Obituary of Doctor Donald Buell St. Clair

Dr. Donald (Don) B. St. Clair His Legacy...Loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, family doctor, US Navy Vet. Dr. Donald St. Clair was born in Pomona, CA on November 14, 1925 to Florence Case St. Clair and Roy St. Clair, both of LaVerne, California. He lived a long and love filled life, he was 94 years old. In 1943, after graduating from Bonita High School, he joined the V12 training program for officers/doctors in the United States Navy, then transferred to UC Berkeley before attending medical school in Texas. In June 1949, after completing medical school, he married the love his life, Marilyn Joan Miller of Fresno. After his internship in Minnesota, the Navy called Don into service for the Korean War. Don and Joan enjoyed 71 years of a deep loving marriage and together raised five daughters: Jennifer, Judy, Jeri, Jill and Jannelle. He was a devoted and caring husband and father to his wife and all those girls!From 1955-2014, Dr. St. Clair practiced medicine in LaVerne, (with his brother Gene), then in Fremont and later he entered into private practice in Oroville. During this time, his wife Joan, his daughters, Jeri, Judy, Jannelle and granddaughter Jody all worked in his practice as bookkeeper, nurse, and more, a true family affair. It was during this time we enjoyed seeing Dr. Don, Dad, Papa be the caring Physician he always was. After selling his practice, he remained involved in Family Health in the Butte County Area until he was 89. Dr. Don always took extra time with his patients, caring deeply for their whole health. He took time to learn and speak Spanish so he could speak more easily with all his patients. Dr. St. Clair was an active member of the Congregational Church where he sang in the choir in Pomona and Oroville. He was a member of the Oroville Rotary. He enjoyed participating in the local community choir for holiday events. Donald loved camping, playing his guitar around the campfire, singing and bicycle riding. There were many camping trips up at Hat Creek with his five girls, two dogs, wife, extended family and lots of fishing poles! He loved his dogs, taking long walks with them around Lake Puddingstone. Donald was a passionate gardener. He always started all his plants from seed. His tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant and all he grew were exceptional. He happily shared his later years with his wife, Joan, enjoying her avid painting skills. They would go on adventure trips to paint pictures and attend painting seminars. His Family....Donald is survived by his wife Joan, his 5 daughters: Jennifer, Judy, Jeri, Jill and Jannelle; 10 grandchildren: Ryan, Brandon, Jody, Donovan, Jannelle, David, Rachel, Garrett, Fred, and Jacob and also by 13 great-grandchildren and his extended family-his sister by love, Barbara Briseno who made his favorite enchiladas for many birthdays. His grandson Donovan honored his Papa recently by marrying his sweetheart Marrissa at his grandparents’ residence so they could attend. Donald, Dad, Papa will be so missed. His heart was full and his family and friends love and miss him greatly. His Farewell Service... A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson Street Oroville, California. ** To watch the service Live online go to Facebook.com ~ select Ramsey Funeral Home ~ Click on "LIVE VIDEO" Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.