Daniel McGill

Daniel Gerard McGill

October 24, 1926 - February 8, 2015

Daniel Gerard McGill passed away peacefully in San Francisco, where he was born and lived his entire life. He was the son of Daniel and Annie McGill (nee O'Connor), first-generation Irish immigrants. He was preceded in death by his brother Frank and sister Anne. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and visited Ireland many times.

Dan graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep and attended USF. In later years, he attended monthly luncheons with his SI classmates. He served overseas in the US Coast Guard during World War II. His service was cut short when his father died unexpectedly.

He earned his general aviation pilot's license and met his wife, Dolores, also a pilot, at the airport. They married and raised three children, and later divorced. He is survived by his children, Linda (Jim), Mary (Tom), and Daniel, as well as his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Catherine. Dan loved to take his family camping and to spend time with his many cousins at the Russian River. He leaves his children and grandchildren the legacy of his much-loved Covelo property.

Dan was an accomplished athlete. He captained the swim team at St. Ignatius and swam for USF, and in his 40's he took up running, bicycling, swimming, and rowing, through which he made many friends. He even took cycling trips through Mexico, Europe, and Ireland. His claims to fame include three Golden Gate swims, completing the Pikes Peak Marathon, and taking first place in his age group in a Triathlon. He also enjoyed going to the theater with friends.

Dan was an active member of the Carpenters Local Union No. 22 for 40 years, and was superintendent of many commercial construction projects. He was a master of his trade, and used his skills by participating in the Dolphin Club's Building Committee. It was said that he had the entire history of the building in his head and that he masterfully contributed to its ongoing renovation. He remained an active member of the Dolphin Club until his death.

Memorial service followed by reception on February 25th at 5:00pm at St. Ignatius College Preparatory, Orradre Chapel, 2001 37th Avenue, SF, CA 94116. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation or the UCSF Foundation.