those as chairman of the Board. Virgil's efforts were critical to the organization and oversight of building the Church of the Annunciation in Williams, California. He was a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Virgil also helped to found the Colusa County Rugby Club and was one of its most ardent, longtime supporters. Survivors include his wife of 60 years June O'Sullivan of Colusa, his children Kathleen Engrahm (Bill) of Williams, Deborah Roper of Concord, Drusilla Otten (Ed) of Gridley, Pollyanna O'Sullivan of Williams, Terry Foley of Bakersfield, Kevin O'Sullivan (Cindy) of Roseville, Gregory O'Sullivan (Allison) of Redbluff, Christopher O'Sullivan (Shanna) of Arbuckle. Virgil was also survived by his numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Jeremiah & Eulalia O'Sullivan, 3 siblings and 3 grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, January 3rd from 5-8 with a Rosary at 7:00p.m. at McNary-Moore Chapel, 107 5th St. Colusa. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 4th, at the Church of the Annunciation in Williams. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colusa. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com