LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Don Cowdrey passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 3, 2017, in Lake County.

He was born Aug. 12, 1939, to Charles and Marie Cowdrey.

During his childhood he lived on his family’s dairy farm in Fresno. Around the age of 12 Don became an avid Harley motorcycle rider.

During his high school years, he worked with his father logging timber in the Philo area. In his early 20s Don lived in Point Arena where he worked building Highway 1 along the Northern Coast of California.

Don proudly served his country in the Army.

In the mid 1960s Don married Elaine McMillen and welcomed their first child, daughter Cheryl Marie, while living in Mariposa.

In the late 1960s he moved his family to Mill Valley to work on the BART tunnels in San Francisco.

In the 1970s Don and his family moved to the Santa Rosa area where he worked in construction and operated heavy equipment.

In 1973 he welcomed his second child, son Brian Lee.

He played the guitar with the Country Inspiration Band.

In the 80s Don started his own pile driving company. Don continued operating heavy equipment throughout his life.

In 2000 Don married Virginia Clements and moved to Calistoga.

Don is preceded in death by parents, Charles and Marie; sister, Velma; and brother, Lee.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Virginia; children, Cheryl (Larry) and Brian (Lisa); stepdaughter, Stacey (James); sisters, Winona, Wanda and Mary Lou; the mother of his children, Elaine; Virginia’s mother, Edie; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Don’s family and friends will remember him for his generosity, humor and versatility, but most of all our love for him.

A celebration of Don’s Life will be held Saturday, Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. at Rancho de Calistoga, 2412 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga in the clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the North Bay Fire Relief Fund at www.redwoodcu.org/northbayfirerelief.