Don was born on February 3, 1918, in Butte, Montana, and, following his father's untimely demise, relocated to Hollywood with his mother and siblings when he was still a young boy.
His mother, a resilient and resourceful individual, operated a boarding house in Hollywood, providing a sense of stability and normalcy for the young Don and his family.
As he entered adulthood, Don secured a position at Disney Studios on Hyperion Street in Los Angeles, initially serving as an inker, but subsequently working his way up to the roles of layout, background, and art director.
The studio's relocation to Burbank marked a significant turning point in Don's life, as it was during this period that he met Katherine (Kay) Lane, a dedicated secretary at the studio, and the two were subsequently married.
Don's impressive tenure at Disney Studios spanned an astonishing 52 years, with the only exception being his brief stint in the Merchant Marines during World War II.
Throughout his time at the studio, Don and his colleagues lived by the mantra, "He who dies with the most toys wins!", which was reflected in the numerous toys that littered each animator's office, providing a welcome distraction from the demands of their work.
When Walt Disney established the California Institute of the Arts (Cal Arts),Don was entrusted with teaching drawing classes during the institution's early years.
Following his retirement from Disney Studios after an illustrious 52-year career, Don passed away on February 9, 1987, leaving behind a lasting legacy and a dearth of cherished memories.
Tragically, his daughter, Dolores, was the only child born to Don and his beloved wife, Kay, who sadly passed away on September 30, 2005.
