Donald Lawrence Affonso

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Angelina Affonso; his sister, Donna Coelho; and his brother, Stan Affonso. He is survived by his wife, Judith; his son, Jeff Affonso (Lori); his daughters, Marci Hall (Bob) and Stephanie Schmidt (Alan); his sister, Shelley Gomes (Ken); and many much-loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Growing up, Don worked very hard on his family's dairy farm, milking cows twice daily before and after school. Seeking a brighter future, he left home at age 17, working his way south to Bakersfield. Dirt poor but tireless, capable and friendly, he found work in various jobs before landing a position with PG&E at the former power plant in Rosedale. Along the way, he met and married the love of his life, Judy (Downs), in 1959. Their newlywed bliss was interrupted when he was drafted into the US Army, honorably completing his service just before the escalated conflict in Vietnam.

On returning to Bakersfield, Don was hired by the California Highway Patrol, beginning a career that lasted until his retirement in 1989. Continuing his education while working and raising a family, Don was promoted to the position of Court Officer and served the last decade of his career in law enforcement working downtown in business attire.

Don had a gift for construction and a love of helping others. While working full-time, he spent his free time taking on home improvement projects for family, friends, and neighbors always ready to lend his skills wherever needed. When he retired, he turned what had long been a labor of love into an almost full-time pursuit. It was never really about the work itself; it was about the people he got to help along the way.

Don was a man of deep faith. He loved God, treasured His Word, and found great joy in his church family. A memorial service for Don will be held at Riverlakes Community Church on Friday, August 21, at 11:00 am.