Lasting Memories

Lowell Harmon Duggan
1919-Oct. 31, 2007
Woodside, California

Lowell Harmon Duggan, a resident of Woodside for almost 44 years, died Oct. 31. He was 88.

A lifelong horseman, Mr. Duggan was honored in 1995 with the "Outstanding Horseman-Citizen Award" by the Mounted Patrol in recognition of his "professional achievements and more than 30 years of outstanding service to the citizens of San Mateo County."

He joined the Mounted Patrol in 1964 and served as captain in 1976, attending meetings until just a few months ago. He also served as commander of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Air Squadron, putting in more than 7,000 hours as pilot-in-command.

Mr. Duggan was born in San Francisco. He traced his love of horses to spending his early childhood on his aunt and uncle's ranch in Oregon. Years later he trained an Appaloosa named "Coho Azul" for cutting, and won first place in a competition at the 1965 Cow Palace Grand National.

During World War II, Mr. Duggan served throughout Southeast Asia. He received the Bronze Star for his role in a search and rescue mission in northern Burma.

After the war he formed the Duggan Investment Company, servicing more than $300 million annually of real estate mortgages for large banks and insurance companies. He later sold the company and acquired Security Savings and Loan in San Jose, serving as senior vice president of the holding company, California Financial Corporation (CFC).

Following the sale of CFC, he reactivated Duggan Investment Company. He also became an independent agent for the Agency for International Development, originating large loans on a worldwide basis. He later served as a financial consultant to individuals and companies

Mr. Duggan was a former chairman of the Commonwealth Club of California, vice president of the Navy League, Alameda Air Station; Port Captain of the Alameda Sea Scouts; and life member of the Boy Scouts of America.

Mr. Duggan is survived by his three children, Shellie, Charles and Susan; and two grandchildren. His wife of 60 years, Janet, died in 2003.