Donald Moe Obituary, Death – Donald “Don” or “Donny” Moe died peacefully at his home in Dana Point, California, on November 5, 2022, surrounded by his family and friends. He was eighty years old. Ruth Moe, Grant Moe, and Carolyn Cook, his sister, all died before him. His wife, Kate Moe, and his children, Jeffrey Moe and Jennifer Martinez, survive him, as do his stepchildren, Troy Burnett and Shelly Burnett; grandchildren, Piper, Elijah, Ryleigh, Micah, and Josiah Martinez, Chelsea Anderson, Jessica Whitaker, and Ryan Burnett; brother, John Moe; and two surviving sisters, Judy Lombardelli and Marilyn Asmuth.
Don’s faith in Jesus Christ was central to his life; he was a caring individual who kept his sense of humor until the end. When asked how he planned to spend the rest of his brief time on Earth, he replied, “I want to be respected, loved, and loved.” He also requested a bottle of champagne to commemorate his death. These requests simply reflect the qualities he embodied throughout his life: respect, love, and living in the moment. His legacy lives on not only in the homes and communities of Irvine Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, and beyond, where he dedicated the majority of his life to providing housing to Orange County families.
He was a housing industry leader, having served as Past President of the Building Industry Association of Orange County and as a member of the National Association of Home Builders’ board of directors. He did, however, give back to his community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Irvine Public Schools Foundation and as a founding board member of T.H.I.N.K. Together, an after-school tutorial program for at-risk children. In his later years, he spent a significant amount of time volunteering as an Orange County board member. He was also very proud to have been a long-time member of the Portola Riders.
He has received numerous awards, including the Individual Achievement Award from the Building Industry Association of Southern California, the Max Tipton Award for Marketing Excellence, the BIA OC Tribute to Excellence Award, and the Legacy Award. He had many professional accomplishments, but he would tell you that having loving and long-lasting relationships with his family and friends was his greatest achievement. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He made a positive difference in the world and will be missed. Please make a donation to Orange County, 2200 Ritchey Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705, in lieu of flowers. On Saturday, January 21st, at 11:00 a.m., a Celebration of Life will be held at South Shores Church, 32712 Crown Valley Pkwy, Dana Point.