Donald Lee McNerny

Don McNerny, 73, died unexpectedly in his home on January 1, 2016. He was born in 1942, in Seattle, Washington, the son of William and Olive McNerny. His father was a Navy man, so Don and his brother grew up in places like Japan and Hawaii. He graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, was drafted into the Army and spent time overseas in Germany. He worked for the California State Air Resources Board for 30 years before retiring in 2002. As the Chief of air quality modeling and meteorology for the Board, he was instrumental in the development of major studies that laid the foundation for air quality improvements in the Los Angeles and San Joaquin Valley regions. Don loved the Curtis Park neighborhood he lived in for the past 36 years. He was an avid bird watcher, a volunteer with the Nature Conservancy, and a member of the Sacramento Vegan Society. He loved walking, bike riding, and playing Bridge & Poker with his buddies. Don had an adventurer's heart and traveled with family and friends all over this world. He conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro, sailed from San Francisco down to Catalina, and rode through Mexico in a classic car race. Don is survived and will be missed by his son Michael (Michelle), daughter Shannon, brother Jim (Toni), six grand-children, a nephew, and many friends. A celebration of Don's life will be held on January 17 at 1pm in the Curtis Hall at the Sierra 2 Community Center, 2791 24th St., Sacramento.

Arrangements under the care of Harry A Nauman & Son Funeral Home