1961

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Louis Oneal J.D. ’61, a 4th generation resident of San Jose, left our family on April 8, 2010, for the big ranch in the sky. He was 77 years old and passed away from congestive heart failure. Lou was born in San Jose to Duncan ’23 and Patty Oneal. He attended Lincoln High School in San Jose, and graduated from Stanford University, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. Lou served in the Marine Corps for two years. He was very proud of being a Marine, especially when he coached a fledgling Marine Corps basketball team to victory as the Hawaiian Marine Championships of 1957. Lou received his law degree from Santa Clara University Law School. He began his private law practice in 1962, with the Rankin Oneal law firm, a firm started by his grandfather. Lou was a gifted trial defense attorney, specializing in medical malpractice. He was admitted to The American College of Trial Attorneys and was a Fellow of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which was limited to 500 active members in the United States. He was also a member of the California Medical-Legal Association and The American Board of Trial Advocates. Lou was a skilled trophy hunter as well as avid fisherman. He passed on his love of the outdoors to his wife and children. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at his ranch outside of San Jose that has been in the family since 1947. He had a passion for protecting it from development and spent countless weekends and holidays celebrating the beauty of nature with his family. He also took his family on many wonderful vacations, a tradition that has continued to this day. Lou had an amazing group of friends. He was incredibly giving and people were drawn to his intelligence, strength, wit, loyalty, and compassion. Many of his friends were members of the Sainte Claire Club where Lou was a member since 1967. Lou was an excellent athlete. He loved basketball and was able to turn that into a love of tennis, which he shared with his wife, Shirley. They would have celebrated 55 years of marriage on April 23, 2010. Louis is survived by his wife Shirley, his son, Jim (Susan) Oneal, his daughter, Patty (Dave) Mas, and his grandchildren: Connor, Lauren, and Emily Oneal and Luke and Isabelle Mas. He is also survived by his brother Dan (Mimi) Oneal J.D. ’60 and his nephew and niece; Jeff ’83, J.D. ’86 and Lynne Oneal.

 

08 Nov 2018