Douglas Lyman Olson Beshore

Douglas Lyman Olson Beshore obituary, Santa Cruz, CA

Douglas Lyman Olson Beshore

Douglas Lyman Olson Beshore Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz on Nov. 7, 2025.

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Douglas Lyman Olson Beshore passed away unexpectedly from complications from esophageal surgery on September 7, 2025. He was 76.
He was born to Lyman "Ole" Olson and Anna Ethel Olson on January 7, 1949. His father, Ole, passed away when he was 4 years old. He was adopted by Ethel's subsequent husband, Robert "Bob" Beshore and took his last name. He graduated from Blackford High School In San Jose in 1967.
In 1969 he married Carol Schirle and had his first daughter, Laura in 1970. He was manager/owner of KFC in Oakland during this time. After divorcing Carol and working as a Pepsi truck driver, he decided to go on the adventure of a lifetime sailing around the world. He and his friend Jimmy set sail on The Windsong out of Oakland and ended up crash landing onto Capitola beach on October 2, 1979. He would make the cute coastal town his forever home. He started in the restaurant business where he met Gwynn Baufield. In 1984 they married and soon his second and third daughters, Brittny and Taylor, came along in 1986 and 1987.
Through managing several restaurants and bar tending, he became a friend to everyone. With a 10 year reprieve from the restaurant business, he worked in sales and finance at multiple car dealerships, where he befriended even more people. He was a die hard Giants, Sharks, 49er and Warriors fan and his knowledge of sports statistics was unmatched. He was an avid golfer. He was generous and cared deeply for his family and friends. He knew no stranger.
He is survived by his 3 daughters, Laura (Lance), Brittny, Taylor (Scott), his 3 grandchildren, Payton, Henry, Charlie, his sister, Toni, his aunt, Lilliana, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bittersweet Bistro on November 8th from 1:00-4:00. Hawaiian attire is encouraged.
Bittersweet Bistro
787 Rio Del Mar Boulevard
Aptos, CA 95003

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