Donald Emery Foss

Celebrating the Life of Don (Donald) Foss

Donald Emery Foss passed away peacefully at his home in Napa, California, on May 28th,
2026, surrounded by the comfort of the life he so proudly built.
Born on March 13, 1943, Don spent his life proving that determination and a strong work
ethic matter far more than a piece of paper. Though his formal education ended after the
8th grade, his entrepreneurial spirit and tireless drive never stopped working. He was a true
self-made man.

Don turned his passion into a lifetime of success. He founded and grew thriving businesses
rooted in his mastery of welding and custom auto fabrication. If it were made of metal, he
could build it, fix it, or make it run faster. His craftsmanship wasn't just a job; it was an art
form. Of all his talents in the shop, his absolute favorite was the meticulous art of painting
cars a smooth, flawless, high-gloss black—a reflection of his patience, precision, and eye
for perfection.

Fuel, Freedom, and Brotherhood

Beyond his shop, Don’s heart belonged to the open road. His lifelong love of motorcycles
captured his adventurous spirit and love for freedom. Whether he was building a custom
bike from scratch or riding against the wind, he was always in his element on two wheels.
Don was a man of deep tradition. He was a Master Mason, proudly carrying a 50+ year
membership with the Naval Lodge #87, Vallejo, CA. He lived by the values of the
brotherhood—integrity, loyalty, and charity and to him, one of the greatest
accomplishments of his lifetime.

Family and Legacy

Don was preceded in death by his oldest son, Alan Foss, in December of 2025. Before that,
he also lost his wife, Patricia Foss (2017), and daughter, Wendy Thomas. (2024)
He is survived by his daughter, Christine Peterson; son, Raymond Foss (Julia);
grandchildren, Viola Foss, Nicolas McBride, Schondra Wyman, Sonja Wyman, Cameron
Foss, Mathan Foss; and his beloved sister, June Woods.
His memory and legacy will be fiercely cherished by his granddaughter, Viola, and his
former daughter-in-law, Julie Foss, who served as his decision-maker and primary
caregiver. Together, Julie, Viola, and neighbor Chris Marshall provided the comfort, love,
and 24/7 care that allowed Don to fulfill his wish to spend his final five months and pass
peacefully at home.

A Final Ride in His Honor

To celebrate Don’s deep passion for horsepower, chrome, and the open road, the family
requests that anyone attending the services who owns a motorcycle, hot rod, classic car,
or vintage ride please drive it to the service. Let’s fill the parking lot with the machines he
loved, giving him one last spectacular send-off.

Service Information
• Celebration of Life – Thursday, June 25th, 2026, at 11:00
• Masonic Service: In the chapel, followed by Masonic ritual at the graveside.

Food and drink will be provided to celebrate his life and share stories in the
reception area at the main building.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Emery Foss, please visit our floral store.