Donald Solem, a force in California Democratic politics for almost 50 years, died Thursday morning at his home in Mill Valley after a short fight with lung cancer. He was 74.

Armed with a degree in political science from University of California at Berkeley, a fierce intellect, and an uncanny grasp of election strategies, Mr. Solem began running successful political campaigns in the Bay Area right out of college; his passion was a deep belief that government and the political process could help people. He was named executive director of the California Democratic Party in 1968 at the age of 26. He then served as George Moscone's chief of staff when Moscone was the leader of the California Senate, with offices in San Francisco and Sacramento.

In 1976, Mr. Solem left the Capitol to found the San Francisco public relations firm Solem & Associates, one of the earliest political consulting companies. Mr. Solem was a political innovator, among the first to use data for voter identification purposes.

The firm quickly became one of the most respected independent public relations agencies with a solid reputation for delivering effective services to a broad range of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits throughout California and elsewhere in the country. Mr. Solem not only directed the agency's strategic development and business growth, but also headed the agency's government relations and political campaign practice areas.

During his longstanding career in politics, Mr. Solem was involved in more than 300 election campaigns, mostly for propositions or bond measures. The firm had more than 1,400 clients, ranging from PG&E and solar companies to LucasFilm, transportation agencies, the Institute on Aging and Mission Bay.

In the know, quick with a quip and at picking up the tab, Mr. Solem was a good friend, regular lunch companion and much-sought advisor for mayors, supervisors, community organizers, labor unions, would-be candidates, corporate leaders, and city officials. Indeed, Mr. Solem became a lifelong friend of everyone he met, from sports figures to authors to reporters to teachers. He also made some enemies: the Bay Guardian once put his picture on its cover, calling him "the devil."

Solem & Associates twice received the industry's coveted Silver Anvil Award, the highest honor given by the Public Relations Society of America, for excellence in public affairs, and more than 100 other national, regional and local awards and honors for its public relations and advertising programs.

Mr. Solem and his wife, Anne, who was executive vice president of Solem & Associates, lived in Mill Valley since 1971. Anne served two terms as the town's mayor, and Mr. Solem chaired the KIDDO, the Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation, as well as coaching Little League baseball. Mr. Solem was an avid sports fan, with season tickets to Cal, Giants and A's games; his office was festooned with sports memorabilia including a picture of him throwing out the first pitch at an A's game. His tailgate parties before games were legendary.

Mr. Solem was board chair of Oakland-based SupplyBank.Org (formerly K to College), which distributes school supplies to public school students from homeless or low-income families, and was a board member of the Moscone Institute for Public Service, the California Council on Environmental and Economic Balance and the Government Financial Strategies Institute Advisory Board. He formerly served on the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies National Advisory Council. He also is a former national board member of the Coro Foundation, former chair of the Northern California Coro Foundation, and past president of the San Francisco Advertising Club.

Mr. Solem was born in San Francisco on Jan. 8, 1942, to Elmer and Ruth Solem. The family moved to Millbrae, where Mr. Solem attended Capuchino High School before going to UC Berkeley. Besides his wife, Mr. Solem is survived by sons Lee Bardwell (Jane) of Irvine, Matthew Solem of Larkspur, daughter Katherine Solem (Matt De Mello) of Marin City, a brother, Roger Solem of Orange, and grandchildren Emma, Jenny, Noah and Eli.

Services are pending. Donations may be made in Mr. Solem's name to SupplyBank.Org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Solem

22 Entries

Ron Luk

February 18, 2017

RIP Don. We only talked a few times over the years but you provided me some invaluable advice about my career and about life. On top of that, you were a very nice person.

January 26, 2017

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4

Randy Mundt

January 14, 2017

Photo #2: Don greets Randy.

Don greets JFK

Randy Mundt

January 14, 2017

Don and I became close and lifelong friends as Delta Upsilon fraternity brothers at U.C. Berkeley. I remember him as kind, generous, funny, brilliant, and idealistic. with these attributes he became a natural leader with the ability charm and inspire others to aim high and do their very best. The day in 1966 when these photos were taken, he came to visit me in my new S.F. flat during grad school. Outside my door, he prepared a shocking greeting for me, hoisting a cinder block to throw at me. Inside, I was ready to surprise him with a candid photo. In the second shot, he "greets" my brother Nealon's painting of JFK. I will ever miss the pleasure of his company.

Jennifer Solomon

January 10, 2017

Don and Anne are one of the primary reasons that my time in San Francisco had such an incredible and memorable impact on me and in ways that shaped who I am today. Don was my employer, mentor, substitute parent and schmoozing buddy. That was 23 years ago.

Fortunately when I moved back to Chicago we stayed in touch and he became an everlasting and special friend. Over the years, his love of baseball brought him for visits to Chicago on occasion. And while I've never been a baseball fan, for that one reason, I'm forever grateful to the Cubs. My memories of him will always put a smile on my face. He and Anne and their whole family hold a special place in my heart.

Michael Seldin

January 10, 2017

What a loss. We all have individuals who played outsized roles in our lives. Don was one of those for me. He gave me opportunity and guidance that opened up the rest of my career and life. He and Anne taught me a lot -- about PR and politics, sure, but also about life. My heart goes out to Anne and the family. Don will be missed.

January 10, 2017

It was with great sadness that Blenda and I heard of your passing. The fond memories of our friendship going back to 7th grade will always be in my mind and heart. You always had a quick wit and a calming smile that brought comfort to those around you. We'll miss you.
Rest in Peace.
Your friends, Al and Blenda Mariani

Mark Macrae

January 9, 2017

Always a pleasure to talk with, I was the recipient of Don's generous invitations to both A's and Giants games. We met at a dinner he organized more than 20 years ago recognizing the San Francisco Seals (Pacific Coast League). A very enthusiastic and energetic individual , and thats how I will remember him

January 9, 2017

As a foreign diplomat in San Francisco I had the great good fortune to meet Don early on in my time there. We quickly became friends and he mentored me through the intricacies of national,Californian, and San Franciscan politics. He taught me most of what I know and love about baseball and football and we spent countless hours at games and Spring Training in Scottsdale. His energy and generosity were boundless and life was always fun with him around. My wife and I enjoyed many happy, informative, and well fed and watered hours with Anne and Don and they and the friends they introduced us too made San Francisco an outstanding part of our career.
He has left us much too soon. What a contributor. What a friend.

Graham and Julia Burton
London

Kirk Cowgill

January 8, 2017

I was perhaps one of his last hires, and I clearly remember the interview. He simply asked me, "What do you know?"

That question (aside from getting me the job) sparked a few fun years of political conversation.

I'll miss Don and the lost chance to continue our too-brief talks.

Mac Hay

January 8, 2017

A great friend...and a pleasure to work with...he will be missed.

Linda Jones Simmons

January 7, 2017

I remember how much fun he was and how kind he was to everybody. He added much joy to our final times together while the Class of 1959 decorated our gym for grad night and breakfast the following morning. I also remember misspelling our theme, "Unforgettable" with only one "t." Our senior class advisor, the late Leo Ryan, quipped with a simile, "I thought I taught you kids better than that." (He taught junior English at Cap High before becoming a U.S. Congressman.) RIP, Don. You are gone too soon. - Linda Jones Simmons

Dyan Espinosa

January 7, 2017

Don Solem was a big man. Oh, yes, in stature, but that was just where it started. A great smile for all, a huge dedication to his beliefs, all-encompassing compassion, time for others always, a legendary sense of humor and a fierce desire to make a difference, not for himself, but for-literally-the world.
Thank you for all you were and what you did for all of us Don

Betty Wood

January 7, 2017

Don was such fun to have in our Book Passage book group. Always incise and insightful. Sending condolences to family and friends.

Jerry Pipinich

January 7, 2017

Don was one of the best.
A great classmate (Cap'59) and a solid friend.
His loss is felt by many.
My warmest thoughts and prayers are for Ann and her family.

Boyce Quinn

January 7, 2017

All the above and an avid and insightful reader. What a guy!
Boyce Quinn

Marisa Samuels

January 7, 2017

I was your first employee, and I remember we had so little money that we shared a business card! You taught me a lot and I found you and Anne to be two really amazing people. Don was one of the funniest men I ever met, and the brightest. I will never forget him.

Marisa Samuels

Frank Davis

January 6, 2017

Don was a good team mate.

God rest you in pease.

Frank Davis

peggy dohrman

January 6, 2017

Don what a gift you were to San Francisco and your many friends. Thank you than yo thank you for always lending an ear and spelling out the truth You will be missed greatly. My love to your family

Bill Aragona

January 6, 2017

Don was the leader of our pack from grammar school through high school. He was born to his chosen profession. He was fun to be around and a good guy.
Bill Aragona

January 6, 2017

A long time friend a real Bull Dog (taylor school) and a true mustang (capuchin high) may God Bless -Rest in Peace
Your Friends Tom & Lynette Bensen

Cj Maupin

January 5, 2017

Deeply saddened to hear that don left us this morning. Don was a friend and mentor early in my career, a great teacher of communications strategy and design. I will always be grateful for his generosity and warmth and for the wonderful family of friends that he and ann engendered and brought so many of us into. Thank you don!!

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results