06/08/2026
In Memoriam – Norman Macleod, OBE
It is with great sadness that we share the news that Norman Macleod, OBE, passed away on 27 May 2026. He was 88 years old.
Born in Edinburgh and educated at Ampleforth College in York, Norman made San Francisco his home for over 60 years. Many of you will have known him as a brilliant family lawyer, a gifted actor with a long career in Bay Area voice work, and someone whose intellect and humor made any gathering better for his presence.
Norman was part of the fabric of this organization for as long as many of us can remember. He served as a Director and, most recently, as a member of our Relief Committee, where his legal expertise and genuine compassion made a real difference to the people we support. For many years, he generously opened his law office conference room for our meetings, a quiet act of kindness that was very much Norman. Even when mobility made it harder to join us in person, he stayed close to the work, contributing thoughtfully to relief cases and never stopped caring about the people the BBS exists to help.
He was also the Honorary Legal Adviser to the British Consulate-General in San Francisco and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, an honor presented by Prince Charles at a ceremony here in San Francisco, with friends and family around him.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Dianne, his son Alexander, daughter-in-law Katherine, and grandchildren Neil and Claire.
Norman was a wonderful and very special member of the British community. He really cared about the BBS and its mission, and we will miss him greatly.
A memorial service will be announced in due course. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choosing. To request details of his memorial service or to share memories and well wishes, please contact [email protected]
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