Douglas Bennett Weill

1948 - 2021

Douglas Bennett Weill
November 22, 1948 - August 20, 2021
Carmichael, California -
A SUCCESSFUL MAN
Doug was raised on the Peninsula in Long Beach, CA, with the ocean as his front yard. There he grew to love sports of all kinds as well as to excel academically. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, where he was marked for success as Student Body President and Valedictorian and went on to fulfill that promise for the rest of his life. A paraphrase of Ralph Waldo Emerson's missive on Success describes Doug:
"To laugh often and much" He laughed out loud at the comics every morning. He loved to be the center of attention and make people laugh. He especially liked traveling (visiting all continents except Africa), regaling fellow passengers along the way. He could calm an intense situation with a witty comment and could entertain a crowd with his (mostly true) stories. His humor was never mean-spirited; he was just genuinely funny and fun to be with.
"To win the respect of the intelligent people" Doug attended Occidental College and UCDavis Law School. He joined the law firm of Files, McMurchie, Foley and Brandenburger in 1974 where, after 29 years and significant growth of the firm, he retired as the managing partner. He specialized in Workers' Compensation Law, enjoyed giving continuing education classes, and was well respected by the legal community as being tough, an excellent speaker, wicked smart and trustworthy, He made strong personal connections with his clients as well as with the staff at the law firm. He retired to pursue a career as a handyman ("The Only Lexus at the Dump"). He also worked in the schools, fulfilling his desire to teach, first at Carl Sundahl Elementary School and later at the Folsom Cordova Adult School, teaching his own GED class.
"and the affection of children" Doug had lots of experiences with children, starting with little league, swim team, soccer, water polo and overnight class field trips to support his sons' activities. He became a reading tutor in the San Juan School District, creating special lesson plans to make learning fun. He adored his precious granddaughters, sending them jokes on What's App and treating them to donuts and laughter whenever he was with them.
"To appreciate beauty and find beauty in others" Doug found great satisfaction in helping others and participating in volunteer activities. He was a past president of the Point West Rotary Club and an active participant in Club activities. He also volunteered for Legal Aid, B Street Theatre (carpentry), and the Carmichael Presbyterian Church Food Closet. Doug loved to read, especially fiction, and appreciated the craft of writing. He belonged to two book clubs, whose members described him as insightful, perceptive and (of course) funny. He found beauty in relationships and giving of himself, with warmth, kindness and affection. He treasured close relationships with childhood, high school and college friends.
"To know that one life has breathed easier because you have lived here" This modest, self-effacing man was also a decisive, natural leader— a person of quiet confidence. As a group participant, he was primarily a listener, speaking with wisdom and humor. He held himself to high standards of the right way of doing things, staying focused on a problem for hours until he was satisfied with the result. He was a role model, leading by example. He was a hero to his sons, the very best husband of 50 years, and an amazing friend who would grab his tools and his gloves to help a friend in need.
Doug was predeceased by his parents, Christine and Beau Weill, and his older brothers, Larry and Beau. He is survived by his wife, Marcia; his two sons, Patrick (wife Gina) and Eric (fiancée Kaitlin); three granddaughters (Gina Michelle, Lia and Carmina); brother Steve (wife Miriam); numerous nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends who loved him dearly. He was working in his man cave, feeling great, watching the golf channel and installing a door on the day he had a dissecting aortic aneurysm that ended his life.
"This is to have succeeded." Rest in peace, dear Doug. Your light has so shone before others that they have seen your good works and have given glory to your Father, who is in heaven.
Doug's ashes will be placed at Calvary Cemetery in Bodega, CA. There will be a small family celebration when it is safe (due to Covid) for family members to travel. Donations may be given in his memory to The Point West Rotary Club Foundation, P.O. Box 15006, Sacramento, CA 95851-0006.