Donald Webster Duckering

April 20, 1930 ~ July 30, 2024

Donald Webster Duckering, of Fresno, CA - passed peacefully in his sleep on July 30, 2024. His family holds his memory fondly in their hearts. He will be dearly missed.

Born in New York to parents Lynn and Mae Duckering, Donald and his brother Verle were raised in Santa Cruz, CA where their father was a prominent architect.

In his youth Don found much success as an athlete playing tennis, snow skiing, golf and polo. His love of airplanes led him to earn his pilot’s license at the young age of 16. During their high school years, our handsome Donald dazzled Hilda while tinkering with his fast cars. Hilda swooned nearby ready to pass a wrench or socket. The two shared a passion for British Triumph sports cars, even racing later in life in the Pebble Beach Sports Car Rallies with their young sons, Dale and Lee stuffed in the tiny back seat.

During college, Donald was an active member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity at the University of Washington. He graduated as an Ensign in the NROTC program while earning a BA in Transportation Engineering. A standout moment in his life was his appointment to the Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL, earning his Wings to become a Naval Aviator. After further training at Advanced Flight School in Hutchinson, KS, he was deployed as a Patrol Plane Pilot Commander, leading missions across various global locations.

A highlight of Don’s career was his selection to attend the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned a BS in Meteorology. He was then assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, as Chief Meteorologist on numerous missions in the Middle East.

In 1963, Don transitioned from his naval career, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander, to join Atmospherics Incorporated, Fresno, CA. For nearly four decades, he played pivotal roles as a meteorologist, Chief Pilot, and Vice President. Don contributed significantly to the company's expansion spanning six continents, becoming internationally renowned for their atmospheric scientific research.

Married life was excellent for Don and Hilda. They enjoyed a long and loving marriage lasting 72 years. Their life together was rich with cherished memories of wonderful friends at Sunnyside Swim & Racquet Club and later Fort Washington Golf & Country Club. They truly relished these lifelong friendships. Family camping trips and high Sierra backpacking adventures were the backdrop of countless memories. In the 70’s, Don’s passion for fly fishing even led to the creation of an international fly tying business! He enjoyed a special bond with daughter Judith racing sailboats on nearby lakes.

Don is survived by his loving wife Hilda; their children: Lee and his wife Debra, Dale and his wife Debbie, and daughter Judith and her husband Scott (North Tustin, CA); 7 grandchildren (Matt, Melissa, Kristen, Dana, Sean, Emily, Elise); and 7 great-grandchildren (Shelby, Sydney, Lucas, Amelia, Sophia, Hayes and Layne); niece Kathy and husband Warner Butler (Philomath, OR); niece Nancy and husband Mark van der Veer (Portland, OR); Jim and wife Stacy Duckering (Vancouver, WA); Joan Duckering (Portland, OR); and beloved Lawrence Family great-niece and great-nephews.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Mae Duckering; brother, Verle and wife Jean; and the beloved Stanley family (Lee and wife Doris, their children Jeff, Susan and husband Michael Lawrence).

A private Mass of Christian Burial with interment at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery will be held, followed by a Celebration of Life to be announced.

Remembrances to:

Nazareth House 2121 N First St, Fresno, CA 93703, 559-237-2257 or Catholic Charities 149 N. Fulton St., Fresno, CA 93701, 559-237-0851 or charity of your choosing.

Family and friends are invited to view Donald’s legacy and share condolences at www.whitehurstsullivan.com.