Obituary of Donald Ray Garner

Donald “Don” Ray Garner of Hollister, California passed away peacefully on Friday, May 24,2019, at the age of 66, at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital. At the time of his passing, he wassurrounded by close family and friends. Don was born and raised in Hollister, California andliked to think of himself as a lifelong “Hollistranian”. He was preceeded in death by bothparents, Gail Leroy and Dorothy (Johnson) Garner, as well as, a brother, Gregg A. Garner.

Don graduated from San Benito High School class of 1971. Following graduation he began working at Almaden Winery, now Blossom Hill in Paicines. Don took extreme pride in his work and had an amazing work ethic which, eventually landed him a position as head ofmaintenance. Don was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1985. He battled the disease fearlessly for many years.

Don enjoyed the outdoors and would spend every available weekend camping with his wife andchildren and participating in Archery as long as his health had allowed. Eventually, he was forced to give up both passions due to the disease; however, despite this, he always had his wit and humor about him and could always find a reason to laugh.

Don was extremely loved and is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nancy H. Garner; his son, David Garner (wife Megan); his daughters, Julie Rossi (husband Philip) and Laura Minkel (husband Bobby). Along with his lifes’ absolute greatest joys, his eight grandchildren; Brittnee Raye, Ethan Timothy, Garrett Thomas, Gavin James, Kayley Michelle, Madison Lee, Chance Ryan and James Robert. Plus three brother’s; including his identical twin, Ron (wife Susan), Dennis (wife Renee), Kenny (wife Judy) and three sisters; Gail Miller (husband Charlie), Denise Garner (Gabe) and Cindy Calasopa (husband Mike). Don Is also survived by his Aunts, Evelyn Pellin, Sheron Johnson, Mary Demos; Uncle John Johnson; as well as, numerous Neices, Nephews and Cousins.

Please join the family in honoring Don in a Celebration of his Life on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 870 San Benito Street Hollister, California 95023. This will be an informal; "Open House" Celebration.

Per Don’s request, In lieu of flowers, please make donations or contributions on his behalf to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society www.nationalmssociety.org or his Archery Club, Salinas, Bowmen Archery Club, 238 Crazy Horse Canyon Rd Salinas, California.