Mourning a True Bay Area Hero

The Bay Area and San Francisco Giants fans everywhere mourned the death this week (Jan. 27) of Peter Magowan, whose boyhood love for the team would lead him to save the Giants from leaving the region, build a new world-class waterfront ballpark and help transform the team into a major league champion. His incredible business leadership, including a stint as CEO of Safeway, and equally incredible philanthropic work earned him induction this past November into the Bay Area Business Hall of Fame. Magowan was also deeply involved in the Bay Area Council, serving as Chair of the Transportation Committee. Our deepest condolences to Peter’s wife, Debby, and his entire family.

“The Bay Area has lost a treasure. Few leaders embodied the spirit of the Bay Area like Peter Magowan,” said Jim Wunderman, President and CEO of the Bay Area Council. “Peter was innovative, creative and bold. He never backed down from a challenge. His heart belonged to the Bay Area and the San Francisco Giants that he loved since he was a boy. Peter’s immeasurable contributions to the Bay Area — through his business leadership, philanthropy and passion — will resonant for many, many lifetimes.”

“Peter was my mentor and dear friend, and I will forever be grateful for his guidance, support and love, said Larry Baer, SF Giants President and CEO and member of the Bay Area Council Executive Committee. “His legacy will be carried on by all those he inspired.”

See the Business Hall of Fame tribute video of Peter Magowan>>

Donations in Magowan’s honor can be made to Peter Magowan Fields for Kids Program through the Giants Community Foundation.

Magowan created the Junior Giants program in 1994. The program is a free, non-competitive and coed baseball program for youth ages 5-18. Working together with local agencies, families and volunteers, Junior Giants reaches into communities and offers youth a chance to learn the basics of baseball during the summer while also discovering the importance of essential life skills.