Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

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In Memoriam: Pittsburg native Mary Vigil passes at 101

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Mary Vigil

December 7, 1921 – August 11, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Vigil, a beloved member of our community. Mary passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023, at the age of 101.

Mary was born in 1921 in Pittsburg, California to Andres and Elvira Moreno. Mary was well-known in the community for her kindness and generosity. During and after her 39 years of working at the telephone company, Mary dedicated herself to community service. She was an active member of her church and spent many hours volunteering her time and talents to various charitable causes. Throughout her life, Mary was recognized for her altruism by the City of Pittsburg, the Catholic Daughters of America, and the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce among others.

Known for her volunteer work at the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Pittsburg Historical Society, Sutter Delta Medical Center, and for delivering holy communion to local parishioners who were homebound, Mary earned an esteemed reputation for her all of her charitable work.

Aside from her public service, Mary selflessly served as a caretaker for over 50 years to her beloved sister who was confined to bed for most of her life.

Mary was a devoted wife to her late husband, Leo Vigil, Sr., a loving sister to her late siblings Lillian and Joe Moreno, and a dedicated mother to her three children, Sylvia Gray, Judy Dunning and Leo Vigil, Jr. Mary is remembered for her warm smile, her love of dancing, and her unwavering faith. Her memory will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who will carry on her legacy of love, kindness, and strength.

Rest in peace, dear Mary. You will always be in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at the Church of the Good Shepherd at 10:00 am, the reception will immediately follow at The Good Shepherd Parish Hall.

In Memoriam: Longtime owner of cattle ranch on Mt. Diablo, Sandia National Lab engineer Tom Brumleve passes at 92

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Thomas Duane Brumleve

December 2, 1930 – June 28, 2023

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Duane Brumleve, age 92, after a brave battle with cancer.  He was born in Mattoon, Illinois, on December 2, 1930, to Sylvester and Rachel Brumleve.

Tom got his early education in Mattoon and then graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  He served in the United States Marine Corps.  He spent his career as an Electrical and Solar Engineer at Sandia National Laboratories from 1958 to 1984.  He married Joan Marilyn Kerley on November 9, 1963.  They enjoyed 38 years together, until she passed away on April 6, 2001.

Tom enjoyed his work at Sandia where his focus was solar energy.  He was proud to have received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy, a national award for Technical Excellence in Solar Thermal Technology in 1982.  In 1984, Tom retired early from Sandia and became the full-time Manager of Diablo Ranch, a cattle ranch on the slopes of Mt. Diablo.

Tom was very active in the community.  He was President of the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, the Contra Costa Farm Bureau, and the Contra Costa/Alameda County Cattlemen’s Association.  Tom was Chairman of the Range and Public Lands Committee, and Chairman of the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts.  He was a member of the Range and Public Lands Committee, the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, the Contra Costa Agriculture Task Force, the Natural Resources Committee, and the California Farm Bureau Federation. He served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Contra Costa Farm Bureau, for the Contra Costa/Alameda County Cattlemen’s Association, for the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, for the Contra Costa Citizens Land Alliance, and for the California Native Grass Association.  His leadership left a mark and made a difference in not only Contra Costa, and Alameda counties, but also at the State level.

Tom was an avid outdoorsman, adventurer, and educator.  He enjoyed scuba diving and being an instructor for the Livermore Skin Diving Club.  He was a founding-member of the Vaqueros of the Sea.  He enjoyed cross-country skiing, canoeing, back-packing, traveling, and putting in a hard-day’s work.  He climbed Mt. Shasta, hunted grizzly bears in Alaska, and canoed the Rogue River.  He thought he was the first person to ever go down Glen Canyon in an open canoe just prior to its closing for the dam.

He was especially interested in range-management techniques, proper grading, and maintenance of back-country roads.  Tom was actively involved in preserving agriculture and our Western Heritage, looked to improve urban understanding of agriculture, and other ag/urban interface issues.

He was active in the Fire Safe Council and the Mt. Diablo Bee Keepers Association.  He was a well-respected cattle rancher in Contra Costa County.  His presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Joan, siblings Leila and Rita, and his grandchildren Brandon and Tyler Brumleve.  He is survived by his sister Sylvia and brother Ken; children, Julia “Jill” Kilcourse, Kimmie Brumleve and Dan Brumleve, son-in-law Christopher Kilcourse; and grandchildren, Will and John (Jack) Kilcourse, and Coledan and Jessiana Brumleve, as well as nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.  A heartfelt thank you to Shirley Olsen for loving Tom and taking such good care of him for the last 22 years.  He will truly be missed.

A mass was held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Walnut Creek, on Friday, July 21st. A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, July 22nd at Diablo Ranch. He will be laid to rest at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be sent to the California Cattlemen’s Association and/or the Contra Costa Farm Bureau in his name.

In Memoriam: 35-year Antioch resident Safeway deli worker Sharon Lee Heaney passes at 65

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In loving memory

Sharon Lee Heaney

March 6, 1955 – March 2, 2021

We lost you a year ago.

Life has not been the same without you.

Sharon Lee (Gresko) Heaney was born to Eileen Gresko in Bakersfield, CA on March 6, 1955, and grew up in San Francisco. She later moved to Antioch in 1986.

Loving mother to Shannon Smario and David Heaney, a loving mother-in-law to Arenaeus Smario and proud grandmother to Sofia Smario.

She attended Galileo High School in San Francisco and worked in a dental office for many years. After having children, she worked for Safeway for 31 years, including about 10 years Antioch in the deli department.

She enjoyed her life traveling, going out dancing, and feeding the neighborhood cats.

She passed away on March 2, 2021, just shy of her 66th birthday. She will be missed by everyone.

A service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at St. Ignatius Church at 3351 Contra Loma Blvd. in Antioch.

All are welcome to attend.

 

In memoriam: Antioch resident Beatriz Elizabeth “Bea” Truxton passes at 89

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Beatriz Elizabeth “Bea” Truxton

March 12, 1932 – January 28, 2022

Our dear mother, Beatriz Elizabeth Truxton, passed away January 28, 2022. Beatriz was born March 12, 1932, in Guayaquil Ecuador to Anibal Leon Barrera and Melania Medina Molina. She had two older sisters.

Beatriz married the love of her life, Perry Truxton, on December 16, 1950, in Ecuador after a whirlwind six-week courtship. They were two months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary when Perry passed away in 2010.

Beatriz made many friends in Central and South America and the Caribbean following Perry who worked for the Inter American Geodetic Survey headquartered in the Panama Canal Zone. During his service, they lived in Bolivia, Chile, Cuba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Panama. In 1976, they moved to Alamogordo, NM. Beatriz and Perry continued to travel after Perry retired in 1985.

In her mid-60s, Beatriz decided to pursue education by first earning her G.E.D. and then continuing to earn her Associates of Art degree in 2008 at the Alamogordo branch of New Mexico State University. She also took many art classes, enjoying drawing and acrylic painting. She served students through a part-time job in the Language Lab as a Spanish tutor where she made many friends.

Beatriz enjoyed the beach and scuba diving when she was younger. She went camping because Perry promised her that she would not have to either cook or clean up! Beatriz and Perry were great dancers. Beatriz enjoyed animals. As a child, she had a monkey and an ocelot as a pet. She loved dogs. Her favorite breed was the beagle and favorite dog names were Ginger or Topsy!

Beatriz had a deep faith in her savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. She taught her children to also have a deep faith in God. Beatriz loved traveling. She enjoyed visiting her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She made a priority to attend milestone events such as weddings, high school or college graduations and First Holy Communions.

In 2018, Beatriz went to live with her children. She lived with Roy in Tampa, FL before coming to live with Nellie in Antioch, CA. Beatriz joined the Antioch Senior Center where she participated in the painting activity. She also enjoyed going to the senior activity at the Celebration Center at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Brentwood, CA.

Beatriz is survived by her sons, Roy, Charlie (Vicki), and Stephen, and daughter Nellie (Brian) Beatty; grandchildren Emmanuel, Michael, Maureen, Elizabeth (Nathan) Blumhorst, Teresa, Jennifer, Katherine, Angela, Christopher, Sarah, Aaron, Rebecca, Annelise, and Maria; great-grandchildren Gabriel, Jacob, and Emrys; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank both Hospice of the East Bay and the staff at Spyglass Villas 2 for the wonderful care they gave to Beatriz. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in Beatriz Truxton’s name.

A funeral mass will be held on February 17, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Church, 971 O’Hara Ave, Oakley, CA  94561 at 12 p.m. with the rosary at 11 a.m. Interment is at Del Puerto & St. Mary’s Cemetery, 10800 CA-22, Patterson, CA 95363 at 11 a.m. February 18, 2022.

In memoriam: former Pittsburg resident John Patrick Anderson passes at 60

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John Patrick Anderson

January 8, 1961 – November 9, 2021

John Patrick Anderson passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, on November 9, 2021, at 60 years young, surrounded by family. John was born on January 8, 1961, in Oakland, California to La Roy “Andy” Anderson and Patricia “Pat” Benson Anderson, one of four siblings. John grew up in Pittsburg and has lived in Benicia for over 15 years, where he raised his family. John was a Low Voltage Electrician for 20 years and a member of IBEW local 302. He loved riding motorcycles, fishing, and going to Renaissance Fairs throughout the years. John was a huge fan of the New York Giants football team and NASCAR. A lover of live music, John attended many concerts throughout the Bay Area during his life. He also loved to cook and always fed all his friends and family. John lived for his children and always loved to put a smile on everyone’s face.

John was a man who loved to laugh and dance, he had a lot of love in his heart. John is survived by his children Eric Zachary, Jacey Anna, and Jenna Rose Anderson. As well as his former wife’s, Stacey Anderson and Robin Anderson, his brother George Anderson, sister Kathy Anderson, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sandy Anderson.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate John’s life at his Memorial Service on Sunday, January 2, 2022, from 1-4 PM at the Antioch Sportsman Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Avenue, Antioch. The venue requires everyone wear masks. Please contact Stacey Anderson at staceybythebay@comcast.net or Jenna Anderson at jenna.anderson707@yahoo.com should you have any questions about John’s Memorial Service.

 

Pittsburg man from construction business family that helped build thousands of homes passes at 62

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Leonard (Lenny) Kolias Jr.

Feb 12, 1959 to June 2, 2021

Leonard (Lenny) Kolias Jr. of Pittsburg, CA passed away on June 2, 2021.

Lenny was born in Oakland, CA on February 12, 1959 and lived in the Bay Area his whole life. He graduated from the school of Hard Knocks and started working at age 13 in the family business, Kolias Grading and later for B & B Paving and Grading. He made house pads for thousands of the houses from Antioch/ Pittsburg to Danville/San Ramon and Vallejo/Napa as well as many other areas in the Bay Area. He loved his work and took pride in being a Dirt Pusher/Heavy Machine operator for over 40 years.

He enjoyed spending time with his family the most! Some of his favorite times were at the family cabin on the Sacramento River catching catfish and running through the corn fields. He loved fast cars and big trucks. If you knew Lenny, you knew he had a presence, he was big, loud, giving and always happy.

Lenny is survived by his partner Debbie Melia, daughters Jamie Kolias and Krystle Melia, beloved grandchildren Jesslyn Marie, Jayla Ann, and Aidan Leonard, his sister, Cyndi Vipperman (Ken), brother,  Don Kolias (Tracy) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lenny is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Carole Kolias, his brother Christopher Kolias, his grandmother Francis Gates and his nephew Bradley Reid.

Lenny was loved by many and will be missed ♥️.

 

Hope and Healing Virtual Event honors 734 Contra Costans lost to COVID-19, Monday night

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To honor the memories of our loved ones, to comfort those left behind, and to collectively begin the healing process, Contra Costa County will tonight hold an online memorial for more than 700 of our family members, friends and neighbors lost in the past year to COVID-19.

The first Contra Costa resident confirmed to have died from the virus passed on March 22, 2020, one year ago today. As of this morning, 734 county residents have died from COVID-19

“While we have reached a somber milestone, we do so at a time of hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel,” said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. “Remembering the people who we have lost reminds us of how far we have come in our struggle against COVID-19. It also helps us to never forget what the virus cost us.”

Millions have died throughout the world during the past year, including more than 500,000 U.S. residents, in a pandemic that has resulted in closed schools, workplaces, places of worship, and curtailed civic life.

The Hope and Healing Virtual Event begins at 8 p.m. and can be viewed live on Contra Costa Television (CCTV) or on the CCHS Facebook page. Anyone can share this link on social media to watch live: https://youtu.be/83jaK-gznSY. The event will be recorded and rebroadcast on CCTV and available at the CCHS YouTube channel.

The broadcast ceremony includes remarks from healthcare workers and community leaders, an invocation, live music and a synchronized lighting of civic centers across the county, including Brentwood, Danville, Martinez, Moraga, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Richmond, San Ramon and Walnut Creek, along with Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, the Contra Costa County Administration Building and the Save Mt. Diablo Beacon.

Thanks to safe, highly effective vaccines and the hard work of Contra Costa residents to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the county is gradually emerging from the state health order restrictions that have affected every aspect of community life.

We can all play a role in ending the pandemic’s grip on Contra Costa for good – and save lives in the process – by continuing to make healthy choices that reduce the spread of the virus and protect us and our families from COVID-19, such as avoiding large gatherings and close contact with people outside the home, using face coverings and getting vaccinated when it is our turn.

Visit cchealth.org/coronavirus or call 1-833-VAX-COCO (1-833-829-2626) for information and updates about COVID-19 in Contra Costa County, including resources for finding appointments for COVID-19 vaccination and testing.

 

 

Bay Area rap legend from East County dies in car crash Monday morning

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Curtis “Young Curt” Denton. Photos from Twitter

By Luke Johnson

East County rapper Young Curt has died at 27 years old. According to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s office and the Eastern Contra Costa Fire Protection District he was killed in a solo-car crash on Byron Highway, early Monday morning. ‘

When California Highway Patrol arrived to the scene at Clifton Court Road in Byron a little after 2:39 a.m., officers said they found Curtis Denton’s (Young Curt) body on the side of the road and his 2019 Dodge Charger flipped upside down.

According to CHP, Denton was speeding southbound when “he drove off the roadway and collided into the dirt shoulder causing the vehicle to roll over several times.” Officers believe Denton wasn’t wearing a seat belt and was subsequently ejected through the sunroof of his car.

“He suffered major injuries and was transported by ambulance to Kaiser Medical center in Antioch but was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the hospital by emergency personnel,” the CHP reported.

Denton was from Antioch and Pittsburg. He rose to fame with his song “It’s the Mobb” — which was released in 2008 while he was attending Deer Valley High School.

His single “No B****” from 2009 regained traction earlier this year on viral video-sharing app Tik Tok.

Many musicians and entertainers — such as Tyga, Kehlani and Iamsu! — took to social media to pay tribute to the fallen rapper.

“The era of music birthed from Curt, and the industry at that moment, created a pinnacle in not only the 925, but the entire Bay Area music scene,” said rapper Pok’Chop. “Curt played an integral part in my career. I recorded my first song in Curt’s studio back in 2006. We challenged each other to the point of success — it was healthy competition.”

The CHP report said it is unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash, but it is being investigated. On Denton’s Instagram page Sunday night, he posted on his story of what appeared to be a video of himself holding a bottle of prescription cough syrup.

If anyone witnessed this collision or the events leading up to it, they are asked to contact Contra Costa CHP in Martinez at (925) 646-4980.

Former Contra Costa Assemblyman, Richmond Councilman Bob Campbell passes at 82

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Robert J. “Bob” Campbell in his younger days.

December 20, 1937 – March 27, 2020 

photo from M.A. Hays Insurance Facebook page

Campbell in an October 2019 photo. Courtesy of Office of Supervisor John Gioia.

“He was one of my rock solid guiders on education matters.” – former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr.

By Allen Payton

Former Assemblyman Robert J. “Bob” Campbell who represented Contra Costa County in the California State Assembly passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020 following a battle with cancer. He was 82. A Democrat, he served 16 years from 1980-96 representing the 11th District in the California State Assembly.

Campbell was first elected to the Richmond City Council in 1975 where he served until his election to the Assembly. He was also an insurance broker and owner of M.A. Hays Insurance Brokers in Richmond.

According to his biography on Wikipedia: “His family settled in Richmond when he was a child. After high school graduation he attended Contra Costa College in San Pablo and San Francisco State University, where he received a B.A. degree in 1961. He served in the U.S. Army and the California National Guard from 1961 to 1972. He worked in the insurance industry.

From 1963-65 Campbell worked as a political science professor at U.C. Berkeley.

He developed an interest in politics while still in college and worked on several election campaigns before being elected to the city council at age 37. He won his campaigns for Assembly eight straight times in the heavily Democratic district. His priorities as an Assemblyman were education and environmental protection. He chaired the Ways and Means subcommittee on education for six years and served on the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee for 15 years. He was often the author of bills involving funding for schools and community colleges.

According to JoinCalifornia, Campbell was able to get a bill passed in 1989 establishing John Muir Day every April 21, with the first one celebrated in 1990, according to the Sierra Club.

Bob Campbell speaks at the retirement party for Joan Carpenter, a staff member of Supervisor John Gioia in October 2019. Photo courtesy of Office of Supervisor John Gioia.

During his time in the Assembly, Campbell would distribute books to constituents that contained copies of the California Constitution, the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Rights, Articles of Confederation and the Mayflower Compact.

In 1996, unable to seek re-election to the California State Assembly due to term limits, he opted to run for California State Senate. However, Campbell didn’t run for his area senate seat, which had been made more competitive after the last redistricting. He chose to instead run in a neighboring district, which was much more Democratic, but went on to lose the Democratic primary to Assembly colleague Barbara Lee. He was subsequently appointed to the California Coastal Commission in 1996 by then-Assembly Speaker Cruz Bustamante.”

He helped spawn a generation of leaders in the county, including three who offered their condolences and thoughts about Campbell, as well as other current county officials.

Campbell’s former district chief of staff from 1980-87, Eric Zell, a political consultant and former West Contra Costa Healthcare District Board Member, shared his thoughts about his long-time friend and former boss.

“Outside of my parents, Bob had the greatest influence on both my professional, and in many ways, my personal life. A great mentor, an unbelievable role model and a true ‘common man’,” wrote Zell. “He helped so many people, and never wanted or asked for recognition. There will never be another like him. My family and I were so fortunate to be part of the Campbell ‘family’. May his memory be a blessing.”

Former campaign aid and Assembly staffer for Campbell, Tim Farley who served as a Martinez Councilman and Contra Costa Community College District Board Member, shared his comments in a post on Facebook.

“I am shocked and heartbroken to hear the news that former state Assemblyman Bob Campbell has passed away,” he wrote. “I worked on his successful campaign for the state Assembly in 1980. I learned so much from him. At 20 years old Bob treated me like a seasoned campaign aid. Later I worked on his Assembly staff from 1983-1994.We have been friends for over 40 years. God bless you Bob and know you will always be in my heart.”

“Sorry to hear this news. I learned a lot interning in his Capitol office in the early ’80s. RIP Bob,” wrote former Concord Mayor Guy Bjerke, who interned for Campbell in 1981 while attending Sac State University. He now works for the City of Concord in charge of reuse of the former naval weapons station.

“Bob was one of the finest public servants I ever met,” wrote Contra Costa County Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “He treated all alike and worked so hard for our county.”

“We lost a strong progressive voice for the most vulnerable and for all of Contra Costa,” wrote Supervisor John Gioia. “Those of us who knew Bob, know how much he listened to people and then used the power of government to improve people’s lives. We will miss Bob, but we benefit from his legacy every day!”

In a post on Friday on the M.A. Hays Insurance Company’s Facebook page, his staff shared their condolences: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Bob Campbell passed away. He has been sick with cancer that came back this past year. Bob owned M.A. Hays Co and his hard work and dedication to the residents and businesses of West County as an Insurance Broker, Richmond City Council member and our State Assemblyman for 16 years is unmatchable. His support and help of the less fortunate, improving his community on an everyday basis as well as other Californians will not be forgotten. His laugh, his storytelling and his great smile will be missed within the insurance office of M.A. Hays Co. Rest in Peace Bobby, you made the world a better place while you were here.”

When reached for comment, former Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, Jr. shared his thoughts about and gave accolades to Campbell.

“I was frankly amazed when Jack O’Connell, retired State Superintendent of Public Instruction, advised me early Sunday morning that Bob Campbell had passed away,” he said. “I was blown away. He was always athletic, he was not a drinker or smoker in any excessive way.”

“He was particularly dedicated in the world of education,” Brown said. “He was one of my rock solid guiders on education matters.”

“I counted Bob Campbell as a key in the world of urban based education, coming out of Richmond with the kind of needs that school district had,” he continued. “Whatever we did for Richmond in some cases became what we did for other similar school districts, because of Bob Campbell’s efforts.”

“It’s a real loss and he died much too younger. I thought a lot of him, personally, as well,” Brown added.

Campbell leaves behind his wife, former Richmond City Councilwoman Maria Theresa Viramontes; a son, Kirk Campbell of Richmond; a daughter, Lisa Campbell and partner Chios Holguin, and a grandson, all of Davis; stepsons Armando Viramontes of Richmond, David Viramontes and Andres Uyeda; grandchildren Andrew Viramontes, Livia Uyeda-Tannyhill, and Kelly Reck of Richmond.

Services have not yet been scheduled.

Former County Planning Commissioner, Republican Party Chairman, attorney Don Anderson passes at 86

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Donald Eugene Anderson

May 31, 1933 – November 24, 2019

Resident of Lafayette

Donald Eugene Anderson passed away after a brief illness on November 24, 2019. Born May 31, 1933 in Oakland, California to Thomas Shober and Lillian Anderson (née Diamond), he loved music, travel, and family. Don graduated from Oakland High School and then attended U.C. Berkeley, where he joined the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He later received his J.D. from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.

Don was a business litigator for over 50 years in San Francisco and Walnut Creek. Early in his career, before Public Defenders existed, Don represented inmates at Alcatraz as court appointed counsel. Ultimately Don’s litigation practice involved representation of high-profile real estate, construction, and transportation companies.

As important as his law practice was to him, his family came first. Don and his first wife Marian Anderson (née Meadowcroft) raised three children, Tom, Allan and Carol in the Orinda-Moraga area. Don made sure the kids could say “Go Bears” at an early age, and they each carried on the family tradition of attending Cal.

With Don’s second marriage to Helen in 1988, he found his best friend and soul mate. Together they travelled the world, planned epic birthday celebrations, soaked in the sun by the pool and in Cabo, and enjoyed each other’s company whether having a quiet dinner at home or over long lunches in Napa and San Francisco.

Outside of work and family, Don was committed to community service. He was engaged in politics throughout his adult life and was appointed to several administrative posts. He started by serving on various local boards in Orinda and Moraga in the late 60s and early 70s. He then moved to regional boards, serving on the Contra Costa County Planning Commission from 1974 to 1986, and the Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board, to which he was appointed by Governor Deukmejian in 1983. His dedication to community service continued into the 2000s, with his appointment as the public member of the RAN (Regional Access Network) Board. Don was also the chair of the Contra Costa County Republican Party from 1981 to 1984.

He was equally active with the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, the church where his parents met in the 1920s. Over his lifetime, he served as an elder and held roles critical to continued operations of the church as the community evolved around it. Don was also a member of the Lafayette Rotary and the Oakwood Athletic Club, where he swam with the master’s program past his 85th birthday.

Above all else, Don enjoyed connecting with friends, a good laugh, and any occasion that brought family together. He relished spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren and could be counted on to be the first on the dance floor and to burn the midnight oil telling stories. He rests more peacefully knowing Cal beat Stanford for the first time in ten years at the Big Game in 2019.

Don is survived by his wife Helen, his children Tom (Sandy), Allan (Nancy) and Carol (Drew), their mother Marian, his brother Ralph (Joanne), his step-daughter Jaclyn, his 7 grandchildren (Emily, Philip, Henry, Isaac, Kelsi, Shelby and Samantha), his nieces and nephews, many dear friends, and his devoted dog Rusty.

A memorial service will be held on January 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, located at 2619 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, care of Food Ministry.