Donald D. Hirst

Donald D. Hirst, passed away September 26th 2024 in Surprise, Arizona. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Elva. They shared a crazy, wonderful love for over 30 years which is best described by their favorite song “At Last, by Etta James”.

Don was born in Mays Landing, New Jersey where he spent his early childhood years. His family moved to Florida where they sailed the Florida Keys on a refurbished PT Boat, a sort of Huckleberry Finn adventure at sea. In the 60’s, the family moved to Santa Barbara where his father worked on the missile silos on Vandenberg AFB.

Don graduated from Santa Barbara High School in 1967. In 1968, during the Vietnam War, he and some friends, enlisted in the Army together. Unfortunately, they were sent elsewhere and he was sent to Fort Ord, CA for training. He was assigned to Communications and sent to Vietnam, outside of Pleiku at Camp Enari. For his service, he was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Expert Qualification (Rifle). He was promoted to SSG and discharged honorably. We are so proud of him and his courageous service to the country.

After his service in Vietnam, Don returned to Santa Barbara and entered the construction trade as a Carpenter and was certified as a Construction Journeyman. He ascended to Contractor, and then to Site Superintendent. He was highly respected by his peers in the Construction Community, well known for his attention to detail and smooth, efficient management of his job sites.

In 2010, he and Elva moved to Monterey, CA for a short time before moving to their current home in Surprise, Arizona with their dog Coco. They are blessed with a close-knit community of neighbors and friends. Don is remembered fondly by his neighbors as a great guy, friendly, handsome Veteran that always had a funny joke or story to brighten your day.

Don is also survived by his sister Carol and brother-in-law John of Glendale Arizona. Through marriage he was loved and will be greatly missed by a number of cousins and in-laws across several states. He’ll also be deeply missed by his sweet dog Coco, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren that affectionately knew him as Grandpa (Gampa) Don. In November, a Military Honors Ceremony will be held near his home where he will be surrounded by close friends and family.