Donald Webster McNamee

MCNAMEE, Donald Webster The courtly and urbane Donald Webster McNamee passed away peacefully at his home on November 2nd. He was 74. A native of Southern California and lifelong resident, Don was a man of many interests and talents. He'd served as President of both the Wedgwood and Gilbert & Sullivan Societies, and was an accomplished philatelist. His lifelong passions included antiques, books, art, and music, and he played the organ as well. He had a propensity to spontaneously break into song, needing little coaxing to reveal his impressive baritone to the delight of one and all. He believed in, and supported, several causes that help those most in need, and animals gravitated to him for his abundant affection. Don was an alumnus of Loyola High School, received his B.A. in Zoology from USC, and conducted research at Scripps Institute before his Army service in Utah. Upon leaving the military, he returned to USC and earned his Master's degree in Library Science, which led to his career of 40 plus years as a librarian. Don retired this year after 20 years as Chief Librarian at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, which followed more than 20 years as a librarian for Cal Tech. He was predeceased by his partner of 30 years, David Garland. His sister Connie, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, loving friends and colleagues survive him, and he is dearly missed by all whose lives he touched and enriched. Donations can be made in Don's memory to the Pasadena Humane Society. There will be a memorial celebration in his honor in January.