Donald James Ketchum passed away May 25, 2016. Don was born on February 9, 1923 in South Pasadena to Dr William and Mabel Ketchum. He grew up in South Pasadena, attending South Pasadena High School. Don enlisted in the Army and served as technical sergeant from 1943-1946. In 1949 Don was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the City of South Pasadena.

After leaving the Army, he returned to South Pasadena and married Helen Furlow (SPHS '42) also of South Pasadena. Don received his bachelor of science degree in applied physics from the University of California at Los Angeles and started his teaching career in 1950 at Redlands High School teaching electronics.

Don and Helen moved to Ontario, California in 1954 and later to Upland, where they raised their four children. Don was a professor of electronics and later data processing and computer programming at Chaffey College in Ontario and Alta Loma, from 1954-1981. He served as registrar at the College in 1969 and 1970.

In retirement, Helen and Don moved to Claremont Manor Retirement community, where Don was an active volunteer which included teaching computer classes to the other Claremont Manor residents as well as participating in Claremont Manor theater presentations. He also volunteered with the local Neighborhood Watch and Travelers Aid at Ontario Airport. In 2009, Helen and Don moved to Luther Park Senior Living in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Don was an avid water skier and performed as a trick skier at the Los Angeles County Fair. In addition to water skiing, Don loved to travel and enjoyed listening to music (especially Lawrence Welk).

Don's wife Helen predeceased him in 2015. He is survived by his four children and their spouses, Ken (Randie) Ketchum of Edmonds, Washington, Kathy (Gay) Ketchum of Sherman Oaks, Jeff (Linda) Ketchum of Colton, and Julie (Steve) Case of Eagle, Idaho; 16 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Marshall (SPHS '42) and Judy Monroe Ketchum (SPHS '43), and their three children.

Bonner County Daily Bee, June 1, 2016