Donald Matschke

Donald Matschke passed away on August 6, 2024. Born in Hollywood in 1929 to Marion and Griffith Matschke, Don lived a long and happy life in Southern California. As a boy, he was active in scouting and became an eagle scout. He graduated from Fairfax High School, served in the US Navy and then graduated from UCLA with degrees in math and geophysics. He worked in the field of oil exploration for some time but found he was not happy working in a large corporate structure. In order to be his own boss, he bought an LA Times dealership and ran that for many years. At the same time, he married his wife, Laura, and had two sons, Scott and Brent. Seeking a quieter life, Don moved the family to Capistrano Beach in 1967 where he lived for the rest of his life. Don loved the sea, snorkeling and fishing as well as wood working and gold panning. He spent a good many hours hanging out at the neighborhood store with his friend Bill, chatting with all who came to shop. Don could fix or build anything, he loved children and animals and spent many happy hours with his granddaughters in Pines Park. Don was a kind, brave and steadfast husband, father and friend and the planet is a less bright place without him on it. We miss you dearly and send you our eternal love.