Born in Aberdeen, SD July 5, 1921 he moved to Santa Margarita, CA in 1932 where he graduated from high school in Atascadero, CA, and attended California Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, CA. He was a civil Engineer specializing in sea water desalinization. He lived and worked in North Africa, Italy, Thailand and Saudi Arabia. Primary residence in the U. S. was in Southern California and Carson City, NV.

United States Navy Veteran of World War II, receiving a Purple Heart and participated in several combat missions throughout his military service.

Don joined the Masonic Lodge as an Entered Apprentice at the U. S. Air base in Morocco, Africa in 1954; he was a member of French Concord Lodge #140 Paris, France.  Don received his Third Degree in Mt. Rose Lodge #40 F&AM, in Reno and became a member of the Scottish Rite and a Sir Knight in Knights Templar.  He served as Worshipful Master of Mt. Rose Lodge #40 in 1996.  On November 23, 1991 Don joined Kerak Temple A.A.O.N.M.S. and in 1999 he served the membership as their Potentate following that as Recorder until 2003.   Don was President of Kit Carson Shrine Club at the time of his death;  he is also a Past Director of the Greeters; Past Captain of the  Honda Hot-Shots; and a member of his all time favorite unit, the Hill Billies.   

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Kerak Shriners, 4935 Energy Way Reno, NV 89502, Shriners Children’s Hospital.   A celebration of his life will be held at KERAK Shrine Temple, 4935 Energy Way at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2009.