Ed Dornan, 66; Former Irvine Councilman Helped Shape Open Space Preservation Plan

Ed Dornan, 66, a former Irvine councilman, died Monday at his home in that city, apparently of a heart attack, the Irvine city manager’s office said.

Dornan was a member of the City Council from 1986 to 1990 and served on the city Planning Commission in the mid-1980s. In both roles, he helped shape Irvine’s 1988 Open Space Preservation Plan, the city said.

Born in Nebraska, Dornan moved with his family to Southern California at the start of World War II. He earned his bachelor’s degree and a teaching credential at Cal State L.A., then began a teaching career at Fountain Valley High School and Orange Coast College. He is the co-author, with Mike Finnegan, of “One to One,” a textbook on writing.

Dornan grew interested in politics upon meeting Irvine City Councilman Larry Agran when their sons played soccer together.

“Ed didn’t like the limelight, but he loved politics,” Agran said. “He believed that government should be organized to help all families struggling for a better life.”