Donald Packard Graber

Donald Packard Graber
A life-time resident of Ontario, Don Graber passed away on December 2nd, 2011, very peacefully from his home, which was also his birthplace. A graduate of Chaffey High School, Class of 1960, he was a pole-vaulter on the track team. He attended Edison Elementary school, Chaffey College, and received his B.S. in Geology from San Diego State University. Grandson of C.C. Graber, founder of the Graber Olive Business, and son of Bill and Lucille Graber, Don worked in the family canning business, Old Ranchers Canning Co., Inc., most of his life. Together with his brothers Bill and Tom, they built the canning company into a unique landmark and developed many of the systems used in the running of the company. Old Ranchers was retired in 2008. Don's love & appreciation for the Native American culture was a guiding force throughout his life and connected him to many different people whom he called "friends". His musical ability included the Native American flute. His love of nature and the geology of the earth kept him active and vitally interested in the activities of the planet. He was passionate about the earth changes and was ready to share his knowledge with anyone interested. Don Graber will be remembered with great fondness by his family, friends, and all who knew him. He is survived by his three children, Andrea, Matthew and Verity Graber. His immediate family includes sister, Georgiana Graber of Hemet; brother Bill Graber of Upland; and brother, Tom Graber of Ontario; and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial ceremony is being planned.