Calaveras County, CA…Some people might say that Don was fearless — and perhaps just a little opinionated — and they’d be right. He was strong-willed and a little onery, but he was also a man who loved life to the fullest!

Don was born on June 22, 1939, the youngest of six children, to Warren and Tina Whited, in Centralia Washington where they lived on their family farm along the Skookumchuck River. He often told stories of his childhood memories and how he loved fishing along the river there.

In search of new opportunities, the family moved to Stockton in 1951 then up to Sonora where he went on to graduate from Sonora High School in 1957.

Following in their father’s footsteps, Don and his brother Warren soon found work in the woods for Pickering Lumber Company, beginning his lifelong career in the logging industry. He was a hard-working man and worked in the woods his entire career. A gyppo logger they called him — starting his own business as an independent contract faller in 1977 with his old Mack short-logger truck. His business kept him busy for many years, as he could often be seen on Highway 4 hauling logs in and of the woods to the lumber mill. After 40+ years of logging, he retired in 1999.

Our dad met and married our beautiful mother in the winter of 1961 and settled in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County where he lived out his life. He is survived by his two children, six grandchildren, and nine of his ten great-grandchildren, losing Grace to her battle with cancer in the fall of 2023.

Don was a history buff and a storyteller. He was an avid reader and loved reading the history about the settling of the West Coast, the Gold Rush, Lewis & Clark, Wagon Trains, and the Donner Party. He liked to tell stories of his time in the woods, particularly of his newlywed years at Camp Curry and the Pickering Logging Camps. He had a love for the woods and would drive up to see Jeff at work during the summer months, revisiting the old camp site whenever he could.

Don remained active during his retirement years. He loved adventure and liked to get outside with his dogs and ride around in the quad visiting his old stomping grounds. He enjoyed treasure hunting, fishing, taking trips to the desert, digging for crystals, rose quartz, and gold, and especially metal-detecting in the desert and up in the mountains. He was thoughtful and intentional about where he searched, often going to specific areas he discovered through his love of reading and studying history — old home sites, forgotten wagon trails, and places where others had once passed through. To him, it wasn’t just about finding relics – it was about connecting with the past. But what he loved most was spending time with his family — especially being around his grandkids!

He really loved to watch the kids play sports and attend their activities whenever he could. He enjoyed talking with them and asking them about their day.

He absolutely loved going to the lake, fishing, and searching the shoreline for wildlife and lost treasures. He would be so excited and was always so happy to go. Each time was like it was his first time. He was once a hunter but had such a love for animals that he quickly gave it up. He continued to “hunt” but only to capture his prey on camera.

He had many pets throughout his lifetime and cared deeply for animals. He always had dogs and they went with him wherever he went. He took in stray cats and fed the local turkeys in his yard. He brought home baby squirrels and critters from the woods whenever he could save them from the harm he may have caused them by logging.

Don and Zetta loved being part of the Corvette Club, where they had a great time with friends and made many wonderful memories. Together they traveled to places like Lake Tahoe and Monterey Bay, enjoying the open road, the scenery, and the camaraderie that came with sharing their love for classic cars with their friends.

One small but meaningful thing we will always remember is how Don loved to whistle. It was a simple habit, but it always reminded us of his presence and contentment with life. He also loved music and dancing. He never missed an opportunity to get up and dance! In his later years, he would sit outside, taking in the sunlight, and listening to some of his favorite tunes.

Don was always thoughtful, giving and kind – generous and helpful whenever he could be. He liked to share his knowledge and lend a hand to anyone that needed help.

He left this world on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 86. He will be greatly missed — gone but certainly not forgotten.