Donald Edward Walsh

It's not easy to put down a wonderful man's life story in just a few short sentences, but here goes:

Don was born in Los Angeles at Stork Nest's Hospital on July 10, 1939 to Florence Irene Walsh (West) and Joseph Lorenzo Walsh. As a child, he lived in Sun Valley, a part of the San Fernando Valley. Don was the second oldest child of Florence and Joseph. The eldest was David, who was two years older than Don. Eight years after Don, three more children were born. Kathleen, John and Mary.

Don attended Incarnation Catholic School initially, then when the family moved to Glendale, he attended Holy Family Catholic Elementary School. After elementary school, he attended public junior high school and then he graduated from Glendale High School.

While at Glendale High School, Don enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the Navy, Don had an opportunity to attend the Underwater Demolition Team training. The UDT were the initial U.S. Navy Seals. After his honorable discharge from Navy 4 years later, Don attended UCLA, worked in the mornings picking up physically challenged children, then he had a swing shift job in the evenings at a steel manufacturing shop.

While at UCLA, DON got a job as a trainee as Pacific Indemnity Insurance Company in Los Angeles. After a number of years, Don was offered a job at Safeco Insurance Company, then Leatherby Insurance Company where he became an expert in workers compensation.

Don has always been interested in helping other people. While at Pacific Indemnity, he joined the Junior Chamber of Commerce, JAYCEES. That was his first opportunity to become involved in a leadership role. He went on to become President of the Audit Managers Association in Los Angeles, then President of Rotary International in La Habra. During his time in La Habra, he was involved in the Help for Brain Injured Children School, The Gary Center and The Boys & Girls Club.

Don was married to the love of his life, Ellen Karla Walsh (Schurman) for 63 years and 10 months. Other than Ellen, the most important people in Don's life were his four children, Kerry, Craig, Curt and Kimmy. He was so excited when they were born, and was always involved in their lives. Don is the proud father of four children, a proud grandfather to 7 grandchildren, and an enthusiastic great grandfather to 11 great grandchildren!

Don lived in Sun Valley first, then the family moved to Glendale. After our marriage, we lived in La Crescenta for 12 years, then moved to La Habra for 31 years, then moved to Hemet and have been here for 21 years.

Don has always been very sincere of his love for Christ, and it was critical that we get married in a Catholic Church ceremony.