Don Morlock Rugee

1923 - 2010

Don Rugee was born in Los Angeles on Oct. 1, 1923. After a long and fulfilling life, Don passed away in Simi Valley on Feb. 6, 2010. He was 86 years old.

Don attended local schools and graduated from Fairfax High School. After high school Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1940 to 1948. He was stationed in the South Pacific aboard the aircraft carriers USS Bon Homme Richard, USS Cussitrack and the USS Boxer.

Following his years in the Navy he decided to exchange one uniform for another and became a police officer with the City of Burbank, retiring in 1978 at the rank of lieutenant. In 1979 Don was hired as the chief of security at Hydroaire, a defense plant in Burbank, developing their Secret Security program, retiring permanently in 1990.

Don is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; daughter, Leigh Crossen (Chuck); son, David (Sharon); stepdaughter, Donna Slight (Daniel); stepson, Eric Rude; brother, Fred Rugee (Mary); sister-in-law, Donna Jesse; grandsons, Brian, Jeff (Melissa); three great-grandchildren, Zachary, Lukas and Lila Rugee, and the mother of his grandchildren and good friend, Nell McGuff.

Don will be remembered for his quick wit, kindness, positive outlook on life, and his sense of justice and equality. He will be greatly missed by his family and many, many friends.

A joyous celebration of Don's life will be held at the Center for Spiritual Living, 1756 Erringer Rd., Ste. 100, Simi Valley, 93065, on Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Center for Spiritual Living- Simi Valley, where he attended regularly with his wife Chris; or the Simi Valley Care Center, 5270 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93063, which provided a warm and caring environment for him during his final illness; or a charity of your choice.