Donald L. Miscovich Jr.

St. Patrick’s Day has arrived, when a wee man with a bright red beard and ear-to-ear smile dons his outfit: bright green tights, brown cropped pants, a white T-shirt, bright green suspenders, black shoes with gold buckles, and a large green hat covered in gold clovers. Of course he can’t forget the small black cauldron filled with beads and golden coins, his final touch. With that, the leprechaun rises again, as he does every St. Patrick’s Day. Turn on a little Flogging Molly and he will happily dance a jig for all who are near.

This wee leprechaun is none other than Donald L. Miscovich, Jr., born January 12, 1983, in Twenty-nine Palms, California. Donald, a second generation Irishman who spent most of his childhood in San Diego County, did not fully embrace his inner leprechaun until later in life, but once he did he thought about it often. This included figuring out when to begin growing out his beard, as well as how to see as many friends as possible before the season of the leprechaun was gone. Flogging Molly, parades, birthday parties, Fremont Street, and a random sampling of bars were all on the list of things to do.

Before his obsession with the leprechaun, Donald’s life was notable for his love of family. In addition to his parents, Michelle and Alex Hamilton, and Don and Becky Miscovich, and fiancé, Frances Vanderploeg, he is also survived by his sisters, Amanda Lozano and Vonna Miscovich; half-sister, Harlee Miscovich; step-siblings, Eric Risner and Amanda Esparza; and adopted brother, My Nigga Maurice; his nieces and nephews, AnaLisa Lozano, 9; Jorge “JT” Lozano, III, 7; Zayley Lozano, 5; Quindalynn Lozano, 2; Matilda Lozano, 1; and Chandler Miscovich, 1; grandmother, Fionuala “Nana” Seymour; his aunts and uncles, Mike and Sue Seymour; Matt and Cindy Seymour; Mark and Lynn Seymour; Mark and Linda Lang; Mike and Lori Lang; Matt and Trina Lang; Tani Rosas; and Jean Hewes; as well as several cousins, including Karen and Amy; Brandon and Adam; April, Billy, Tommy and Garrett; and Nathaniel; and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmothers, Grandma Mackey and Grandma Elsie, and grandfather, Grandpa Seymour.

Donald had a special bond with his mom and sister, Amanda, through adulthood. However, he loved them all, and looked forward every year to seeing many of his relatives during Christmas festivities at Uncle Mark’s or during family trips with Amanda, her husband JJ, and their five children. Even the family members Donald didn’t see regularly had a special place in his heart. Family was special, and he would never hesitate to drop his own needs to satisfy theirs if he could.

Donald’s heart was big, and had room for many other loves, including his love of sports, animals, and good friends.

Whether watching or playing, as a child and through adulthood, Donald was a sports fanatic through and through. He played a variety of sports throughout his life, including baseball, football, wrestling, basketball, bowling, and disc golf. He dabbled in many other sports, as well, and typically took to them with a natural ease. One of his many sports accomplishments included being chosen for the All-Stars baseball team. During football season, he couldn’t be pulled away from watching his games, especially if the San Francisco 49ers were playing. Even at their worst, his love and loyalty never wavered. Once football season ended, he would satiate his appetite by watching hockey, baseball, or basketball until it returned.

Donald often told stories of his sports escapades as a kid. His best friend, Carl McCullough, was a regular feature in these stories. He told of one of the football teams they were on, where he and Carl would switch between quarterback and running back. According to him, they were unstoppable. He became close with Carl’s entire family over time, holding a particular fondness for Mama, who regularly shuttled him to or from games and cheered him on from the stands if his parents couldn’t be there.

Recently, Donald began coaching a kids baseball team with his friend, Richie Nelson. This was something he had always wanted to do in his life. Once given the opportunity, he excelled. At an adult height of 5’6”, he was used to being the little guy on any team he joined. Because of this, he had a soft spot in his heart and immediately took the youngest boy on the team under his wing.

Donald’s fondness for animals started as a child. Growing up, he had two dogs he loved, Colonel and Jake. He took this love through adulthood. Upon finding a fellow animal lover in his fiancé Frances, who he had been dating for more than 8 years and often referred to as “the wife,” their collection of pets slowly grew to include dogs, cats, turtles, frogs, bearded dragons, fish, and, at one point, hamsters. He treated them as his own children, especially the dogs, Pebbles and Cocoa, and cats, Mr. Man, Baby Puss, and Oscar. Regulars in the house also included numerous foster kittens for his favorite rescue, Homeward Bound Cat Adoptions of Las Vegas. When not dressing up for St. Patrick’s Day or Halloween, he looked forward to dressing up for Christmas, where he would pose as Santa Claws and take pictures with other people’s animals to raise money for Homeward Bound.

With a quick smile and boisterous laugh, Donald was quick to make friends. He shared many childhood stories not just of Carl, but also Reggie, Richard, and Joey. During a few years spent in Wyoming immediately after high school, Donald found new life-long friend Jared. Upon moving to Henderson in 2006, he added more to the list, including Frank and Tina, Adam, Steve, Andrew, Richie, Alan, Robert, Jordan, Josh, Mike, Kenny and Kari, and many others.

Born with a strong work ethic, Donald always tried to do his best at any job he held. He loved to jump into any project head first and was able to bring a unique perspective others typically wouldn’t consider. While living in Henderson, he found a trade he loved when working as an electrician, and found a company he loved in Greater Salt Lake Electric of Las Vegas (GSL). He also began attending an electrical apprenticeship program through Associated Builders and Contractors of Nevada (ABC). Getting his acceptance letter was a high point in his life, one which he never expected to happen. Though school had never been easy for him – he credited middle school teacher, Mrs. Lewis, and high school teacher, Miss K, for helping him graduate – he worked hard and was doing well with his studies.

Donald enjoyed the simple things in life. When not working, watching or playing sports, dressing up for holidays, or helping others, he enjoyed spending time hiking, camping, and fishing with his fiancé, family, friends, or even by himself. He also enjoyed tooling around the house and working on an endless list of projects in his head, including how to improve the Griswold-like Christmas display he put on every year. As a child he also enjoyed building model cars and playing video games.

His last day was spent in his boat in a peaceful cove, enjoying a beautiful view, with his dogs by his side and his fishing pole in hand.