Donald "Don" Milton Jardine

Born in Ottawa, Canada on December 23, 1950, Don moved to the United States with his family at just five years old. The son of a miner, his childhood was shaped by hard work, constant movement and the rugged mining camps of Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, Montana, Utah, Nevada and California. Though his family relocated eleven times in twelve years, Don eventually found his true home in Alpine County, California — a place he would dedicate his life to protecting, serving and loving. Don’s connection to the mountains ran deep. Raised without television and surrounded by wilderness, he developed a lifelong respect for nature, history and community. He spent his early years in Woodfords, Crystal Springs and Monitor Pass, where he learned resilience, independence and an appreciation for simple living.

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Don served in Vietnam as a Corporal and earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Campaign Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter Medal. Though he rarely spoke about his service, those closest to him knew the strength, discipline and sacrifice it demanded. His bravery never defined him in words — it showed through the way he lived his life.

After returning home, Don worked at the Zaca Mine from 1972 to 1986, where he earned his blasting license and helped build tunnels searching for silver and gold. Mining was not just a job to him — it was part of his heritage. He continued his career working for Caltrans. He often spoke about the dangerous and demanding work with a calm confidence and mischievous humor. He truly enjoyed doing avalanche control at Caples Lake, where he would ski, snowshoe and sometimes helicopter in to remote areas carrying explosives to intentionally trigger controlled avalanches and protect travelers from far greater danger. Through years of hands-on experience studying snow patterns, weather, terrain and mountain conditions, Don became an expert in avalanche control and mountain safety. He believed there was no substitute for being present in the natural world and learning directly from it.

Don’s greatest legacy, however, was his devotion to people and public service. In 1986, he was elected Alpine County Supervisor, beginning a remarkable 33-year career serving the community he loved. He became the longest-running county supervisor in the state of California. Throughout his decades of service, he fought tirelessly to protect Alpine County’s history, land, water and way of life. He strongly opposed overdevelopment and believed deeply in preserving the rural character and tight-knit community that made Alpine County special. His service extended far beyond county government. Don was an EMT, reserve deputy sheriff, volunteer firefighter, member of the library commission and served on both the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Carson Water SubConservancy District. Whether working on issues of water sustainability, environmental stewardship, public safety, or local history, he approached every responsibility with integrity and relentless dedication.

Even after retirement, Don remained one of Alpine County’s greatest ambassadors. He volunteered at the Alpine County Museum, gave history talks at Grover Hot Springs State Park, worked at Smith’s gas station visiting with locals and travelers alike and volunteered for the Food Bank in Gardnerville. He helped secure the naming of Monitor Pass for Robert M. Jackson and advocated for the Highway 88 Veterans Memorial Highway designation honoring Vietnam veterans. Don never met a stranger. His coffee cup was never empty for long and everyone knew to keep the pot running just for him. He believed deeply in treating people with kindness and respect, even during disagreements. One lesson he often shared was simple: “Accept people for who they are.” Those words guided both his public service and personal life. He was known for his stories, humor, calm demeanor and ability to make people feel welcome, valued and heard. He cared deeply about his community and carried an unwavering love for Alpine County, its history and its people.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and many lifelong friends he held close in his heart. He is survived by his beloved daughter, Sarah Silveira, who was truly the light of his life, along with family members, dear friends, colleagues and countless community members whose lives were better because of him. His daughter Sarah shared: “He made people feel welcome, valued and cared for. His love for Alpine County and the people in it was unmatched and the impact he made on the community will live on for generations.” Whether he was deep in a mine tunnel, standing in fresh mountain snow, serving his county, or sharing coffee and conversation with a friend, Don lived with courage, humility, humor and heart. And as he would often say: “All in all, today was a good day.”