Donald R. Deary
April 30, 1934 — May 8, 2018
Donald R. Deary
With his family gathered around him, Donald R. Deary passed away peacefully in his home late Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at the age of 84. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Beverly Barnes Deary and adoring children Deborah Orebaugh (Paul), Michael Deary (Lori), Timothy Deary (Juliane), Shannon Deary-Bell (Bradley), and “honorary” son Fred Links. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, 10 loving grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, by whom he was affectionately referred to as “Pop.” He was preceded in death by his late brother Roy Grant Deary Jr.
Don was born in Oakland, California on April 30, 1934 to parents Roy Grant Sr. and Margaret Louise Deary. When Don was a toddler, the family moved to Sacramento, where Don lived the rest of his life. In 1937, Don’s parents started Hires Bottling Company. Don attended California Middle School, McClatchy High School, and Sacramento City College, where he played baseball and football. He was very proud of the varsity letters he received for his athletic accomplishments. During his younger years, Don met his high school sweetheart, Beverly. Don and Bev married on August 8, 1954. When Don’s father died in 1963, Roy Grant Jr. (Grant) and Don took over the business. In 1974, the company became Nor-Cal Beverage Co. Inc., which continues to be family-owned and operated today. Don was a wonderfully dedicated leader, greatly loved and admired by Nor-Cal Beverage employees.
Don loved duck hunting, fishing, and horse racing. He was a member of the Senator Outing Duck Club. He cherished the annual Alaska fishing trip he proudly took his sons, grandsons, son-in-laws, and daughter Shannon on. He was a horse owner and enjoyed taking the family to the Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego to watch the races.
Don’s favorite place in the world was his beloved home in Lake Tahoe. He took great pride in cooking for the whole family and held court at the head of the dining room table. He spent hours on end sitting on the porch watching the lake, and enjoyed his drink of choice, a “Dirty Don,” at cocktail hour.
Don had a one of a kind presence that is irreplaceable, and he leaves behind a legacy that is unmatched. To know him was to love him. More than anything, Don loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, and every moment spent with him is a cherished memory. His sense of humor, generosity, and countless “Donny-isms” will be greatly missed.
A public visitation will be held at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Funeral services for Don will be held at Saint Ignatius Church on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Don can be made to Jesuit High School or a charity of your choice.
Don was born in Oakland, California on April 30, 1934 to parents Roy Grant Sr. and Margaret Louise Deary. When Don was a toddler, the family moved to Sacramento, where Don lived the rest of his life. In 1937, Don’s parents started Hires Bottling Company. Don attended California Middle School, McClatchy High School, and Sacramento City College, where he played baseball and football. He was very proud of the varsity letters he received for his athletic accomplishments. During his younger years, Don met his high school sweetheart, Beverly. Don and Bev married on August 8, 1954. When Don’s father died in 1963, Roy Grant Jr. (Grant) and Don took over the business. In 1974, the company became Nor-Cal Beverage Co. Inc., which continues to be family-owned and operated today. Don was a wonderfully dedicated leader, greatly loved and admired by Nor-Cal Beverage employees.
Don loved duck hunting, fishing, and horse racing. He was a member of the Senator Outing Duck Club. He cherished the annual Alaska fishing trip he proudly took his sons, grandsons, son-in-laws, and daughter Shannon on. He was a horse owner and enjoyed taking the family to the Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego to watch the races.
Don’s favorite place in the world was his beloved home in Lake Tahoe. He took great pride in cooking for the whole family and held court at the head of the dining room table. He spent hours on end sitting on the porch watching the lake, and enjoyed his drink of choice, a “Dirty Don,” at cocktail hour.
Don had a one of a kind presence that is irreplaceable, and he leaves behind a legacy that is unmatched. To know him was to love him. More than anything, Don loved to be surrounded by his family and friends, and every moment spent with him is a cherished memory. His sense of humor, generosity, and countless “Donny-isms” will be greatly missed.
A public visitation will be held at W.F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Funeral services for Don will be held at Saint Ignatius Church on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Don can be made to Jesuit High School or a charity of your choice.
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