Donald Ralph Whaley, Jr.

Born December 5, 1944 in Santa Barbara California. Don passed away on October 20th, 2023 in Fair Oaks surrounded by his family.  An army veteran and retired Sacramento police officer Don was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and bird hunting. Don would often be found with one of his many friends in a duck blind or on a fishing boat.

Don was a gifted artist who could capture the beauty of wildlife and nature in his works of art. For several years Don hand carved duck decoys, his work won several awards and he was recognized as a premiere artist in the Sacramento area. After he retired from the police department Don changed the medium that he worked with and began creating bronze sculptures. Don had the ability to capture wildlife in motion and portray that in his sculptures.  His work can be seen down the middle of Watt avenue on a fence that displays many of his sculptures

Don was a widower, his wife Patricia passed away in July 2023 after 55 years of marriage. They spent their life in the Fair Oaks village area and raised 2 children, Brian and Michelle. In 2007 the family suffered tragedy when Michelle passed away. Don is survived by his son Brian, daughter in law Lyndee, grandchildren Brandon and Trent, two younger brothers Gary and Gene. Don was an amazing husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

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