Donald Robert Palmer

DONALD ROBERT PALMER
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Donald (Don) Robert Palmer, 56, of Fontana, California, announces his passing on Wednesday, November 06, 2013. Don spent the past year battling cancer and resulting complications and died at San Antonio Hospital in Upland, CA, with friends and family at his side.
Born September 25, 1957, in Johnson City, New York, Don moved with his family to Monrovia, CA in 1973. He graduated from Monrovia High School in 1975. Following graduation, Don began his life-long computer career at RJS Enterprises, Inc., in Monrovia, where he worked until 1994. In May of 1994, he went to work for General Micro Systems, Inc., in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, as a Senior Software Engineer and, after several promotions, was named Chief Technical Officer in 2012.
Don met his wife, Debbie, when they were seniors in high school, and they soon became best friends. Their first date was to Disneyland for Grad Night, and they were married on February 19, 1977. Don and Debbie moved their family to Fontana in 1981, where they have resided since. Don loved spending time with his family and was very involved with his sons' activities as they were growing up. He coached all of them in Southwest Little League and both coached and refereed AYSO soccer for over 20 years. He also spent over 20 years volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Cubmaster, Webelos Leader, and Assistant Scoutmaster. During his scouting tenure, he received several District and Council volunteer awards.
Don's family was very important to him. He looked forward to his weekly "date night" with his wife and loved their vacations in San Diego and Las Vegas. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren and their trips to the San Diego Zoo and to Oak Glen every fall. He also loved travelling, camping, and "exploring". Don enjoyed working in the yard and decorating the house for Christmas, adding something new to their collection every year. He had a great interest in genealogy and spent several years tracing his family history. An avid Trekkie, Don loved to watch any and all of the Star Trek shows and movies and attended several of the conventions and exhibits over the years. He also enjoyed collecting various starship models and other memorabilia.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Debra A. Palmer, and his four sons: Sean, Ryan (and wife Brandi), Jeremy, and Kevin, all of Fontana. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Jourdan Gonzalez, Devin Gonzalez, Samantha Palmer Diaz, Aracelli Palmer, Benjamin Palmer, Kyra Palmer, and Savanah Palmer. He is also survived by his mother, Rose Palmer, of Walnut, CA; his brother and sister-in-law, Brett and Cathy Palmer, of La Verne, CA; his sister and brother-in-law, Sheryl and Shane Elen, of Washington; his nephew, Michael Palmer (and wife, Debbie, and sons, Mikey and Brandon); his niece, Kristina Palmer; his nephew, Eric Palmer; and his niece, Nicole Shepherd (and husband Hoyt).
Don will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and his passing will truly leave a void in their hearts and their lives. He will be remembered as a very warm and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Because of his faith in the Lord, Don's family and friends are reassured and comforted by the knowledge that he is with his Savior in heaven and that they will be reunited with him again one day.
A Memorial Service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 920 West Sixth Street, Ontario, CA, on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at 1:00 PM. A private interment will be held at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to the USC Department of Surgery, 1520 San Pablo Street, Suite 4300, Los Angeles, CA 90033-4612, Attention: Brad Selby. Checks should be made payable to the USC Department of Surgery, with a notation in the bottom left corner of the check "Liver Research Fund, on behalf of Donald Palmer".