In Loving Remembrance of Donald Fred Groth ('46)

[SUSAN J. SILVESTRI]

Groth, Donald Fred, 82, of Mission Viejo, passed away April 12, 2011 of complications of pneumonia. He was born October 18, 1928 in Hollywood, CA and lived all his life in California. His wife, Linda; his children, Eric and Teri Sanford, Cynthia and Doug Stark, and Bergitta Groth; his grandchildren, Colin Sanford, Kaila and Andrew Stark, Alexander Trevisan, and Gabrielle and Theodore Jensen, and his sister Barbara Butler survive him. After graduating from UCSB, he began his teaching career in Industrial Arts in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He then became an Administrator and served as Principal at Dorsey and Carson High Schools. After retiring from the school district, he became Director of Community Relations at Kellogg Garden Products in Carson and served with them for ten years. In addition to his school responsibilities, he was always involved in the community where he worked. He had perfect attendance at Rotary for over 30 years, and in Carson was active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Gardena Carson YMCA, the Carson Coordinating Council, the Workforce Investment Network Board, the American Heart Association and the Carson Relay for Life. In all of those organizations, he became a leader, serving in many roles, including President. He had the heart of a Servant. He was also active in his church and even considered going into the pastorate, deciding while attending Princeton Theological Seminary that he was not called to be a pastor, but could serve the Lord in his work and community life. He became Chairman of the Board of Elders at South Coast Community Church after serving as an elder for many years, yet he was not proud and also swept the walkways when they needed it and painted the temporary buildings that were purchased to house the youth programs. He sang in the choir and led singing for many years. He loved to be with his family and he loved football (especially USC games). His garden was a real joy and he would spend hours in the yard every weekend and then finish his day in the yard by sweeping the garage and driveway. We all decided we could eat off the garage floor! A memorial service to celebrate his life was held Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 2:00 at Foothills Church, 23122 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita. A reception followed the service. Memorial contributions may be made to: Rotary International, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60593 or Foothills Church, Mexicali Ministry Building Fund, 23122 Arroyo Vista, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688.