Donald Tassin

In loving memory of DONALD MAXIME TASSIN.

Don, a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, father-in-law, accomplished sailor, skilled hunter, eternal jokester, fisherman, eloquent dancer, hot rod enthusiast, skier, conquered life with passion, humor, and love. Don passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on May 1, 2023 due to complications from Dementia at Karlton Care Center in Anaheim, CA. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born November 21, 1931, to Beatrice Mae Miller and August Tassin, in Escalon, CA. He graduated from Manual Arts High School, in Los Angeles in 1951, and soon thereafter served in the Navy as an electrician.

Don married Dawn Shoemaker and had three loving daughters: Sheree, Terree and his favorite, Trish. During his successful career (37 years) as a Surveyor with International Union Operating Engineers Don surveyed the Getty Museum and many other historical local points of interest.

Don embraced a life filled with adventure and exploration. In the early 1980s, he decided to take up sailing and purchased a Prindle Catamaran. He joined a sailing club and entered many regattas with his daughter Trish. He won 1st, 3rd and 4th place; all in one day. His love for the sea led him to become an avid sailor. With the wind in his sails and the sun on his face, he embarked on countless voyages, embracing the freedom and tranquility that only the open water could provide.

Don was an adventurous soul who loved all things fast. He built a PT Cruiser with a 550 horsepower Hemi engine and received many trophies and accolades for it. He enjoyed many other hobbies, such as sailing, his PT club, dancing with Fran, fishing, and was always up for trying something new. Don had a deep connection with nature. As an accomplished hunter, he appreciated the challenge the wilderness offered.

But he was most passionate when it came to family and making people laugh.

There wasn't a song "Daddy Don" wouldn't dance to. One day, he accompanied his brother Ron to a LA Swing Dance club gathering where he caught the eye of his stunning soulmate, Frances Martinez. Don and Fran spent 25 beautiful years together, dancing, travelling, loving each other, enjoying their wonderful, blended family, and taking advantage of everything life has to offer.

Don is predeceased by his mother, father, Dawn Shoemaker Tassin, brothers Bill and Ron Tassin as well as two of his beloved daughters: Terree Tassin and Sheree Gallagher.

Don leaves behind his loving and adoring wife, Frances Tassin, sister Yvonne Dameron, daughter Trish Greene, son-in-law Rich Greene and five grandchildren: Aidan Greene, Devin Greene, Gavin Greene, Nathaniel Hansen and Collin Gallagher.

A memorial service will be held on June 17, 2023, at 12 p.m., at Sunnyside Mortuary, 12301 Magnolia St., Garden Grove, CA 92841.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make donations to the Dementia Society of America via www.dementiasociety.org/donate