Donald C. Pilkinton's Obituary
Donald Claude Pilkinton was born in Fresno, California Jan 21, 1939 to Nellie V. Milton-Pilkinton and Searcy Pilkinton. Don relocated with his family to Oakland while in elementary school, and kept strong family ties to Fresno, often returning with his cousins from Los Angeles, to work the grape vineyards of grandparents, Claude and Fannie Pilkinton. While Oakland was his home for most of his adult life, Don made Truckee, California, his second home and Squaw Valley his playground.Don attended Oakland's Woodrow Wilson Jr. High, where he first met longtime partner, Jackie Basham. At this time, Don was age 13, Jackie was 11yrs old, and had a small rush on Don. Later, Don attended Oakland Technical High School where he sharpened his love of music, playing trombone in the school band, and graduated in 1956. A lover of nature, Don was proud to be affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America where, through his hard work and dedication, he became an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow.In 1959, Don enlisted in the U.S. Airforce, which allowed him to use his great mathematical talents to become a survey engineer, and meet his future wife, Carole Pilkinton, whom he married December 23, 1961. Don and his new bride lived in New Hampshire, before returning to Oakland in Spring of 1964. Soon after, Don saw the birth of his first daughter, Koren. That same year, after an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Don became a successful Land Surveyor for the County of Alameda where he managed a team of Land Surveyors. Don loved his work, which enabled him to be in the outdoors, and swim in the local lakes during his lunch breaks. He retired after 35 years and began to enjoy a very rich and diverse retirement.It is well know that Don loved nature and was an outdoor enthusiast. He had early dreams of being a State Park Ranger, and he spent much of his time in the Yosemite Valley, the Sierras, and local and state parks. He taught his daughters to mark trees, to use the sun to tell time, and the stars to recognize the seasons, as well as foods that could b eaten in the wild. He enjoyed many other activities including golf, riding his motorcycle and traveling the world to ski and scuba dive. Don also had a sincere love of God, and shared with his daughter that the Spirit of God was best experienced in nature. However, after a childhood of countless hours in church, he found his inspiration in music and on the heavenly slopes. To say that he enjoyed skiing would be an understatement. Out of all the activities he loved, skiing was his passion. Don learned to ski as a youth, and he raised his daughters on skis, often using mountain philosophy to help them navigate the challenging moguls in life. Don frequently coached them not to look down, to "just ski what's in front of you." He was commonly known as “Chief” on the slopes and was the heart and soul of a group of skiers known as “Pirates”. If Don gave you your “Pirate” feathers, you knew you were among the elite and could run the mountain with this band of brothers.Don was one of the co-founders of All Seasons Ski Club in Oakland, California, where he served as President, Treasurer, Youth Club Director, and Trip Leader on several ski trips. He also served as a Director for the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS), a network of predominately African-American ski clubs throughout the United States.One of Don’s greatest gifts was his ability to teach. He taught Surveying courses at a local community college and countless skiers as a ski instructor, including his children, nephew, and extended family. He continued to share his joy and love for the sport with his friends and family throughout his life. Don would also share his knowledge of history, nature, geography, and astronomy, with anyone willing to listen or have a conversation.Don also knew how to relax. A lifelong lover of music, he spent his spare time enjoying his family, extended family and friends, and savoring a great meal. He had a passion for history, reading and science fiction, and he enjoyed sharing books with his daughters. A lifelong lover of music, Don introduced his children to live music, and took them with him to hear the "old greats" in concert. Jazz had a special place in Don's heart, and Don was a fixture at the Monterey Jazz Festival.Don is survived by his two daughters Koren and Kelli Pilkinton, his sister Sharon Hymes-Offord, his nephew Trenton Offord, his step-daughters Cheryl and Janet Dorsey and his longtime love, Jackie Basham. Preceding Don in passing were his father, Searcy M. Pilkinton; his mother, Nellie V. Milton; his sister, Marion Hill; and his nephew, Stephen Mayfield. Family and friends will remember Don as his own person – a pioneering man that created his own path and inspired others. Fiercely loyal and caring, he will be missed by scores of people who are heartbroken by his passing.
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