Donald Owen Duff

Don is survived by his wife, Rachel (Gresham) Duff, sons Michael and Kyle, grandson, Thomas, his mother, Debra Owens, aunt, Dorie Ray, and daughter-in-law, Melissa (Apatiga) Duff.

Don was called home at 8:00am on October 14, 2023 after valiantly fighting Ocular Melanoma (OM) and Metastatic Uveal Cancer for 8 years. Don was first diagnosed with OM in 2015, was treated and monitored by the wonderful doctors at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at UCLA. We had 4 nerve-racking, but healthy years after radiation therapy, before he was diagnosed with Mets (metastatic cancer) in 2020 to the liver. Again, we looked to the amazing doctors and nurses at UCLA, that helped Don continue this fight against this evil beast for another 3 years.

Don never took life for granted. He had a passion and drive to serve. He served his country in the United States Army for 7 years as a Combat Engineer and then Motor Transport Operator; he later joined the American Legion, Tustin Post 227, eventually becoming their Adjutant. Don served our community's children by coaching and refereeing youth soccer with Tustin AYSO, Tustin United / Albion OC, as well as for Tustin High School. He also served on the Board for these organizations to help where needed including teaching new coaches and referees. Don was so taken back by the great work that the Tustin Police Department (TPD) was doing for the community, and soon found himself volunteering any chance he got for them. From CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), to the Citizen's Academy, participating in officer training events, to the annual TPD Open House and Dino Dash, you could always find him manning a booth, acting the role of a victim, or filling in any where he was needed. Some may know Don for his love of woodworking and over-the-top Christmas decorating. His artistic talent amazed and inspired so many.

Despite all he did for others, he always gave his family 100%. Don was, in his mom's words, "the most perfect son". That perfect son later became the most loving and devoted husband and partner I could ever have dreamed of having; he truly was the love of my life. Don was an incredible dad to Michael and Kyle, that both grew up embracing the same drive, compassion and integrity as their dad. And finally, we were blessed by the arrival of our grandson, Thomas. "Gramps" as Don wanted to be called, was just over the moon for this little guy. He couldn't wait to meet his second grandchild that would be arriving later this year.

This diagnosis shook our world. What it also did was remind us that every day counts. We made more time for family and spent less time worrying over the "small stuff", we traveled the world in search of beauty, serenity, and inspiration. We found all that and more. There is a hole in our hearts and lives, but I know that he is in heaven with no pain, no suffering, with loved ones we previously lost watching over us. We love you Don!

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