Donald Valiton was born in 1952 and was a long-time California native. He was always interested in the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, and climbing many of the peaks in the Sierras. This interest led him to obtain a degree in forestry engineering. He worked for many years for the forestry service in Oregon, where he met his wife, Sally, a school teacher.
They moved to Ridgecrest in 1986, where Don switched from the forest service to the United States Postal Service (still enjoying the outdoors but without the winter). After retiring from the post office, he could continue his love for hiking.
Don is survived by his wife, Sally Valiton; his mother, May Valiton; and his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and John Wurdeman.
A celebration of life will be held on November 18 at Crossroads Community Church at 11:00 a.m., with a potluck reception following.