Donald James Ketchum

Donald James Ketchum, 93, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Don was born on February 9, 1923 in South Pasadena, California to Dr. William and Mabel Ketchum. He grew up in South Pasadena, attending South Pasadena High School. Don enlisted in the army and served as Technical Sargent from 1943-1946. In 1949 he was named Outstanding Young Man of the Year by the City of South Pasadena. After leaving the Army, he returned to South Pasadena and married Helen Furlow, also of South Pasadena. Don received his Bachelor of Science degree in applied physics from the University of California at Los Angeles and started his teaching career in 1950 at Redlands High School teaching Electronics. Don and Helen moved to Ontario, California in 1954 and later to Upland, California where they raised their four children. Don was a professor of Electronics and later Data Processing and Computer Programming at Chaffey College in Ontario and Alta Loma, California from 1954-1981. He served as Registrar at the College in 1969 and 1970. In retirement, Helen and Don moved to Claremont Manor Retirement Community where Don was an active volunteer which included teaching computer classes to the other Claremont Manor residents as well as participating in Claremont Manor Theater Presentations. He also volunteered with the local Neighborhood Watch and Travelers Aid at Ontario Airport. In 2009, Helen and Don moved to Luther Park Senior Living in Sandpoint, Idaho. Don was an avid water skier and performed as a trick skier at the Los Angeles County Fair. In addition to water skiing, Don loved to travel and enjoyed listening to music (especially Lawrence Welk). Don’s wife Helen predeceased him in July, 2015. He is survived by, his four children and their spouses Ken (Randie) Ketchum of Edmonds, Washington, Kathy (Gay) Ketchum of Sherman Oaks, California, Jeff (Linda) Ketchum of Colton, California, Julie (Steve) Case of Sagle, Idaho, 16 Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Marshall and Judy Ketchum and their 3 children Anne Marie, Bill and Ruth. There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Luther Park Sandpoint Employee Fund where he and Helen were so lovingly cared for. Donations may be sent to Luther Park at Sandpoint, 510 Olive Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864 in Memory of Don Ketchum (208) 265-3557.