Donald George Rathbun

Donald George Rathbun celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by family.

He passed away on April 26th, 2025, in Santa Barbara, CA. Don was born March 20th, 1935, in Whitehall, NY to George Edwin Rathbun and Helen Beecher Rathbun, the eldest of 4 children. He started his education in a rural, one room schoolhouse. After graduating from Whitehall High School, he completed a draftsman apprenticeship at GE in Schenectady, NY. His military service had him stationed in Germany as part of the tank corp. After his discharge he worked for GE and McDonnell Douglas. He then continued his education, earning his MS in physics at University of Missouri at Rolla.

In 1968 Don was hired as an engineer in the optics division at Delco Electronics in Milwaukee, WI. He met Roberta Zillier on a ski trip in Canada, and they were married on September 19th, 1970. Their son Brett arrived the following year and daughter Lara in 1973. Delco transferred him to Goleta, CA in 1973, where he remained.

Don always had time for his family. They were often loaded up in the family station wagon to go on camping trips along the coast from San Diego to British Columbia, as well as road trips across the country to visit family and friends. Don was involved in Y Indian Guides and Princesses, coached baseball, and was Scoutmaster of Troop 36 for five years. He enjoyed sports, nature, photography and was a collector of many things: stamps, beer cans, coins, minerals, shells, and art.

He retired in 1992 which allowed him more time to pursue his many interests. An avid birder, he travelled the world finding many birds to add to his life list. He had a great interest in genealogy, tracing his roots back to the Mayflower. He showed his creative side with his love of woodworking and was often seen with his Shopsmith on the driveway. His projects were big, like building an addition to the house; or smaller, beautifully crafted creations. He was a lifelong learner. He enjoyed music (especially the Quebe Sisters) and old detective shows.

He loved being a grandpa, enjoying a chat about life and activities, using his woodworking skills to build a beautiful wood train, and was always an enthusiastic patron of dance and theater performances.

Don was predeceased by his parents and his sister Shirley Rathbun. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Roberta, son Brett Rathbun (Li-At) of Buellton, CA; daughter Lara Rahn (John) of Mountain View, CA; grandchildren Joie and Jared Rahn, sister Dorothy Rathbun, brother Leslie Rathbun (Kathie) and 4 nephews.