Martin Lester O'Shea

1938 - 2018

Martin Lester O'Shea

Dec 6, 1938 - Mar 12, 2018

Walnut Creek

Martin Lester O'Shea died on March 12 in Walnut Creek, after a brief illness. He was 79 years old. He was born in San Francisco to Martin and Karola Bergmann O'Shea on December 6, 1938, and grew up in Noe Valley at a time when there were still unpaved streets and residents kept livestock. Lester was first in his class at Lowell High School and then went on to Stanford University and graduated in 1959 with a degree in economics and membership in Phi Beta Kappa. He was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and attended Pembroke College at Oxford for two years. Upon returning to the United States he attended Harvard, earning a MBA. He was the editor of the Harbus News, the publication of the Harvard Business School. After a number of years in finance and real estate investment, he returned to his studies at the Golden Gate School of Law in San Francisco and received his law degree in 1996. Lester always had a keen interest in politics and government. He ran for citywide offices in San Francisco, and was chairman of the SF Republican Central Committee. He was appointed to several government boards, state and national: The National Advisory Council on Adult Education (1983), the Board of Foreign Scholarships (1987), and the Commission on California State Government Organization and Economy, better known as the Little Hoover Commission (1984-88). He was the author of three books on government and society, reflecting his political philosophy, and showcasing his incisive writing style. Lester had varied interests and, some would say, eccentricities. Until two years ago he refused to relinquish his 1982 Jeep Wagoneer until it could no longer be repaired. He played the violin and read and studied Latin classics—in Latin. Mostly he loved being outdoors, especially the high country of the Sierras on pack trips, and holidays in Yosemite. He was proud that he had climbed Mt. Whitney, Mt. Shasta, and many other western peaks. Lester's favorite home was the cabin in a remote location in Placer County, a place visited a few people, lots of creatures, and unfortunately by bears who plundered the cabin for groceries. Actually, it is a small house, off the grid, but offering all the amenities for comfort and well being, including a swimming pool. He spent many weekends there, especially in the summer and fall. At home in the East Bay, he walked or hiked every day in Briones Regional Park, the Contra Costa Canal Trail, and the Lafayette Reservoir. He is survived by his wife, Camille de Campos, whom he met at Stanford, and daughters Laura O'Shea (Geoff Vaughn), Amy Hunt (Harry), and Amanda O'Shea and five grandchildren. Friends and family are invited to a vigil on Wednesday March 21, from 3-7pm at Queen of Angels Funeral Home, 1965 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette. A funeral mass will be Thursday March 22, at 10am. St. Mary's Church on Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek, followed by interment at Queen of Angels Cemetery.