Born during a business trip in Clovis, New Mexico, his parents returned to their home in Amarillo, Texas, until moving to Beverly Hills when Don was 11. He remembers being amazed at the sight of his first palm tree.
A gifted raconteur, Don shared memories from living on Waikiki Beach in 1948 with his family and attending Punahou High School, swimming at Doris Duke's home, and learning to surf with legendary beach boys Rabbit Kekai, Blue, and Curly. He spent his junior year at NMMI, another source of comical stories, graduated from Beverly Hills High in 1953, and University of Southern California in 1957.
Don was proud of his part in opening Belous Medical Clinic, the first legalized abortion clinic in California before a successful forty year career in real estate.
Don had countless charmed adventures throughout his life such as dancing with Elizabeth Taylor, duck hunting with Clark Gable, and playing pool for beers with Paul Newman. An accomplished golfer, Don shot his age or under over 300 times. Upon achieving this milestone, his 'Dawn Patrol' golf group awarded him with a Masters flag signed by Bernard Langer stating "you are definitely not welcome on the senior tour!"
In 1974, Don walked into P.J. Clarke's in New York City and met the future love of his life, Nikila Rigby. Their storybook courtship began in New York and led back to their original hometown in Los Angeles where they wed in 1978 and raised their family. Don's life was defined by his unwavering love and dedication to his wife and children.
Don died just ten days shy of his and Nikila's 44th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his wife, children Sara, William, and Jennifer, brother John Ellis, son-in-law Matthew, daughter-in-law Christy, grandsons Duncan and Liam, and Bunker, his devoted Bichon.
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