Donald Edwin Relph

Donald Edwin Relph lost his battle with cancer at age 93 and died peacefully at home with family on April 14, 2023.  Don was born to Edwin and Vera Relph on February 23, 1930 in Upland, California.

At ages 10-15, he loved horses and the time spent at his uncle Karl’s riding academy in Downey where he worked in the stables and acted as a trail guide for riders.  When Karl moved his ranch to Nevada, Don was happy and proud to be a cowboy working a cattle roundup.

After graduating from San Bernardino High School in 1948, Don entered the Air National Guard, serving two years.  The next 40 plus years were spent working in various departments of steel mills, 36 years at Hanford Foundry in San Bernardino then four years at Pomona Foundry.  After retirement, he kept busy with DIY home projects, working the census and spending several interesting years as a lab tech at the Loma Linda VA hospital and an outside private lab.

Don enjoyed reading, bowling, helping his wife garden and driving on road trips with family and friends, visiting Mexico, Canada and nearly every state in the USA.  He was especially happy spending summers in Coos Bay, Oregon.  Don’s favorite adventure was riding a submarine from Pearl Harbor to Maui, invited by his new son-in-law on family day.  He toured the quarters, experienced ocean maneuvers and even climbed to the top of the coning tower while the ship sailed through a rough ocean.   Don was active in church, along with his wife, volunteering for committee work and even playing bells and singing in the choir.

Don was a quiet man, kind, patient and supportive, ready and quite willing to live 100 years.  He was very special to family and friends and will be forever missed. 

Don is survived by a sister, Bobbie; his wife of 45 years, Linda; sons Greg (Jo) and David (Connie); a daughter, Martie (Terry); two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

A private Celebration of Life is being planned.