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Richard Donner Obituary
The world has lost a brilliant and beloved Bay Area aquatics legend, Rich Donner.
Richard Charles Donner began his life in San Francisco, the oldest son of Morris and Ethel Donner and brother of Merv whom he has joined in heaven.
The family moved from San Francisco to Redwood City and Rich became a star swimmer and water polo player at Sequoia High School.
His aquatics prowess continued at Menlo College and San Jose State. Rich was inducted into Halls of Fame as both an athlete and a coach at Sequoia, San Jose State, and The Olympic Club in San Francisco.
He began teaching and coaching at San Carlos High School in 1960, then put the College of San Mateo on the map becoming a swimming and water polo coach and instructor for thirty-eight years.
Coach Donner brought home many championships and produced dozens of All American athletes. He was named Northern California Community College Water Polo Coach of the Year from 1968-1971.
Rich was very proud to honor his Jewish heritage and coached the United States water polo teams at the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 1969 and 1973, bringing home the gold both times.
In his retirement, he co-founded the Peninsula Referees Association where he served as a referee and leader.
Rich was known for his pursuit of excellence, commitment to family and friends, high standards for himself and others, keen sense of humor, and compassion for everyone he knew.
He was also known for his willingness to take a stand for what was right and as a young man had a quick temper. None of his players wanted to be nearby when his wooden clipboard hit the cement pool deck.
Rich was not only an educator, but served as a father figure to many. He was a great ambassador for the sport of water polo and had a heart of gold. He will be greatly missed.
Rich leaves behind thousands of people who were impacted by his life and the family is grateful for those who offered their love and support to him during his life and five-month battle with cancer.
Rich is survived by his wife of sixty years, Emilie and his daughters, Kathy Donner and Janet Sanchez (Abel) and his grandchildren, Brian and Jamie Sanchez.
The family offers gratitude to the doctors and support staff at the Dorothy Schneider Cancer in San Mateo.
Donations may be made in his name to the Sequoia High School Scholarship Fund at 1201 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94062.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Donner
Larry Glass
October 1, 2024
Thanks Coach. It was an honor to be part of your 1963 swim team at SCHS. Larry Glass
John herndon
September 9, 2022
I am very late to thos news.
Coach Donner made an enormous difference in my life.
I regret not maintaining contact.
Condolances to the family and all others who knew his kindness.
James Bell
July 15, 2022
What a wonderful coach, and what a wonderful friend he became at a time when I needed it so much. He prepared me for the future, and at now 72 years of age, I reflect on Rich Donner with great gratitude for his leadership and friendship. God bless Rich Donner and his family.
Bryan Pughe
August 29, 2021
My sympathies go out to all the family.
I played water polo and swimming
1967. He was a great coach.
Ron Morris
June 11, 2021
My love for swimming was born at San Carlos high 1962,
Introduction to freshman swimming team and my thoughts
We’re this guy is serious,intense....fair,demanding and funny.
Rich became a friend over the years including rinconada in Palo Alto. Shared swimming lanes. Joke smiles and sincere
Kindness.....I still swim masters. And when things get tough
I think of Richhis encougment...teaching the correct way
his enthusiasm has made me appreciate water in all its glory and pain
The pure enjoyment of water. Thank you Rich
May your spirit soar
Ron Morris
Lisa Palacio (formerly Sliter)
May 5, 2021
My heart is sunken. I could write all day and describe what an exemplary man Richard was. Rich was a proud man who impacted thousands of lives through many decades. He always encouraged others with his wisdom and big heart. I knew Rich for 41 years and we kept in touch through email. He loved talking about his family, sports, and just about anything. He and I both came from San Francisco and were both graduates of San Jose State University. We were/are also both Jewish. Rich was a husband, a father, a grandfather, a coach, a referee and so much more! He and Emilie, having been married for 60 years, is remarkable, and Rich would tell me about and send photos of Emilie's beautiful paintings. He taught me how to do a flip turn in the swimming pool. He kept us all laughing all the time :-) He was strict, organized and efficient. His presence in various Halls of Fame are beyond exceptional. The Donner family had many "curve balls" thrown at them over many years, but faced them with courage and tremendous strength. I will miss my dear friend and coach. My heart goes out to Rich's family and all who were lucky enough to know him. I can see him with his whistle, making a call during a water polo match and I am honored to donate in his name. You will live on forever in our hearts and memories forever. Very Sincerely, Lisa Palacio
Dave Rodenhuis
April 29, 2021
A good mensch.
Well done, Rich.
(from) DaveR, Sequoia classmate
Becky Givens
April 29, 2021
Rich was one of a kind. I miss his welcoming smile, his quick wit, pool talk, and our very competitive Words With Friends games. ❤
Linda Pace
April 28, 2021
Dearest Kathy, Janet and Emilie, Although I didn't have the honor of getting to know Rich very much during his visits to Shady Cove, I knew in my heart that he was a gifted and talented man by the way he sincerely connected with everyone in the room. I know he is greatly missed, but left a stunning and exceptional legacy of excellence that will always inspire us. I will remember the twinkle in his eyes when he said something funny, which was often. I am truly sorry for your loss. May God grant him peace and may his love for you all help you endure the pain you must be experiencing now.
Kathy Donner
April 28, 2021
I will miss you every minute of every day, Daddy.
Mike Maskarich
April 27, 2021
I had the esteemed pleasure to have known Rich (Coach Donner), as he refereed many water polo games while I attended Carlmont High School. He was a good man, served as a great role model and always brought his best forward. He will be missed!
Rudolph Shokal
April 27, 2021
In memory of an awesome coach, and a teacher who helped me through some personal rough times
Sandy (Sanchez) Caldera
April 27, 2021
May your memories stay vibrant and cherished. I remember him and his great smile. Much love to your family and especially to my Aunt Janet.
Lisa Thompson
April 26, 2021
I am so sorry about Rich's passing. My husband and I were welcomed by Rich & Emilie as if we were their own children. He was a special man and I always looked forward to his visits to Oregon. I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to CA to see him one more time.
NICK ALIAGA
April 26, 2021
DEAR EMILIE,
I was very sorry to hear of RICH'S PASSING. I knew RICH AT Sequoia, but my greatest memories are from the time We spent together at Menlo.
He was a great example for Me to follow. I will always be grateful for having known Him.
With Deepest Sympathies--Nick Aliaga
Laurie page
April 26, 2021
Mr. Donner was such a kind and sweet Soul. Who loved his daughter's friends as if we were his own. His welcoming attitude and his desire to sit and "chat" is something I will miss. Thank you for being YOU and thank you for your sweet sweet Kathy.. Your soul remains alive in her!...rest in Peace sweet soul....
Ed Engeldinger
April 25, 2021
Thanks coach.
Jeff Johanson
April 25, 2021
You were one of the most influential educators in my life, Coach Donner, and in my life as an educator. Pride, Poise, and Desire--forever and ever. Jeff Johanson, CSM Bulldogs, 1972-73
Stephen W Bennett
April 25, 2021
Too many great memories and moments to recall. A coach, a teacher, a leader, a mentor. Perhaps a bit of a poet too, one with an acerbic wit worthy of the envy of any comic or storyteller. I hope he remembered to take that little black book with him cause I'm pretty sure he's gonna want to pull it out and regale those souls -- they are in for a raucous good laugh. Thanks for everything, Coach.
Dan Urrere
April 25, 2021
Rich was my coach and driver training teacher at San Carlos High School. Besides being my coach and teacher, he was my friend. Rest In Peace my friend.
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