Background
Douglas Roy Giddings, a San Diego native, was born April 15, 1917. After graduating from San Diego High School in 1935, Giddings
attended Arizona University followed by the Stanford University School of Law. He served as a naval officer in the United
States Navy from 1942-1946, during World War II. Giddings commanded the U.S.S. Ramona (IX-76), patrolling the California coast,
and a minesweeper, serving the Western Pacific. Following his military service, he passed the California Bar exam and worked
at several law firms in San Diego. Giddings married Mary Poag in June 1947, and together they raised three daughters. He was
involved in various organizations in San Diego, including the San Diego Yacht Club, Wild Animal Park Board, San Diego Zoo,
Children’s Hospital, and the San Diego Kiwanas. In the 1950s, Giddings was appointed by the San Diego City Council to the
Mission Bay Park Commission where he served as Chairman for several years starting in 1957. After retirement, Giddings purchased
an avocado grove and packing house, eventually turning it into a ranch. Douglas R. Giddings passed away on June 2, 2009, due
to complications from a broken hip.