Donald Richard Ellis

Born in Stevinson, CA on Nov 4, 1934, Don grew up in the San Joaquin Valley of California He entered the Army at Fort Ord and served in England and Germany. Following his service, he returned to California and attended San Jose Junior College where he earned an Associates Degree. He graduated from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction in 1960.
In 1957, he married Samantha Swails with whom he had two daughters: April Dawn and Avalon Catherine.
Don was an avid outdoorsman - hunting and fishing all his life, and travelled to pursue these passions extensively. He was a Founding Member of Eureka Farms Duck Club in Los Banos, CA. For 35 years, he owned and operated Don Ellis' Home Furnishings, in Santa Cruz and later, Capitola.
He was generous, a great friend and enjoyed many hobbies such as: woodworking, building and designing, bird watching, poetry, gardening and photography. He often remarked about himself "I am a teacher of love" - he was genuinely interested in people and had numerous parties, barn dances, weddings and gatherings at his home in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Survived by daughters: April Ellis and Avalon Hartman;
sons in law,:Rik Hartman and Thomas Normandin;
grandchildren: Roy Pietrek, Megan Hartman, Lexiand Christopher Normandin;
brothers: Larry and Gary;
sisters in law: Edie and Sandi,
nephews, nieces and many, many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 21st at the Santa Cruz Harbor Beach 11am (next to Crow's Nest)
Committal at Sea will be at 3pm - viewed from Lighthouse Point