Donald T. Colich

July 16, 1914 - November 13, 2014 100 Years Old Donald T. Colich, beloved husband, father and Jedo, was born in the booming town of Los Angeles, California on July 16, 1914. He passed away peacefully at his home in Rancho Palos Verdes with family at his side on November 13, 2014. During his 100 years, he lived in Los Angeles and was a major contributor to dynamic changes that took place. He was second born to Todor and Jovanka (Dabovich) Colich in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles just over 2 miles west of the University of Southern California. At that time, everything west of his neighborhood was farm land ready to be taken over by massive development as Los Angeles expanded in the years to come. Todor, his father, was born in Bosnia -Herzegovina while his mother, Jovanka, was born in Montenegro. The couple married in Los Angeles, California in 1911 several weeks after Jovanka arrived from her native land. You could call her a mail order bride who was ready to start an exciting new life in America. Within three years, Don was born, the second of five children, the others being Danica, Alexander, Betty and Milan all of whom have passed on. In order to support his large family, Todor entered the sewer business and demonstrated an unequaled work ethic, which Don inherited. Don grew up the son of immigrants who were closely tied to their Serbian community. Consequently, Don grew up with a supportive family, was bilingual, and adapted easily to the American culture. He always had a large group of friends from all cultures who were always welcome to his home. He possessed the qualities to be successful, having the necessary work ethic, likeable personality, the traits of a born leader, and the caring and kind heart for all he came in contact with. Thus prepared, Don went on to Polytechnic High School, Compton Junior College and finally off to the University of Southern California (USC). He excelled in football and track and field while pursuing his academics. USC-the university down the street which all three of his children graduated from was one of the loves of his life. In fact, Don attended football games and other university events until the age of 98. He was a true TROJAN! Following World War II, Don having worked in numerous industries including Heavy Construction, Naval Ship Yards, and Sales Positions, decided to return to his roots and start a construction company. Thus, Colich Construction Company began and Don entered the sewer business that he was born into, eventually becoming one of the most successful utility contractors in Southern California. Following this event was his marriage in 1946 to the love of his life, Mildred Milich. They were married over 68 years. Shortly thereafter in 1948, the twins were born, Tom and John, followed in 1949, by the birth of daughter, Candice. Consequently, Don had the loves of his life in place-his wife Mildred, his children, his construction business, and finally the school he loved - USC. He was positioned to enjoy the next 65 years of his life surrounded by his passions and loves. He enjoyed every minute of it. Don pursued the construction business contributing greatly to the changes in Southern California. In the years following WWII, Colich Construction was instrumental in developing the land working for public and private entities. Don, with his great personality and tremendous work ethic, built a company with as many as 300 employees. He was such a kind soul; he was loved and respected by all. In 1976, Colich and Sons was formed which was a partnership between Don and his two sons, Tom and John. The business expanded greatly to become one of the largest general engineering contractors in Southern California. In 1988, Don received the DIG Award from the Engineering Contractors Association honoring him for his contributions to the construction industry. Don unofficially retired in his late 80's, but was always ready to give advice to his sons on every aspect of the business he loved. In fact, at the age of 99 Don took his first helicopter ride with his son John to view a project in Catalina. Until his last day, he had his sense of humor and memory intact. The day before he passed, he asked, "Are we bidding any jobs today?" He was an exceptional man, loved by many, kind to all, and never said a negative comment about anyone. Thus, he lived a wonderful life while contributing greatly to our society. Don is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mildred, sons Tom (Judy) of Palos Verdes Estates, John (Janine) of Rancho Palos Verdes, daughter Candice Krone (Alan) of Encinitas, 12 grandchildren: Karina Sheehan (Ryan), Noelle Tydlaska (Todd), Krista Shivers (Charles), Anika Tipton (Luke), Donielle Reynolds (Brett), Tessa Colich, Ryan Colich (Julie), Donilo Colich, Christopher Ostoich, Nicole Colich, Natalie Steefel (Dan), John Michael Colich, and 13 great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by grandson Nikolas Jon Ostoich. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, November 18th at 10:30 AM at St. Steven's Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 1621 Garvey Avenue, Alhambra, 91803 followed by THE CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE Memorial Luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don Colich's name to USC Track and Field c/o Ron Orr, Heritage Hall, 3501 Watt Way, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0602 or Children's Hospital Los Angeles, c/o Leslie Nafie, 4650 Sunset Blvd., #29, Los Angeles, CA 90027. Services provided by Guerra Gutierrez Mortuary at www.guerragutierrez, 5800 E. Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90022, 323-722-1900.