Donald Meyer

1942 - 2024

Donald Meyer
06/04/1942 - 04/18/2024
Donald Robert Meyer died peacefully in his home in Berkeley, CA on April 18, 2024. He was born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1942 to Eleanor and Donald D. Meyer. His family moved to San Francisco, CA in 1949 where Don graduated from Lowell High School in 1960. He was senior class president, ran track "nicknamed the rabbit", an Eagle Scout and was an avid skier. Don attended UC Berkeley, graduating in 1964 with an A.B. in political science followed by Boalt Law School graduating in 1967. During law school, Don met Ginny Whitesel, showing off his motorcycle, which did not impress her. However, it must have been love because he sold that motorcycle to buy her an engagement ring and they were married in 1966.
Don and his new bride then went on the ultimate adventure, spending two years in the Peace Corps in South Korea from 1968 to 1970. This time in Korea was formative, establishing lifelong friendships, a strong appreciation of the culture, knowledge about the workplace, and devotion to Asian Art. As such, upon returning to San Francisco, he was a member of the Asian Art Museum Board for 14 years.
After the Peace Corps, Don worked for the law firm Graham and James from 1971 to 1976 establishing expertise in Pan-Pacific Corporations and business. In 1976, the Bank of Tokyo hired him as General Counsel for their U.S. operations. For over 20 years, he saw the bank through mergers and acquisitions becoming California First and then Union Bank. Don was awarded the McCallum award for his work in banking and commitment to the California Banking Association. Governor Gray Davis appointed Don to be the Commissioner of Financial Institutions for the State of California from the years 2000 to 2003. He taught banking law and regulation at USF for five years.
Don and Ginny made their home in Berkeley, CA and raised two children. Don was an active member of the Nature Friends enjoying many skiing trips at Heidelmann Lodge and hikes in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. After learning to snorkel on his honeymoon, he became an enthusiastic scuba diver and spent many happy hours floating above the ever-changing scene in the waters off Puako, Hawaii. He was a founding member of the Korean American Chamber of Commerce, the Korean Art and Culture Committee of the Asian Art Museum and active in the University Club, California Pioneers, the California Banking Association, and a Director of Mechanics Institute of San Francisco. His favorite was being Captain of Last Chance Camp as a member of the Bohemian Club.
Don was a passionate traveler visiting dozens of countries but was always glad to return home to where his heart was meant to be in the San Francisco Bay Area. Don enjoyed gardening, and sampling great restaurants and hotels of the world. He organized many dinners, trips, and events to enjoy life and bring friends and family together. He had a mischievous side that came through in various jokes and pranks on family and friends. Don was one to ask pointed questions to spark a lively debate but was also sure that everyone still had a good time. And we won't go into his favorite holiday, July 4th, and a lifelong love of shooting off fireworks.
Don is survived by Ginny, his wife of 58 years, two children Andrew and Liz, daughter-in-law Lee, son-in-law Drew and four grandchildren Aaron, Lydia, Charlotte and Nicole, sister Maureen and brother Alan.
Don will be laid to rest at Grace Cathedral's columbarium so he can continue to enjoy the music and sounds of his beloved San Francisco. Services will be held at Grace Cathedral on Thursday, July 18th at 11 am with a reception to follow.
Please consider donating to some of the great organizations Don supported: In memory of Don Meyer/Korean Acquisition Fund, The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, Development Department, 200 Larkin, SF 94102, The HALO Trust https://www.halousa.org/ or Habitat for Humanity habitat.org/" target="_new" rel="nofollow">https://www.habitat.org/