Donald Lee McDermott

April 27, 1931 - September 15, 2023

With heavy heart we announce that Donald Lee McDermott passed away on September 15, 2023 - he was 92 years old. Don was an only child, born in Somerville, Massachusetts to Nancy Cline and Arthur Lee McDermott. He and his mother moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he attended high school, then earned his undergraduate degree from LA College. Don was drafted into the US Army soon after graduation when he worked at Goodyear. He was married to his first wife Doris just before being sent to Georgia to teach students how to use and repair radio and communication equipment. When Don was discharged from the Army he and his wife returned to California where they had four children, Karee, Kathleen, Tim, and Joe, who survive him. He earned his masters degree after the children were born. His favorite parental guidance word was "perseverance", followed closely with the words, "do not ever lie to me".

Don worked as a sales manager for a Company Called TRW for about 25 years and then had a consulting business and also a teaching position at College of the Canyons before retiring. He married Judy in 1985 and they were happily married for nearly 38 years. They were best friends and rarely apart more than a day during their time together. Judy had three children, Patty Lee, Michael Jay, and Derek Neal from a previous marriage.

Don was in great shape, and jogged 5 days a week, 45 minutes a day until his early 80s. He was an avid tennis player and swimmer. He also discovered a love for gardening, after visiting Descanso Gardens. Upon retirement, he joined a local Rotary so he could have a more active role in the community.

Don loved adventure, and took his sons on three epic backpacking trips in the Sierras and rafting trips through the Grand Canyon and the Stanislaus river. Yet a favorite place was a cabin at Lake George in Mammoth Lakes. He and Judy would spend 4 weeks each year in cabin number 17 which overlooked the lake with a view of Crystal Crag. They also enjoyed road trips, B&Bs, Elderhostel Programs, and Storytelling events. Some special, long term friendships developed through the years.

Don is survived by 12 grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to see them, and his sense of humor kept them on their toes. There are also 4 (soon 5) great grandchildren added to his legacy.

Don will be greatly missed, but we take solace in knowing he had a long and blessed life.