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Donald Bruce Geddes

 Donald Bruce Geddes, 82, of Sonoma, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2013.

  He was born in 1930, to George and Ann Donaldson Geddes. On his 18th birthday, he joined the U.S. Marines, fighting in the Korean War as part of the “Chosen Few.” He returned to the U.S. in 1951 and married his wife, Sandra.

  Donald received his GED, working for Shell Oil and Shell Chemical while earning his AA at Diablo Valley Junior College. He graduated with a BA from San Jose State in 1962. He then spent 29 years teaching art at Sonoma Valley High School, earning a master’s degree in art through a year-long sabbatical in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.

  Upon retirement, Don and Sandy spent a year teaching English in China. Donald was an active member of the Church of Latter-day Saints, serving as bishop for a time. He will be remembered for his gifts of service and sense of humor. He loved “The Corps,” his family and his church.

  Donald is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra Geddes; sister, Marlene Geddes; sister-in-law, Barbara Aio; and seven children and their spouses: Donna Quinn (Mark), Margaret Parducci (Harry), Patrick Geddes (Carmen), Daniel Geddes (JoEllen), Lynn Butler (Blaine), Barbara Austin (Al), and Sharon Summers (Joe). He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters.

  Friends are invited to join the family for a funeral service to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sonoma.

  Burial will follow at the Sonoma Veterans Memorial Park.

Duggan’s Mission Chapel
Sonoma