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David McMahon Obituary
August 17, 1957 - November 7, 2020
David J McMahon Jr - A wave well ridden, a life well led.
One of the things that makes the Northern California surfing community so great is the amazing diversity of wave riders. They are an eclectic mix from all walks of life and professions joined together, sharing a deep love for the ocean and what it offers. This last weekend we lost a wonderful member of this community.
David J McMahon Jr, devoted father to Heather, Charles, and James, loving family man, and loyal friend was unexpectedly taken from us November 7, 2020 at the age of 63 at his home in Mill Valley, CA. Born to David and Janet on August 17, 1957 in West Chester, PA. Dave received his undergraduate and master's degrees from the University of Rhode Island and his law degree from Golden Gate University in 1985.
By profession Dave was an accomplished Attorney, by passion - an excellent surfer. As an avid waterman, he enjoyed surfing, kite, & windsurfing, as well as endless trips down to Baja for warm sun, cold beers and fish tacos. He shared a lifetime of memories with his closest friends chasing perfect waves in San Francisco, up and down the California coastline and around the world. His other great love was Stone River, his beloved second home in Mendocino county. He spent countless weekends there building and maintaining the family home, tending to the forest, fishing, hiking, swimming, hunting, and generally embracing all of nature's many gifts and challenges.
He is survived by his parents David and Janet, children Heather, Charles, and James and their mother Kathy, brother Michael (Mary, children Marissa and Kayla), sister Susan (Jack, children Faith and Gabriela), his partner Christina, and countless friends and colleagues.
May his memory fill our hearts with every rolling wave and gust of wind that filled his sails.
Formal services will be delayed until they can be more safely conducted due to COVID-19. An informal, socially-distant gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Monday November 16, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Volti San Francisco, P.O. Box 15576, San Francisco, CA 94115, www.VoltiSF.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David McMahon
Gregory Stewart.
June 8, 2025
Great family! Tremendous Granby Roll!!
Dave King
April 14, 2021
I just learned about Dave's passing and wish to give my condolences to his family and many friends. We met in law school. He was a year behind me in law school in SF and our common bond was that we both graduated from the University of Rhode Island a year apart. We maintained a professional relationship and friendship for many years post-law school. I was stunned to see his name in the "In Memoriam" section of our URI Alumni magazine this morning. He was an interesting, smart, hard working and fun guy. He had a great career in law. He will be missed.
Patrick McNamara
January 13, 2021
I had the opportunity to work closely with David on a claim and was very impressed, both personally and professionally. He always wore great ties, which he always credited his wife for. He will be missed.
Harry Maue
December 6, 2020
My thoughts a prayers are with the entire McMahon family and Dave was a competitor but was the absolute consummate professional and I know he will be missed by all those lives he touched and may you RIP
Dr Harry Maue
December 6, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire McMahon family and even through we were competitors in a very small industry Dave was the consummate professional and and his word was his bond and you will be missed my many and may you RIP
Larry Gottlieb
November 18, 2020
David had been working as an expert witness with my collegues and me over the past few years on a high value lawsuit. On Friday November 6th we spent a few hours with David to prepare him to testify in the first virtual trial in the state of Oregon. At the start of trial on November 9th, we were advised of David's untimely passing. We were all heartbroken, took some time to gather ourselves, and then proceeded to put on our case. I would like his family to know that before closing the trial today, we introduced into evidence David's deposition testimony and his expert report. He was our final witness. May he rest in peace and live on in your memories. Larry Gottlieb and the lawyers at Betts Patterson Mines in Seattle.
Terri McMahon Brown
November 18, 2020
We want to express our deepest sympathy to all David's family. We are David's cousins from New Jersey. Uncle Joe and Aunt Joans kids Judy, Terri and Steve McMahon. Uncle Bub and Aunt Doris's kids Debbie, Jane and Joe McMahon. So very sorry and will pray for David's children, our dear Uncle Dave, Aunt Janet, Michael and Susan. Sending much Love.
Sherie McLean Robins
November 18, 2020
I had the supreme pleasure and honor of working for Dave over the past ten years. He was the managing partner at Barger & Wolen and gave me a most thorough interview. I thought, "Wow, I'd love to work for him." That was in January of 2011. As luck would have it, when Dave opened his own practice, I was the lucky person he asked to work for and, as he said, "with him." We had some wonderful adventures together, and I will miss him inordinately.
Jennifer Anderson
November 17, 2020
I had the joy of caring for Dave's beautiful children for 11 years. Dave was so kind to me and truly made me feel like one of the family. He was an exceptional man and adored his children. Our deepest condolences from my father and me.
William & Bette Wosilius
November 17, 2020
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. My prayers go out to the family especially David Sr. and Janet.
Kevin Haroff
November 15, 2020
David and I were good friends at an earlier point in life.
I know he loved surfing, but my most memorable time with him was running in the rain on the fire roads up on Mr. Tam. He was a great companion on the trail, enjoying pelting downfalls, and thoughtful conversation whenever rounding a bend and slowing down enough to catch our breath.
Sad to see his passing. Best wishes to family and everyone close who will miss him.
Barbara Smith
November 13, 2020
Dave and I ushered together many years at Mt. Tam Methodist. He always had a warm and wonderful smile greeting the congregation.
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