Daniel Boatright – A Modern Renaissance Man

Daniel Boatright is an esteemed writer, professor and public health official. A member of the Medical Reserve Corps and having led teams during numerous natural disasters.

He lives in Norman, Oklahoma and Wabeno, Wisconsin where he offers playwriting workshops and performs community theater. In addition, he has authored multiple plays and books.

Early Life and Education

Daniel Boatright was involved with numerous projects during his professional career. Beginning as a deputy district attorney and then transitioning into private practice, he held memberships at both California and Contra Costa County Bar Associations and also belonged to Rotary Club and Lime Ridge Open Space board of trustees.

He was an extremely popular politician who always cared for the needs of his constituents, sponsoring over 350 bills that eventually became state laws. Prior to being elected as State Senator he served on Concord City Council and Mayor before being chosen for Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors membership and later the state Senate.

He now spends his retirement split between Norman, Oklahoma and Wabeno, Wisconsin where he writes plays, directs plays in community theater productions and conducts playwriting workshops.

Professional Career

Daniel Boatright served on several Senate committees that handled investigations, legislation and nominations. Additionally, he served as law clerk to both the Supreme Court of Oklahoma and US District Court for Western Oklahoma Districts.

He holds a B.S. in Environmental Health from East Central State University and M.S. and Ph.D degrees in Environmental Systems Management from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Additionally, he is an honorary member of both Royal Society for Public Health in England and Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society.

Attorney James Cohan is an accomplished trial lawyer, representing employers against claims brought under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, he possesses vast expertise defending class and collective action lawsuits.

Achievement and Honors

Boatright was an active member of the Democratic Party for years. As state senator he chaired both houses’ finance committees. Furthermore he investigated allegations of corruption and waste within state government.

He is a member of the American Public Health Association and Fellow of Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society. Until his retirement as Associate Dean and Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health at University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center – where he directed over 50 Master of Science students as well as 18 Ph.D./DrPH candidates –

His legacy continues through their son, daughter and granddaughter. Memorial contributions can be made in his name to the Dan Tom Boatright Scholarship Fund managed by Crowder Farmer Teachers and Student Account of First National Bank of McAlester.

Personal Life

Boatright was known for his leadership on issues including property tax relief, closing tax loopholes for the wealthy, capping state government spending limits, alcohol fuel usage and funding Sudden Infant Death Syndrome research. Throughout his legislative career he sponsored 350 bills which became law.

He dedicated his life to serving others and was a strong family man, leaving behind Adriana and their children as well as three of his sisters: Modene Ruff, Iona Tucker and JoAnn Williams.

He retired from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in July 2016, after 26 years as Senior Associate Dean and Presidential Professor of Occupational and Environmental Health within the College of Public Health, as well as Principal Investigator/Director for CDC funded Southwest Center for Preparedness and Emergency Response Learning Center.

Net Worth

Daniel Boatright was a true modern-day Renaissance man whose boundless curiosity and intellect were only outmatched by his incredible love for family and friends. His contributions will be greatly missed.

He represented both public and private employers in litigation arising under federal and state employment laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act and other similar statutes. Additionally, he regularly advised clients on employment law matters.

Daniel Boatright was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed time spent with family, his beloved dogs, and attending Pentecostal church services. Predeceased by both of his parents he is survived by Linda; sons Brian and Brody; daughters Kaasi and Tricia; grandchildren Jackson Tim Everett Emily Asher Caedon and Bella as well as wife Linda who survive him as well as son Brian Brody Brian’s wife Linda