Donald Ray Sizemore

Donald Ray Sizemore of San Marcos, CA passed away on Monday 02/07/2022, after having lived an abundant life at the age of 86. He was born on 05/09/1935 in Grass Valley, CA. His family moved a lot while he was growing up. During his high school years, no matter how often they moved, he was always a starting player on the high school basketball team. He was a natural athlete.

He graduated from UC Berkeley and completed his BS in Civil Engineering while working overseas.

He was an Engineer and he worked his way up from an union iron worker to superintendent during his career in the United States. Don’s overseas career was in high managerial positions from 1979-2003. He worked on job sites in the Iraqi Oil Fields, Algeria, Kuwait, Turkey, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. In 1959 during the Cold War with Russia, Don worked on The Rising Star Project. This was a top secret project installing an early warning ballistic system in Greenland. It was the first of several high security projects he was involved with during his career. Aside from all his outstanding professional accomplishments, he was an intelligent, selfless, and fearless person.

He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Jess Sizemore & Goldie Mae Williams Sizemore, his sisters Marie Ogden and Dorothy Brown.

He is survived by his children Cindy Boyte of San Marcos, CA, Robert Sizemore & daughter-in-law Joanne Sizemore of Fair Oaks, TX and Goldie May Starla of Mission Viejo, CA; grandchildren Jake Sizemore, Sammi Jo Sizemore and Nick Sizemore of Fair Oaks, TX and Ali Boyte of San Marcos, CA; sister Bette Scott of Mesa, AZ; and Anna Miller of Escondido, CA who was also family.

During his youth, Don had a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying whenever he could. He enjoyed boating, skiing, fishing and all the outdoor sports. Later in life, he became an avid golfer and ran in several of half marathons. After his retirement in San Marcos, CA, he would walk 4-5 miles every day with his beloved pomeranians, Yogi and Cappy. He had a remarkable life.

Don will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He will always be in our hearts, until we see him again.