Donald Richard Aubrey

January 14, 1928 - July 6, 2015

Santa Barbara's son Donald Richard Aubrey passed away peacefully on July 6, 2015, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Oxnard on January 14, 1928, to Charles and Ruth Weatherbee Aubrey, the family lived in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Meiner's Oaks during Don's early childhood, later moving to Bakersfield, where Don graduated from Bakersfield High School.After high school, Don joined the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after a 25-year career. It was at Bakersfield High School that he met Lucille Nancy Otero, whom he would marry on December 28, 1946, readily conceding an appointment at West Point to marry his sweetheart. The young couple linked hands and hearts and turned to embrace the world together. A month after their wedding, Don deployed to Fukuoka, Japan, and Lucille remained behind for one year and six days until their reunion in Japan. Don was later stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, followed by three years in France. From France, the family moved to Fort Ord near Monterey, California. While stationed at Fort Ord, Don deployed to Korea for 15 months. Upon his return, the family moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before eventually returning to France. After four years in France, the family transferred to El Segundo, California, where Don worked as an Advisor to the National Guard. During that time, Don deployed to Long Bien, Vietnam. After his safe return, the family moved to Fort Carson, Colorado, before Don's last Army posting, in Frankfurt, Germany, as Chief Engineer of the Taunus District. Don retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in November 1970, settling in Santa Barbara, where the Aubrey and Weatherbee families had settled in the 19th century. He undertook university studies at UC Santa Barbara, earning his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation from UCSB, Don pursued his second career, first at ABLE Engineering, and later at Raytheon and Delco. When he retired from Delco, Don and Lucille decided to move to Falmouth in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where Don launched his third career as business manager for Aubrey Consulting Inc. (later, the Woods Hole Group), an oceanographic research firm. In 1995, Don finally retired for good and he and Lucille returned to Santa Barbara, where they were yet again active leaders at St. Raphael's Catholic Church and throughout the diocese. Don served the parish as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and fundraising director for the new school buildings. Together, he and Lucille began the St. Vincent de Paul Council at St. Raphael's, and Don served as District President of the Santa Barbara District. Don also held almost all of the ranks at the Chapter level with the Knights of Columbus, and was Past Faithful Navigator of the Junipero Serra Assembly. Don's community activities extended beyond St. Raphael's Parish, as Commander in the Military Order of the World Wars (MOWW), and for many years as docent at the Ronald Reagan Center in downtown Santa Barbara. Throughout their life, Don and Lucille enjoyed exploring the world, traveling to Asia, Africa, Europe, New Zealand, and the Middle East, via riverboat, cruise ships, plane, train, and automobile, even riding an ostrich and camel. Don will be remembered for his love of family and generosity to others. He influenced countless lives for the better, acknowledging the dignity of all whom he met. He was a great adviser and mentor to his children and family - a model husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Don is survived by Lucille, his wife of almost 69 years. He is also survived by his children Dennis, David, Ann, and John, and their families, including 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Son Stephen passed before him on July 17, 2014.A man of supreme faith, intelligence, loyalty, compassion, patriotism, and wisdom, Don's passing is mourned by all who knew him. May God grant him rest and eternal joy. A rosary will be held on Monday, July 13, at St. Raphael's Church at 7 pm. The funeral Mass will be Tuesday, July 14, at St. Raphael's at 10 am. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall. A private inurnment will be held at Old Mission Santa Barbara.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Raphael Conference St. Vincent de Paul, or the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care of Santa Barbara.