William John Dowling III

1942 - 2022

William John Dowling, III
July 7, 1942 - September 5, 2022
Bill Dowling passed peacefully in his sleep after a mercifully short but fierce battle with cancer. Few would argue that he didn't live a full life, but to those of us within his orbit, all would argue his time was too short for our liking. At your leisure pour a drink, sit on a porch overlooking your favorite spot, watch a little Giants baseball or spend some quality time with dear friends/family and give Bill a thought while you do… he'd join you if he were still around.
Bill leaves behind his wife, and high school and college sweetheart, Joyce and children Bill (Janelle), Michelle (Jim), Dennis and Mike. And, he relished time spent with his three grandchildren, Kieran and Shannon Baack and Liam Dowling.
Bill now joins his brother Terry (Corinne), his father William John Dowling, his birth mother Marianne Jeanne O'Connor and his mother who raised him along with his brothers, Marcelline Amelia Garvis as well as several beloved cousins and friends who preceded him. He is survived by his brothers Ray Minehan (Linda), Kevin (Kathy), Sean (Susan) and Brian (Cathy) Dowling. As if that weren't enough family, there are enough nieces, nephews, cousins, second cousins and cousins once, twice and several times removed from the Dowling, O'Connor, and Whearty families to fill a ballpark. Bill kept close with most and had a unique ability to mentally connect the family tree.
Alternately known as Willy, WJD III or Mr. D, Bill was born and raised in San Francisco and was nearly a lifelong resident of the Sunset District. He attended Holy Name, Riordan, Saint Mary's College and USF Law School. He had a long career as an attorney with Cooper, White & Cooper in San Francisco, having followed in his dad's footsteps. In his retirement, he offered equally sage counsel (or a spirited game of Liar's Dice) to a different group of clients while tending bar at the Forestville Club near their Russian River home in beloved Summer Home Park. Bill and Joyce were routinely spotted at social events in SHP, which he loved for the community and relationships. He was an avid Giants fan, a mean pool player and was quite a storyteller; and he'd just as often and gladly listen to your stories. He loved going to bookstores, ballparks and camping with family and friends at Camp Mather, Camp Taylor and Yosemite. He believed in "all things in moderation, including moderation" and that cooked celery sucks.
Bill was a friend to all comers, and by any account a person that made you feel special about who you were. One measure of a parent's success is the number of kids who hang out at the house. He welcomed innumerable groups of his children's friends to the dinner table, even deep into adulthood, and was always happy to see them. And the "Open" sign was lit up every night on the deck at the River cabin to attract anyone who wanted to happen in for a visit. And while he excelled at these myriad friendships, his devotion for Joyce was always greatest; and he understood that she routinely created or facilitated these adventures for him.
Bill will be missed by many but forgotten by few.
In lieu of flowers, donate to a cause dear to you, or to one of Bill's favorites, such as Toys for Tots, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Homes for Wounded Warriors, KQED and St. Anne's Little Sisters of the Poor. The family will announce a memorial service by invitation.