Don Kangas

Donald Raymond Kangas, beloved husband to Carol Kangas, father to Debbie Kangas Cohen, Don Kangas Jr., and Brenda Kangas, father in law to Lewis Cohen, stepfather to Michelle Yohman Lochman and Matthew Yohman, grandfather to Carly, Josh, Troy, Trent, Nick & Noel, and great-grandfather to Halley, passed away on December 13, 2020. All of our hearts are broken, but we feel blessed that he only suffered for a short time after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

He was a kind, sweet, creative, talented and patriotic man. He loved carpentry, fishing, wood carving, creative projects like building furniture, gardening and drawing, football-especially the USC Trojans, playing cards, and being with his family. Don loved traveling in his RV which he and Carol did a lot, alone or including various grand kids. Even without the RV, they traveled to Europe and around the U.S., visiting various friends and family, and most often to Phoenix, Arizona to visit Michelle and the grand kids. When they moved to Laguna Woods 5 years ago, Don & Carol made lots of new and wonderful friends, who they enjoyed socializing and sharing homemade meals with, and participating in many of the planned social activities that Laguna Woods provided. Don especially enjoyed socializing in the jacuzzi, he felt nothing was better than soaking in hot water!

Don was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley and lived there for 50 years. He was an only child who was lucky enough to live almost next door to his paternal Uncle Eino and Aunt Peggie, and his first cousin Ina who was like a sister to him. He adored and emulated his dad Hugo and Uncle Eino, both carpenters, who took him under their wings and taught him the profession. After graduating high school, he married his high school sweetheart Jackie Emeterio and became like a big brother to her sibling Dennis Emeterio.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and traveled to Alaska, Guam, Japan and Hawaii, and furthered his skills with his 4 years in the Naval carpentry department. Don was always very proud of his time serving his country and becoming a SeaBee. In his later year he could always be seen in a cap with the SeaBees emblazed on it. After doing his time in the Navy, he returned to start a family with Jackie that included 3 children, Debbie, Don and Brenda. He worked as a foreman for the SyArt construction company for most of the next 30 years.

In 1989, the year that he was retiring to a townhouse in Port Hueneme (where he had been based as a SeaBee) and awaiting the birth of his first grandchild, Carly Cohen, his wife of 32 years died at the age of 50. His world was turned upside down. Although he went through a very tough time, he eventually found love again with Carol Yohman.

He and Carol married in Las Vegas with happy friends and family in attendance, and they enjoyed a happy 29 year marriage. Don became a wonderful mentor and stepfather to Carol's children, Michelle and Matt, and eventually Matt's wife Maria. When they had families, Don would become grandfather to Matt's daughter Piper and step son Ishmael, and to Michelle's children Troy, Trent, Nick, Noel, and eventually a great granddaughter Halley in 2017, Troy's daughter. Don's daughter Debbie completed her family with a son Joshua along side her daughter Carly, making a grand total of 8 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. We know Don would say that he had a great life and was lucky to find love twice with 2 amazing women.

Don leaves an empty space in our hearts for a man who made us feel loved and protected, and was always up for a game of cards, a "highball," watching football or to help you fix something in your home that needed mending. We all have fond memories of tackling a house project with Don/Dad/Grandpa. He will always be missed.

The Kangas-Cohen-Yohman family want to sincerely and immensely thank the OC Senior Day Care Center and the OC Hospice and their excellent staffs, and Dr. Maziar Zamani who went above and beyond as a doctor and a friend.

Please make any donations to the Alzheimer's Association, the OC Hospice or the OC Senior Day Care.