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Douglas Franco Obituary
Resident of Palo Alto
Doug was born in Glencoe, Illinois. He met his wife Betsy in life drawing class at Stanford and went on to Harvard to get his MBA. Just looking at his three sons shows what a terrific, supportive father Doug was. His generous spirit and avid practice of meditation led him to found Orchard International, which sends humanitarian aid to third world countries. Doug also founded SecureBox Corporation, a company whose product will soon emerge as an important device to keep the ports safe. He came full circle in the last year by spending many hours in life drawing sessions all over the Bay Area.
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Faye grosjean
April 24, 2021
I'm very sorry for your lost I know how you feel like i lost my sister 2012
elmelia
March 20, 2018
We miss you grandad
Gerard Fernandez
December 24, 2017
So sorry to learn of Doug's death. I'm sure he is meeting up with Charlsetta and Frank Ratliff.
Christian
October 10, 2017
My wife and I were talking about Doug just the other day... we remembering the time our family spent a summer afternoon climbing into a sea container in San Jose warehouse, packing warm clothing and vitamins for some children abroad. He was a good friend, a mentor and motivator to do something greater in life. He talked about his family often and know he held you all in high regards. We still miss him
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Madeline Wahrhaftig
May 8, 2016
Dear Franco Family
Doug is still missed and remembered with affection
even after all this time.
The time I was a part of Doug's generous work was a very happy and fulfilling time. His passing was a great loss for me, for your family, and for the world.
He was a rare and wonderful person. We all miss him
Chris Dorko
May 7, 2016
Sorry to see you go
Peter Michel
September 24, 2012
I just heard about Doug's sudden death last year today, from an NPR item about an old friend trying to find out where he was buried in Palo Alto.
I can't express how sad this new has made me today. I worked with Doug at Rolm Systems, and we would occasionally run into each other since then at the Starbucks in Palo Alto, on Colorado Ave. He always had an abundance of projects going on any time we had a chance to chat, and I always left our impromptu meetings with a smile on my face because of his zest for life.
The quality I remember most about Doug was his enthusiasm for life. He died much too soon, but he left a big mark on the world.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Dennis Norris
September 4, 2012
Dear Betsy and sons, I have been in Afghanistan and just heard of Doug's passing. I grew concerned because he had not been answering my numerous emails. I have a huge empty hole in my heart today - Doug became one of my best friends and I could talk to him about anything. I will miss him dearly, and I pray that your family heals from this tragic loss.
Barbara Ferguson (aka Guzman)
June 23, 2012
Dear Betsy and sons, I just learned about Doug's passing and am so sad. I worked with Doug at ROLM/IBM back in the 80s. We worked very closely for a four-year period. He was a mentor, friend, and a genuinely kind person. He always spoke about his family. What a great man he was! My prayers are with you all.
Cynthia Chin-Lee
March 30, 2012
I'm very sorry for your great loss, Betsy. I only learned of this recently from Leslie Bell when I did an author visit at El Carmelo School.
March 13, 2012
I am so sad to learn of this wonderful man's passing.. The years I shared with him as part of his Afghan charity work are an incredibly precious time. The world is less rich and heaven richer with the passing of this wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Madeline Gunter-Wahrhaftig Sebastopol CA
sophia omar
February 21, 2012
Doug, the nicest soul I ever met. A gentleman with a very big heart. He worked with me to send food, clothing, medicine, built the largest hospital in Afghanistan. I was at Palo Alto Rotary club yesterday when I heard about him. My day turned to nigh. I am so sorry and my deepest sympathy and blessings to his family. He will be in my prayers for ever
Kelly Rhodes
January 16, 2012
Wonderful Man - kind, kind heart - a beautiful creative person.
Nancy Chase
October 17, 2011
Sending my deepest sympathy and many blessings for the Franco family at this time of such a great loss. You will be in my prayers and thoughts .
CARTIER Julie
October 16, 2011
My condolences
Angela Smitherman
October 13, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with the Franco Family.
LOIS SEVERIN
October 10, 2011
A SAD DAY FOR YOUR FAMILY, A TRUE HUMAN BEING HAS LEFT ...AND ENRICHED US BY
HIS SONS. KEEP LEARNING AND SHARING, IT IS WHAT IS TRULY YOURS.
October 10, 2011
David Douglas ERSKINE---Palo Alto,CA
Veronique France
October 7, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family Franco and I wish you lots of love and courage to overcome this difficult time.
Clint Gould
October 7, 2011
To the Franco family, I am sorry to hear of your loss.
John D. (bwb)
October 6, 2011
James, I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
margot pesce
October 5, 2011
offering condolences on such a sad, sad, passing. Your father, husband, and brother died too young and although to understand it only makes one sadder, there really are no words that can make you feel better right now. I pray your spirits will be lifted one day..M. Pesce
Anthony Palmisano
October 5, 2011
Dear James and family,
May the memory of your dad live forever in your hearts. With my sincerest condolences.
Anthony Palmisano
L Mock
October 4, 2011
My heart goes out to your family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Rachel Vézina
October 4, 2011
I am a big fan of James and i'm very sad to read about his father's death. My heart goes to the Franco family. All my love.
a m
October 4, 2011
rest in peace my friend
A M
October 4, 2011
An angel has returned to his maker.
This great man sent millions of dollars worth of clothes, and pharma to aid developing nations. His actions literally offered hope to tens of thousands of helpless women and children in high-conflict rural areas such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Ethiopia, and India. He was a selfless man that improved the lives of anyone he touched. So blessed were we that were touched in any manner whether through his smile or his advice.
Fabiane Mattos
October 4, 2011
The sweetness of Mr.Douglas look and his sincere smile will always remain alive in our hearts. His generous spirit will never leave us and his light will never go out. As a huge fan of James, i send from Brazil all the love which it is possible in this world, to Franco´s family.
MARY ELIZABETH
October 4, 2011
FROM ONE ARTIST TO ALL THE ABOVE, MY HEARTFELT COMPASSION IS SPREAD SO HEAVILY ACROSS THE STATE LINE. I AM NOT JUST A FAN, BUT A LOVER OF ALL HUMAN KIND! THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORTAGE OF MEN WITH THIS SORT OF ROLE MODEL CHARACTER! WE FANS MIGHT HAVE LOST A FINE "FANTASY" FATHER IN LAW, BUT HIS SPIRIT AND INTELLECTUAL DRIVE WILL CONTINUE TO INSPIRE ALL OF US ARTISTIC CREATIVE SOULS, ABOVE & BEYOND OUR WILDEST OF IMAGINATION! PEACE & LOVE TO ALL THE FINE FANS AND FRANCO FAMILY
Bill Bromiley
October 3, 2011
Betsy, I greatly value the time with your Doug while we worked together at both ROLM and Viewmix. It was both an experience and fun. My thoughts are with you.
October 3, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Franco family. May Doug rest in peace
Christina Cano
October 3, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with the Franco family.
Marianne Basea
October 3, 2011
Sending my deepest condolences to the Franco family. Stay strong. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eileen Hoefler
October 3, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Franco family at this very sad time. Doug has always held a special place in my heart, as I think back to our early days of friendship at Xerox and again at Rolm.
Jane E. Harris
October 2, 2011
To the Franco family, my prayers and thoughts are with you today and always ,my heart goes out to you all.
Chayo Wilson
October 2, 2011
Sending blessings to the Franco Family and friends during this time of great Loss. Heart felt hugs to all of you. It does not seem so long ago the boys were playing baseball, and we were designing "cool calcs". Hold each other and feel Dougs Presence.
A Well Wisher
October 2, 2011
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory,
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
Jan Lauren (Chana Leah) Greenfield
October 2, 2011
Dear Doug, thank you for sharing your wisdom, stories and presence. I treasure them and know they will continue on. I am grateful to have known you. My deepest condolences to the Franco family.
John Hoppin
October 2, 2011
For all of your pain know that the life of Doug touced many of us who even just had a casual relationship with him. I was one of those and will forever be grateful to have been near him and talked to him. His joy and his humility touched my soul. Truly a kindred spirit.....
Helen Townsend
October 1, 2011
I'm so sorry.
Lisa Fahey
October 1, 2011
Doug, you're a wonderful human being and you are missed. Love, prayers, and good thoughts going out to your family. I've know Doug for about 10 years through Paintbrush Diplomacy - hope to attend a memorial in his honor to say good bye.
Brandy Carpenter
October 1, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Brandy Carpenter
October 1, 2011
Awwwww I'am Sorry Franco Family For Your Loss My Prayer's Are With Your Family You All Will See Douglas Again When You Enter Heaven One Sweet Day.ILove U All
Love Alway's Brandy Carpenter
Lorraine Bates
October 1, 2011
Dear Betsy, Ted, Tom and Dave, my heart fully goes out to all of you. In each of you lives the legacy of your husband/father's light and love, he will be missed but never forgotten. I have built an altar with so many words to describe him that they're overflowing the space. It was an honor to know him, Namaste, Doug. Blessings of peace to you all as well as to his mom, sister and extended circle. With love.
Grace Hunt
October 1, 2011
I am so sorry to read about this. My heart goes out to Doug Franco and his family. Luv Grace xx
Michele Tyler
October 1, 2011
My heart goes out to you and your sons. I grew up with Doug in Glencoe and then on to high school. I have many fond memories of Doug's smiling face. Michele Bronner Tyler
Alice Bittner
September 30, 2011
My heart goes out to you and your sons, Betsy. Love, Alice
September 30, 2011
my condolences.
Monique Kreutzer
September 30, 2011
Dear Betsy, on behalf of the Kreutzer family, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this time.
Barbara Slone
September 30, 2011
Doug contacted me last year when he heard that his Orchard International could share some of their bounty with orphans in Northern Thailand. I am so appreciative of his compassion in action. So sorry that the world has lost such a wonderful man with a true generosity of spirit. Condolences to Doug's family.
Julie Glotzbach
September 30, 2011
Doug helped Bill and I so much when we were first married 20 years ago. He's been an inspiration to many more I'm sure. Our thoughts are with you, Betsy and sons. - Julie and Bill Glotzbach (and son Justin)
David Glotzbach
September 30, 2011
My prayers are with Betsy and sons. I met Doug in 1985, and he was of the greatest help in my Journey. His light will never go out.
diane uretz
September 30, 2011
i attended central school and high school with doug. he was a lovely man. so so sad
Sharon Turnoy
September 30, 2011
Doug was very kind to me on many, many occasions when I was struggling in a fellowship that we were both part of. His warm smile alone made you feel that everything would be all right. What a terrible loss to his family and community. You have my deep condolences.
Nancie Pateman
September 30, 2011
I grew up down the street from Doug (Woodlawn Ave. in Glencoe). As children, we walked home from South School together. Even then, he was an especially kind, gentle and imaginative soul. It sounds as if he lived his life to the fullest. My deepest condolences to his beloved family. May his light shine on. ~Nancie (Grach) Pateman
Mary Lee Donovan
September 30, 2011
Betsy and Tom, James and Dave, I was so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I regret that I did not have the privilege of meeting the man who helped create, build, and nurture Team Franco. That legacy alone speaks volumes about the kind of person he must have been. My thoughts are with you all as you celebrate Doug's extraordinary life and spirit with family and friends.
Sincerely,
Mary Lee
gail forrest
September 30, 2011
I remember Doug from South and Central School in Glencoe. We played in the orchestra together. I have so many pictures of us together as kids. This is very sad news.
gail forrest
Dave Glotzbach
September 30, 2011
Doug's spirit continues forever
Mitchell Klein
September 30, 2011
I knew Doug from growing up with him in Glencoe thru high school at New Trier. You could not find a more gentle soul or better friend. After high school we only saw each other a couple of times at reunions but we were able to restablish our friendship immediately/ My thouhgts and prayers to Doug's entire family.
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