Don Heer of Angels Camp

   Donald James Heer, age 79, resident of Angels Camp, died at his home on Monday, October 27, 2014.

   He was born November 30, 1934 in Mitchell, South Dakota to parents Mae Francis Grady Heer and Frank Marcus Heer.

   Don was born alongside his identical twin brother, Dean Bernard Heer.  Sister Dixie Mary arrived on January 25, 1940.

   In 1942, the family of five moved from South Dakota to Mill Valley, California where Frank found work in the shipyards of Sausalito during World War II.

    Don and brother Dean, who were the first college educated family members, worked odd jobs to pay their own way through school starting at Saint Mary's College and moving on to San Francisco State University, where they received their degrees.

    Don served as a Reserve of the Army of the United States and in the Army National Guard of California from July 1957 until June of 1963.

   Taking note of his interest in becoming a Navy pilot, the Office of Naval Officer Procurement notified Don of his eligibility to begin flight training and a new military career path.

   After due consideration, he declined the offer to remain close to family and pursue a career in line with his academic studies.

     The twins then opted to dive into the newly burgeoning world of the computer sciences as programmers for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, where Don later met June Louise Atwood.

   They eventually married on June 10, 1967. He would be lovingly and faithfully devoted to her for the next 47 years until the day of his death.

   Don and Dean each enjoyed long and illustrious careers with Metropolitan Life.  When the San Francisco computer center closed, they transferred to Wichita, Kansas to help establish a new data center as a link between east and west coast operations for the insurance giant.

   Don and June had two sons, Todd in 1970 and Erik in 1973. Don, a devout Catholic, was a dedicated father and provider.

   He never faltered in his role as a family man, always working hard to ensure the well-being of his family.

   Don would work for "The Met" for 39 years, retiring in 1996.  In 2001, Don and June moved back to California to be nearer their two sons who had previously returned to the state.

   Don is survived by his wife, June; sister, Dixie Stiveson (Bill); sons, Todd (Cindy), Erik (Michelle); and three granddaughters, Nadia, Amelie, and Matilda.

    Don was preceded in death by his twin brother, Dean in 1997.