Donald Loren Irwin, 78, of Sacramento, Calif., died Feb. 21 after bravely battling cancer and Lewy Body Dementia for years. He is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, two sisters, five grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Lt. Col. Irwin, USAF (Ret.) was born July 25, 1930 in Basin, Wyo. He spent much of his youth in Alaska’s Matanuska Valley where his father directed the experimental farm for the U.S. government. He graduated from Palmer High School in 1948.

After graduating with an economics degree from Willamette University in Oregon, he joined the Air Force and served for 21 years, first as a navigator and later as a pilot. He was a decorated veteran of two tours in Vietnam. A testament to his skill and composure is that he twice saved aircraft after complete engine failures in flight. While early in his Air Force career, he met his future bride of 54 years, Maurice “Maurie” (Callaghan) of Sacramento. They were blessed with two daughters, Lizabeth Ahern of Fort Washington, Md., and Andrea Silva of Sacramento and a son, Robert Irwin of Soledad, Calif. They were further blessed with five adoring grandchildren, Derek and Jennifer Ahern, Carl Silva, and Geovanni and Joshua Irwin.

Donald is survived by sisters Mary Estella Odsather of Wasilla and Ina Belle Kennedy of Bellingham, Wash.

After retiring from the Air Force in 1973, Donald worked in real estate and banking before managing the successful start-up of California Image Associates in Rancho Cordova. He was active in Kiwanis Club and also volunteered with the Sacramento Police Department before becoming completely disabled. He is at peace now. God bless him eternally.