If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Donald E. Lee. He was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around him. Even though Donald was enthusiastic and generous, it was sometimes difficult for him to boast about his accomplishments. Donald had strong personal convictions, making it hard for him to relinquish those ideals he held dearest to himself. Despite his outer strengths and beliefs, Donald sometimes struggled in his efforts to see the world as completely positive. Donald's life motto was always to hope for the best and work hard towards that end, but be prepared for some of life's disappointments. This philosophy was a continual driving force in his life, but it did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Donald, something that was always there and that he readily shared with everyone around him.
Donald was born on August 8, 1953 at Inter Community Hospital in Covina, California. His parents were Clifton and Viola Jean. Donald was raised in Covina, California. As a youngster, Donald demonstrated an excellent vocabulary and command of language. He was a compassionate person, a quality that he would carry with him throughout his life. Even at a young age, Donald was sensitive to his parents’ moods and worked hard to please them and live up to their expectations.
Throughout his life, Donald showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships. This was true even with his siblings. Donald was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around him. Donald was raised with three children. He had Ronald, Larry, and Peggy. Donald was constantly involved in activities with his brothers and sisters. Donald and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.
As a young boy, Donald lived a childhood filled with fantasy. He was generally in pursuit of his own identity, but he was also adaptable to almost any situation he faced. Donald took part in baseball. In his spare time he liked skiing (water and snow), motorcycles, playing guitar, and surfing. However, to Donald, the most fun to be had was simply playing, and spending time with his many friends.
High school was a time for Donald to seek out knowledge. He enjoyed learning and had a natural interest in gathering information. Donald had a flair for the poetic and was very expressive and articulate, especially when it came to his writing. Donald took his education seriously. He graduated from Northview High School in June 16, 1971. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was math and sports.
Blessed with a strong sense of integrity, Donald was as loyal and committed in his work as he was in the rest of his life. Donald worked well with fellow employees and showed great cooperation in reaching common goals. Though he had a tendency to take on too many tasks, himself; Donald showed great patience with complicated situations. He was ingenious and trusted his intuition. For Donald, the application of logic could be optional, and while that sometimes bothered his co-workers, Donald always seemed to be able to get the job done. He was most comfortable working on the projects and jobs that he strongly supported. His primary occupation was truck driver. He was employed for 40 years. Donald always tried to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.
Donald enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were gaming. Donald was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but he was also willing to share his interests with others.
Donald's tremendous enthusiasm for the activities he enjoyed also influenced the pleasure he drew from sports. In high school, Donald enjoyed skiing. Donald also enjoyed watching sports and liked following his favorite teams whenever he got the chance to do so. Tops on his list were baseball.
Donald enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included Hawaii.
Donald was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Donald's favorites was Tubro, a dog. They were best friends for 10 years. His family was rounded out by his cat.
Donald passed away on September 2, 2011 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, California. He is survived by his mother; his father; his brothers and sisters; his two sister-in-laws; and seven nieces and nephews. Donald was laid to rest in Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.
Donald E. Lee was someone who was able to see the world as a good and honorable place. He viewed the people who inhabited it as essentially good. A person who tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Donald tried to focus on the good he saw, knowing that there were times he would have to compromise. He was selfless and deeply committed to all things positive and good. Donald was a person who would keep his eye on tomorrow and constantly held onto his dreams. He was capable of being mystical at times, and he could be the seer or shaman of a group. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve that that became Donald's trademark qualities for all who knew him and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew him loved Donald E. Lee.
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