DONALD HIGHT

Hight, Donald Russell
Oct. 21, 1958 – Jan. 6, 2015

Donald died suddenly of a heart attack on January 6. He was a loving gentle giant of a man and is deeply missed by his family and many friends.
Born in New York City, Donald grew up in Pasadena and lived here most of his life. Perceptive, intelligent and resourceful, Donald had a varied career, from finish carpenter to tow truck driver, from Starbucks barista to nurse. He worked for nearly 10 years with adolescents at a local mental health facility.
Donald's life was enriched immeasurably in 1984 with the birth of his daughter Lindsey.
In the late 1990s, when Donald was over 40, he entered PCC's nursing program. After several years of hard work, he became an RN.
Donald was interested in many subjects, from automotive design to zoology. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge of chemistry, biology and above all astronomy; he volunteered for Mars One, the group seeking to establish a human colony on Mars.
Donald's medical training made him a valuable caregiver for his late father, Thomas Hight. His mother Ann Hight credits Donald's care in large measure for her successful recovery from a fall. In addition to Ann, Donald is survived by his daughter Lindsey, Lindsey's boyfriend Clint Heidorn, brother Jim, uncle Peter and his wife Judy, and cousins Sue, Chuck, Ellen, Janet, Steven and Sarah.
Donald will be remembered for his many kindnesses, his sense of humor, his expertise in crossword puzzles and his pork chili. There will be a celebration of Donald's life in March; friends are asked to contact Ann, Lindsey or Jim for details.