Don McWhirter's Memorial

Don's Life

Don Phillip McWhirter, age 71, of Ramona, California, passed away, Sunday, March 15, 2020. Don was born August 24, 1948 to Chester and Eugenia McWhirter in Spearfish, South Dakota. He was the 2nd of 3 sons. 

Some of Don’s favorite memories come from his young childhood days spent in the Tacoma and Spokane, Washington areas, where he created memories with his brothers and cousins to laugh about throughout the years. Later in his childhood his family moved to La Mesa, CA.  He graduated from Grossmont High School in 1966.  He served a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints serving the people in the North Central States Mission. 

Don attended San Diego State University following his mission and was a member of the LDS Fraternity. That is where he met the love of his life, Susan McWhirter. Don and Susan were sealed for eternity in the Los Angeles, California Temple. Don loved to be active and enjoyed the outdoors, whether it be camping, hiking, gardening, boogie boarding and snorkeling. He was creative and enjoyed reading cowboy novels, painting, wood working, and writing. Don loved a good practical joke, his mind was always coming up with ways to catch family and friends off guard and to make them laugh. 

Don worked for the phone company, Pacific Bell.  He spent most of his 25 year career with the phone company as a Maintenance Splicer. He enjoyed his work outdoors and was committed to supporting his family over the years. Don had many service opportunities through positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He worked mainly with the youth and young adults. He enjoyed serving as a missionary with his wife to the Young Single Adult Ward.

Don was blessed to be close to his brothers and their families throughout the years. They enjoyed each other’s friendship and support. His greatest joy was time spent with family, especially his children. He was known to spend hours playing games with them.

Don is preceded in death by his parents Chester and Eugenia McWhirter and his wife Susan McWhirter. He is survived by his son Leif McWhirter(Jessica); daughter Lori McWhirter; grandchildren: Kaelynn, Brianna and Mark McWhirter; brother Reed McWhirter(Gloria); and brother Guy McWhirter(Joan). 

Don’s life was filled with many medical challenges. He was the evidence of the many tender mercies from God. He suffered long and was kind. He was a wonderful example of strength, humor and love through all of life’s challenges. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.