Donald Thomas Steers

Donald Thomas Steers, age 81, died in Los Angeles on February 14, 2024, of heart failure and pneumonia. Born in Miami, FL, Donald spent his childhood in Alaska and joined the US Navy in 1961 serving aboard the carrier USS Bon Homme Richard during the Vietnam War. At a young age, Don discovered the game
of chess, which became his life-long passion. He was a very talented player and taught chess throughout his life.
Don called Santa Rosa home for many years and taught chess both on line and in person. Lyle Barrow was a close friend who initially met Don for chess lessons. As Don's Alzheimer's Disease progressively worsened, Lyle's involvement is what kept Don safe. He was so much more than a friend. Lyle is responsible for convincing Don to apply for care at a VA site and helped orchestrate his transfer to Los Angeles where he lived at the Calvet West LA home since June of 2018. The care at this VA facility was excellent but most important was that to a person, the employees really cared, and it was obvious. The same is true of the VA Hospital and their Hospice Unit. The staff considered it their great honor to care for a veteran.
He is predeceased by his father, Vincent J Steers, and his mother, Cecile Betts. He is survived by his sister, Martee Shabsin, of Laguna Niguel, daughter, Nicolle Wilkinson, and grandson Dallin Griffin, both of Yuma, AZ. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.