Donald Eugene Wackford

Donald Eugene Wackford, 87, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, surrounded by family and the sounds of "Leather and Lace," his love song for his wife, Barbara. Born May 8, 1939, in Sacramento, CA, to Eugene and Marie Wackford, Don spent his youth enjoying family vacations at Dillon Beach.

Don graduated from C.K. McClatchy High School in 1957, followed by graduation from Sacramento City College. Don served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1966 as an engineer and surveyor, taking leave from Sacramento County. He later earned his degree from Sacramento State University in 1978.

Professionally, Don dedicated 36 years to the County of Sacramento (1960–1996) as a Civil Engineer in the Public Works Water Resources Drainage Design Division, where he mentored and inspired countless young engineers before retiring to enjoy 16 years with his beloved Beagle, Deniro.

Don had a lifelong passion for pyrotechnics. As a fireworks enthusiast, charter member, and first Vice-President of the Pyrotechnic Guild International (PGI), he served as a competition judge for over 35 years and attended 50 conventions across the U.S., proudly sharing this passion with his wife and daughter, Jenci. In 2022, he was awarded the Vander Horck Circle of Excellence Award for his outstanding dedication and service to the PGI.

A true community volunteer, Don mentored young men thru the Big Brothers Organization, helped establish and served on the Board of the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center in Ione, served on the playground build committee for Belle Cooledge Park and John Cabrillo Elementary School, volunteered thru the Sacto Tree Foundation, served as Chairman of the Strauss Festival of Elk Grove for two years (firing its first fireworks show), started and chaired his Neighborhood Watch committee for over 40 years. Everyone in the neighborhood knew his name and exactly who to call on when in need.

Don always said the best thing he ever did in his life was marry his wife, Barbara. He possessed a soft, romantic side, always leaving roses and love notes for her as the seasons passed. The confirmed bachelor became the heart and soul of their family, falling in love with her daughter, Jenci and transforming their lives into something truly magical. To Barbara, he was her whole world. To Jenci, a teacher, an ally and a confidant. They shared 45 years of memories and laughter-bonding through joy and sorrow, solving life's problems, and delighting in its joys. Together, Don and Barbara traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Joining the large Morse family brought him many wonderful new adventures.

In 2005, his first grandson, Lucas Donald, was born. They bonded immediately, and Don happily became "Papa Daycare" from then on, marveling at how enriched his life had become. When grandson number two, William Andrew, arrived in 2008, Don discovered his happiness could be doubled. He strove to teach them life's lessons and serve as a role model, a goal at which he truly succeeded.

He and Barbara also joined a group of friends to form the Elk Grove Wine Club, which has flourished for over 25 years. The friendships they made along the way remain treasured to this day.

He will be profoundly missed for his sense of humor, the twinkle in his eye, his room-filling laugh, his large hands engulfing ours, his tremendous hugs, and those gentle pats that meant everything.

Don's life and memory will be treasured by his wife of 41 years, Barbara Morse Wackford; his daughter, Jenci Rose Wackford Smith; his grandsons, Lucas Donald Wackford and William Andrew Smith; his sister, Susan Jones; a large loving extended family and many friends.