Donald "Don" Arthur Rhodes

Don went to be with his Lord last Friday after a journey with advanced dementia. Don was born to Mark and Iola Rhodes in Los Angeles and spent his early years in Fallbrook, CA. After serving his country in the Navy, he met and married Elaine Walker. They lived in Pasadena where they raised two daughters and where he was actively involved in Lake Avenue Congregational Church as Sunday School Superintendent, member of the church choir and occasional soloist. Don was an elementary school teacher and administrator in Pasadena. He received his Doctorate in Education from USC and continued his career as Assistant Superintendent in charge of Elementary Schools in San Francisco and Superintendent of Schools in San Lorenzo Valley. While living in Ben Lomond, CA and after retiring from education, he joined the staff of Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center as the fund raiser for its ongoing ministry. Having participated in Mount Hermon as a young camper and often as a Redwood Camp Director, his love and passion for serving Christ using his leadership skills, humor and creativity impacted the lives of many who met him. Don received his pilot's license as a young man in Big Bear Lake, CA where his parents had moved and where he met his future wife Elaine. His love of the ocean led him to spend many Saturdays sailing with friends to Catalina or weekends participating in the Newport Beach to Ensenada Race. Don loved to travel and spent many summers traveling with Elaine and the girls or assisting with Mount Hermon tours. In his leisure time, Don loved to ride his Gold Wing motorcycle and play golf. An incredible servant of God, amazing story teller, ques- tion asker, husband, father, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend. Don is survived by Elaine his wife of 68 years, daughters: Sharol Hayner and Cindi Rhodes, grandchildren: Emilie Wagner, Chip Hayner and Drew Hayner, great grandchildren: Claire, Anna and David Wagner, Lainey and Jack Hayner, and sister: Gloria Decker. Don is preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Rhodes and his son-in-law, Stephen Hayner. A celebration of Don's life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 10:30 am at High Street Community Church, 850 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA. In lieu of flowers, contributions in honor of Don can be made to High Street Community Church and Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center. Appreciation and thanks to Aegis Living of Aptos for Don's support these past 2 1/2 years. Special thanks to Valley Haven III of Santa Cruz and Hospice Comfort Care for their sensitive care these past several weeks.