I would like to adjourn tonight’s meeting in memory of Donald “Don” Kuehl, who passed away on January 20, 2026, just one month shy of his 101st birthday.
Don was born on February 20, 1925, in Long Beach and grew up in the Los Angeles area.
At just 18 years old, he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army during World War II.
Don served in the 91st Division, 347th Field Artillery Battalion, as a radio operator in Northern Italy — a role that required courage, precision and dedication.
When he returned from the war, he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia Beal, in 1947.
Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.
Don spent much of his career working in electronic repair and sales and was known as a lifelong learner with a deep curiosity for science and technology.
He had a passion for aviation, learning to fly small planes, completing skydiving jumps and even taking a glider flight for his 98th birthday with then-Congressman Mike Garcia.
I had the pleasure of meeting Don last year as he celebrated his 100th birthday.
He was such an amazing man and even in his later years, he remained active and engaged — attending a veteran’s coffee group, practicing Morse code, playing piano, learning American Sign Language and cheering on his beloved Dodgers and Lakers.
On behalf of the Santa Clarita City Council and our entire community, we extend our deepest condolences to Don’s family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
