Donald Erwin Shapland, Jr.

Donald E. Shapland, Jr. was born in Oakland, California on November 18, 1942, to Donald E. Shapland, Sr., and Dorothy M. Bourgeault Shapland. In 1960, Don graduated from San Ramon High School in Danville and enrolled at Bethany Bible College in Santa Cruz, where he met his future wife, Janice Shapland. At Bethany, Don was the editor of the college paper and yearbook and toured with Bethany's choir. In the summer of 1962, he completed a mission internship in Honduras. He earned a BS in Bible at Bethany and later a BA in History from Stanislaus State. In 1965, Don married Janice and they spent their first year in Japan, as part of Stanislaus State's study abroad program. While in Tokyo, Don attended Waseda University.
Don devoted his entire career to the advancement of Christian education, first as a teacher, then as a principal and superintendent at Modesto Christian and Turlock Christian schools. Later in his career, he represented the Tuition Direct program at the Evangelical Christian Credit Union and sold textbooks for the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). He was also a member of the ACSI Board from 1971-1993.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, Don traveled to Russia and Belarus with the Association of Christian Schools International, Campus Crusade, and The Jesus Film. During this trip, he met with educators to promote the integration of Christianity into education.
Don deeply loved his country, his family, and his Savior. He was an active member of Big Valley Church in Modesto where he had, in the past, served on the church Board and taught the Prime Time Sunday school class. Although he experienced health challenges after his retirement, he continued to contribute as much as possible, including volunteering at the church. He took great delight in his family, especially his grandchildren: Emma, Morgan, and Aidan. He also had a close relationship with his local "adopted" grandson Zach and was a regular at Zach's football games.
On April 15, 2022, Don died at home surrounded by those he loved. He was 79. He is survived by his wife, Janice E. Shapland, son Eric Shapland (married to Natalie Shapland) and daughter Amy Gahm (married to Richard Gahm), as well as siblings David Shapland and Deborah Frickel, and grandchildren Emma, Morgan, and Aidan.
Although Don has left us, his legacy will live on through his family and the many lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Modesto Christian School, Turlock Christian School or Big Valley Christian School.