Donald McPherson; Retired County Employee

Donald Scott McPherson, a retired county engineering assistant, died in his sleep Wednesday at the Ventura Convalescent Hospital. He was 92.

McPherson was born Dec. 20, 1907, in Oklahoma City. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Oakland, where McPherson lived until he was 19.

At his father’s urging, he moved to Santa Paula to learn the lemon business and worked for the Briggs Lemon company until 1941.

From the start of World War II until 1946 he worked at the Port Hueneme naval base.

After the war, he became an employee of the Ventura County Public Works Department. He retired in 1974.

He enjoyed gardening, golf and tennis. He also had a strong interest in geology.

“Making everyone who came in contact with him happy seemed to be his mission,” said his daughter, Donna Barr of Ventura.

He was also known in this area for his baritone voice. McPherson had been invited to sing at many weddings, funerals, churches and civic activities.

McPherson often said he wanted to be remembered with a smile on his face and a song in his heart, Barr said.

His wife of 46 years, Helen, died in April 1975.

McPherson moved to Grants Pass, Ore., in 1976 but moved back to Ventura in 1994 to be closer to his family. Until his recent illness, he resided at the Ventura Townhouse.

In addition to his daughter, he is survived by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.