Donald Martin McCard

It is with a great sorrow that our family announces the passing of our beloved Donald Martin McCard on September 2nd, 2017, at the age of 78. He was surrounded by his loved ones at home. He was born in Wilmington, California on August 11th, 1939 to Milo and Viola McCard. He was one of 5 siblings, his sisters Dixie and Roberta, and his brothers Kenneth (Buzz) and James. He was raised and attended school in San Pedro.   At 17 years old, August 13th, 1956, he joined U.S. Navy and served for 6 years. He toured the Pacific on the Naval ships USS Helena, USS Benner, USS Marsh, USS Colahan. He was trained and became an Electrician’s Mate Fireman, Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class. In the spring of 1958, he participated in a task force for Operation Hardtack.

He was married to Noreen McCard on April 3rd, 1959 in Las Vegas. They were married for 58 years and had 3 children. They moved to Bakersfield in 1964 and then to Napa in 1977. They enjoyed going to Reno/Vegas, camping trips, fishing, cruises (Alaska), traveling, and family functions.

Don was passionate about sports! He coached baseball and coached his sons, along with many teams in the Greenfield/Bakersfield area, and then onto Babe Ruth baseball in Napa.  He loved to put others first and had a very generous attitude toward everyone.  His greatest love and achievement was that he loved all his family and friends. He loved going to visit his family in southern California and would keep all of us updated on how everyone was doing.

He worked for Caltrans in the electrical department in Bakersfield from 1964 to 1977, and moved to Napa to work for Caltrans from 1977 to 1981 in San Francisco, and then from 1990 to 2002. He worked throughout the Bay Area during his long career at Caltrans. He started his career as an electrical technician and promoted quickly through the ranks to superintendent. In the 1980’s, he was a private electrical contractor along with some partners, they formed BWB Electric performing government contracts in the Bay area for cities and the state. He employed his sons and taught them a trade, along with employing many others.

His favorite job was working as a consultant electrical inspector for S&C engineering. He loved working with people and enjoyed using his expertise to make projects run efficiently. He was known and well respected in the industry for his expertise. His quick wit, humor, great story telling and professional background was enjoyed by all.

He loved the Lord and attended Catholic church his whole life and in recent years attended St. Apollinaris Church in Napa. We thank Sue for bringing communion to him every week for this last year.

In addition to his wife, Noreen McCard, Donald is survived by his sister Dixie (George)Jorgenson; sons Patrick (Janet) McCard, Kerry (Beverly) McCard, Kevin (Wendy) McCard; daughter in-law Alice McCard; grandchildren Chris McCard, Michelle McCard, Autumn McCard, Austin McCard, Hunter McCard, Jacob McCard; great-grandson Trent McCard; and many wonderful nephews and nieces. He is also preceded in death by his parents Milo and Viola McCard; his sister Roberta Norman; brothers Kenneth(Buzz) McCard, James McCard; and grandson Steven McCard.

The Family wishes to thank and acknowledge the caregivers for their kindness and tender care: Angela Kaufman, Darryl Hayden, Liz Miller, and the rest of the staff at Hospice.

There will be a viewing on Monday, September 18th from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. 

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Apollinaris Church in Napa on Tuesday, September 19th at 1 pm with a gravesite services and reception following at Tulocay Cemetery.  Words of sympathy may be sent to the family on-line at www.tulocaycemetery.org.

 Service Information