Donald Mardon Rosenthal

Donald Mardon Rosenthal

Don Rosenthal, 84, of Novato, California, passed away unexpectedly in a terrible, terrible automobile accident.

Don could be stubborn and opinionated. He was rarely an easy man, but he was a real man—and those who knew him best never doubted that, in his own way, he loved them deeply.

Raised in difficult circumstances in St. Louis, Missouri, Don learned early to rely on himself. He carried that edge throughout his life, building everything he had through determination, grit, and a refusal to back down. He was, in every sense, a self-made man.

A commercial pilot and a restauranteur, Don carved out a life that reflected both discipline and a restless drive. He was drawn inextricably to the outdoors (a passion he absolutely instilled in his boys) and had a love of travel, that always led him to seek movement, challenge, and an ever expanding horizon.

Don lived life on his own terms, with strong convictions and little fear in expressing them. A life undoubtedly that Frank Sinatra, in his song ‘My Way’ would have been mighty proud. 

He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, independence, and the kind of love that, while not always soft, was always real.

We will miss you Dad and we deeply thank you for all your gifts, life lessons and most of all, your fierce and unwavering love

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