Donald Eugene Garling Sr.

On the evening of August 29 at 7:30 pm our father, Papa, husband, and friend left us for heaven. He had fought a courageous 19 month battle with cancer. Don leaves his wife, the love of his life Sally, his four children, Don Jr. and his wife Suzette, Dave and his partner Marc, Tracy, Sandy, and the most important people in his life, his four grandchildren, Cristian and Cody Garling and Mikayla and Kendall Sullivan, as well as his very special dog Winston. He also leaves his special sister, Mary, his brother Albert and family, and his brother in law Jim and family, who he loved dearly, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews and of course so many friends! Don was born in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Anaheim California when he was 5 years old. He then graduated from Savanah High School. He started his work career with the Anaheim Union High School district, and then continued his education to become a police officer for the city of Tustin. He later returned to education in 1985 where he worked until retirement in 2002. During his tenure at Brea Olinda, the district built their new high school, a project that Don was actively involved in and very proud of. While working at the school, Don met Sally, who was also employed there. They fell in love, and blended their two families into one in 1989. In 1990 Don and Sally moved to Corona, where they have lived since. They moved around Corona, until finally settling in their current home. Don and Sally have been blessed with four wonderful grandchildren; two boys, and two girls at Santiago High School. They are extremely proud of all of their accomplishments, and have loved watching them mature into responsible young adults. When Don retired from the school district in 2002, he didn't stay retired for long. He devoted his time to his fencing company, Lifetime Vinyl Fence Fabricators Inc. They produce high quality vinyl fence for contractors and the general public throughout Southern California. Don was exceptionally proud of the quality and satisfaction his business brought to those around himself. The business is now his son's, Don Jr., and is in wonderful hands. Don's Journey of a Lifetime began in 2014 with his first major health scare. His life was ultimately saved by the wonderful care he received from Corona Regional Medical Center. There he made lifelong friends with his physicians and members of the staff. They enabled him to have some of the best years of his life, spending it surrounded by friends and family. After his second chance, our family decided to stop worrying and start living. We took our trailer out everywhere from Lake Skinner to the beach, went fishing and made campfires, and laughed until our stomachs hurt. Don has always loved to give to those around him, and put the needs of others above his own. He held numerous positions on leadership boards such as being Chairman of the Board for the Corona Chamber, a member of Circle City Rotary, the President of the Eagle Glen Homeowners Association, as well as being on the Corona Regional Medical Center Board. He was also on the Norco College President's Advisory Board, the YMCA Board of Directors, and the Corona Police Community Partnership. Don gave countless hours to helping those around him, and loved every second of it. Don's friends and family will always remember his amazing smile that had the ability to light up the room. He was known as being the community giver, who went out of his way to help those around him. His genuine compassion and love of people has brought so many people together in our community. We will never forget the legacy that Don left on those around him as we, his friends and family, continue on the Journey of a Lifetime. Don was a YMCA Board Member and he felt compelled to help this nonprofit because their mission was to help out disadvantaged children and their families. This nonprofit did so much more in his eyes than provide just stellar education programs. They build character, life lessons for future generations. The Y is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all donations are tax deductible. The family is asking that any donations given on behalf of Don be given to the Corona-Norco Family YMCA, 1331 River Road. Corona Ca 92883. Peace be with you Don. Service Thomas Miller Mortuary 1118 East Sixth Street Corona, CA 92879 (951) 737-3244 | Thursday 9/17, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Reception Miller's Alternative Care Thursday 9/17, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm