Community Mourns the Passing of Roger Poore, 89, Esteemed Lawyer

Roger Poore, a respected lawyer and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at his home in Ross, surrounded by loved ones on November 14, 2025. He was 89 years old. Born in 1936 in Joanna, South Carolina, to Robert and Kathleen Butler Poore, Roger was the eldest of two children and is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anne O’Neal Poore, along with their four children and multiple grandchildren.

Roger grew up primarily under the care of his father after his mother was hospitalized during his childhood. He attended grammar school in Joanna and later graduated from high school in nearby Clinton. There, he excelled academically and socially, serving as Student Body President, participating in the Boys State mock government program, and playing the trumpet in the school band.

After high school, he earned a scholarship to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. At Furman, Roger continued to demonstrate leadership, becoming Student Body President and earning accolades such as Student of the Year in 1958. He also participated in ROTC, achieving the rank of Cadet Colonel. It was during his time at university that he met Anne, and the couple married during their senior year.

Upon graduating, Roger pursued a law degree at Duke University School of Law. He supported his studies by working in a medical facility caring for lab mice while Anne taught school. After earning his J.D. in 1961, he practiced law briefly in Atlanta before serving as a Captain in the Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps in San Francisco.

Following his military service, Roger joined the Walkup Law Firm as a partner before establishing an independent practice. His career was marked by a focus on arbitration and mediation, and he later shared office space in San Rafael. Roger’s commitment to his community was evident during his tenure as mayor of Ross and as a member of the town council for eight years. His involvement with the local school community led to the Ross School yearbook being dedicated to him for his service as PTA president.

Roger’s community service extended to several boards, including the Marin Academy and the Marin County Juvenile Justice Commission. A member of the San Anselmo Presbyterian Church and the Rotary Club, he was dedicated to making a positive impact on those around him.

He was known for his warmth, greeting everyone with a smile and often offering hugs to friends and family. His love for his family was paramount, as he cherished time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed outdoor activities, particularly hiking in the Sierra, where the family had a cabin at Kirkwood Lake. Roger also had a passion for vintage cars, jazz and classical music, golf, and an electric train collection that delighted his grandchildren.

A celebration of Roger’s life will take place at the First Presbyterian Church of San Anselmo on January 10, 2025, at 14:00, followed by a reception. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank in his name.

Roger Poore’s life was characterized by a deep commitment to family, community service, and a passion for life that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.