Born in New Orleans, Don lived in California, Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia as a child. Don has lived most of his adult life in the San Francisco Bay Area of northern California. From an early age, Don was concerned about a just treatment for people and protection of the natural environment. As a volunteer he was active in his community starting in high school. He played leadership roles in various political and community organizing efforts. He was constantly volunteering to achieve a more ideal world.

In college he became interested in computer technology and developed a business and career creating and maintaining computer systems. Often engaged in life long learning, he practiced the arts of painting, poetry, ceramics, and Aikido to achieve a balanced nature.

He loved his wife, family and friends dearly; he supported and encouraged future generations of his family by contributing to the education of nieces and nephews. He paraphrased a Latin expression saying "Love of country is important and love of freedom is more important, but love of truth is the most important."