Lifelong outdoorsman, grandfather, veteran of Southern California defense industry

Don Thomas Durboraw Jr. of Pomona died September 8 at the age of 85.

Don was born on February 13, 1935 in Chicago. The Durboraw family eventually settled in Grants Pass, Oregon, where he attended Grants Pass High School. He grew up hiking, hunting and exploring the numerous local nearby logging trails in his Willys Jeep.

He attended Oregon State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He paid for his education by working on commercial fishing boats and as a surveyor for the United States Geological Survey. He was a proud Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity brother and could never say no to a card game. He remained an avid gin player up until his death.

After graduating from college Mr. Durboraw and his wife Marcia moved to Southern California, where he began his career in the defense industry. For the next 30 years he worked for various aerospace/defense companies, including General Dynamics, McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed Martin, while they raised their family.

He was a lifelong outdoorsman and loved scuba diving, motorcycles and backpacking. Some of his most cherished family memories took place around campfires in the Sierras, the Mohave Desert and beaches in San Felipe, Mexico.

Mr. Durboraw is survived by his children Geoff Durboraw of North Carolina; Amy Durboraw of Schmid, Washington; and Beth Durboraw Hameister of California; grandchildren Rachel and Clayton Durboraw, Lauren Hameister and Makenzie and Graham Schmid; and his sister, Celia Anne Rosales of Monterrey, Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marcia Cameron Durboraw; grandson Ian Durboraw; brother Dale Durboraw; sister Linnea Claire Durboraw and his parents, Linnea and Don Durboraw.

Mr. Durboraw will be buried September 25 in a private ceremony. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a memorial service will be planned at a later date.