Douglas Henry Swope

Doug Swope left this world on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the age of 62, in the comfort of his own home in San Diego, surrounded by family. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor (Glioblastoma) in July 2021 and fiercely fought the disease with overflowing love and support from his nearest and dearest through the end.

Doug was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 5, 1960 to Mary Louise Woolrich Swope and William Milton Swope. At one year of age, his family relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he grew up and graduated from Punahou High School in 1978. Doug then attended The University of Oregon, where he was a proud Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Brother and received a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Med in 1982.

Post-undergrad school, Doug enjoyed living in San Francisco for 3 years, which became one of his favorite cities that he continued to visit throughout his life. During his time there, Doug worked as a paralegal, which inspired him to pursue a career as an attorney, like his father, Bill. He decided to continue his studies and attend law school at Southwestern University in Los Angeles, receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1988.

Doug worked for a few years in LA after law school and moved to San Diego in 1992. He became a Managing Attorney at Bollington, Griffith & Swope (21st Century Insurance Company), until 2007, when he started his own firm, Law Offices of Douglas H. Swope. As a Trial Attorney, he focused on personal injury and was an active member of the legal community mentoring fellow attorneys, building partnerships with colleagues, and attending Trial Lawyer College, as well as other professional advancement network groups. He greatly enjoyed his career and being able to help clients, most of which he formed great friendships with.

Doug enjoyed traveling, Tae Kwan Do (3rd Degree blackbelt), cycling, cooking, learning and speaking other languages (especially French), and going on shooting trips, although his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends. A true social butterfly, Doug loved connecting with people and was often out having fun with friends/family and making new acquaintances everywhere he went.

Doug was competitive by nature; An Eagle Scout, who loved the great outdoors and anything adventurous. He was incredibly intelligent and was known for sharing little known facts of just about any subject. Foremost, he was an eternal optimist and lived life to the fullest, always with a smile on his face.

Doug is survived by his loving wife (Teri Swope), daughter (Lauren Swope), stepson (Craig Ellison), stepdaughter & son-in-law (Kristi & Tyler Scott), parents (Mary Lou & Bill), sister & brother-in-law (Joy & Bryon Ward), nieces & nephew (Natalie, Jessica & Bennett Ward), He is greatly missed and will continue living in our hearts forever.

If you wish to offer a contribution in Doug’s memory, donations can be made to Hawaii Audubon Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pacificbeachchapel.com for the SWOPE family.