In Memory

Donald Shorts - Class Of 1951

Donald Shorts

Don Shorts

January 6, 1934 - March 20, 2019

Don was a native Californian and a life-long resident of Southern California. Born in Alhambra, Don had a passion for California history, and earned his bachelor's degree in History from California State College in 1960. Don taught high school history in various schools in Southern California before settling in Carpinteria where he served as the Chapter Director of the Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club, and founded the Carpinteria Conservation Society.

In the 1980s he moved to Ventura and entered the antiques business founding The Old California Store with his partner Dolores Fisher. He became an expert in Monterey furniture which pays homage to the rancho era. He was also instrumental in saving forgotten art and murals from California history. He was a guest curator for a number of exhibits including ones at the Santa Monica Heritage Museum and the Santa Barbara Historical Society.

Survivors include his longtime companion, Dolores Fisher; sons Michael, Daniel, and Gregory; and four grandchildren.

Ventura County Star, May 29, 2019