DONALD S. MCINTOSH

1935 - 2014

McIntosh, Donald S.

Don McIntosh, 79, passed away November 11, 2014 after a long journey with Alzheimer's. Don will be remembered as a kind, soft spoken father, husband, friend, coach, teacher and naturalist. At 6'7" he stood out, most of all, for his caring nature and endless willingness to help others. He was born in Los Angeles in 1935 to Henry Wight McIntosh and Jessie Spaulding. He attended Whittier High School, L.A. City College, and went on to study and play basketball at UC Berkeley. Don completed his Master's Degree in Physical Education at Long Beach State University in 1959 and began teaching at La Habra High School. Most of his 35 year teaching career was spent at Sonora High School, where he taught for 28 years.

Don married the love of his life, Barbara Marsh, in 1958. They built their family home in La Habra Heights where they raised their sons, Scott and Craig. Together they cultivated a lifelong passion for gardening and shared their hard work and expertise in the gardens of countless family and friends and on the grounds at La Habra United Methodist Church. His family remembers him most as a loving, hardworking family man. He was industrious and remarkably accomplished but above all, humble. He found a quiet joy working in his garden and creating unique pottery pieces that are admired for their distinctive rustic, earthy quality.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara; his sister, Janet Marbach; his sons, Scott and Craig; their spouses and; five grandchildren. The memory of their 'Big Poppa' will live on in the enduring beauty of the plants he nurtured, the elegant pottery he crafted, and the wonderful friends and family he loved so much. Private interment at Memory Garden Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will take place at La Habra United Methodist Church on December 6, 2014 at 2 pm. Further details: www.DonMcIntosh.net.