Donald Eugene Haskell

Don was born in San Francisco on June 28, 1942. He grew up in northern California, mainly the Bay Area. He graduated from San Jose State College with a Masters Degree in Social Science in 1966. He began his teaching career in the fall of 1966 at Ventura High School where he taught for 36 years. He retired in 2003.

The last seven years of his life he lived at The Venturan/Coastal View Healthcare Center, where he was cared for by the compassionate and conscientious staff. While at Coastal View, he was the president of the Residents Council, and participated in the annual Knowledge Bowl match between high school students and seniors. Because of his upbeat, gregarious, and kind nature, he was popular with staff and fellow residents.

Don loved teaching, as he loved life. He taught Social Studies, including Government, Criminal Justice, American History and World History. Before his illness became too disabling, he enjoyed photography, swimming, bicycling, and going to San Francisco Giants baseball games. Until the end, he continued to enjoy Giants games, keeping up with the news, going out to eat, and visiting the beach. He was an all-around positive and inspiring person to all who knew him.

Don is survived by his sons, Wally of Ventura, Joe of San Mateo; sister, Terry of San Jose, brother, Jerry and wife Marion of St. Louis, Mo., erstwhile spouse and good friend, Luisa; and Scruffie the dog. Other survivors include many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is predeceased by his mother, Rosemary; father, Walter; and twin sister, Eleanore.

It’s a huge understatement to say that we will all miss Don very much.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 10700 Henderson Rd., Ventura, CA, 93004. Reception will follow at the Biedermann Hall on the Church campus. In lieu of flowers, send donations to or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate or the Ventura County Concert Band, 5200 Valentine Rd., Ventura, CA 93003