Donald DeWayne Karich died peacefully, surrounded by his family, in Los Angeles on October 8, 2024. He lived his life with laughter, independence, adventure, and was passionate about his wife, family and aviation. Don was born in Aurora, Colorado on December 19, 1944. He lived there with his parents, Leonard and Lorraine Karich, and siblings until 1950 when they moved to Longmont, Colorado. Don grew up in Longmont and was the oldest of five children. He attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Elementary School. He was an altar boy, and, as a member of Boy Scouts, received the Ad Altare Dei medal for Catholic scouts. Don attended Longmont High School where he played football and wrestled. During his Senior year, Don and his dad built a dune buggy from the frame up. Don was an adventure seeker, and after graduating, he drove his dune buggy from Longmont to Phoenix, Arizona, then made it to George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, visiting aunts and uncles at each stop. In Victorville, his Uncle Gene helped him rebuild and fix his dune buggy to make roadworthy for the trip back to Colorado. Don attended and graduated from the University of Colorado in 1966. He often told stories of how after his freshman year, he hitchhiked through Europe for a month. He then attended the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Doctoral degree in Dental Science. After working in dentistry, Don enrolled at Loyola University Chicago to attain his Post Doctoral Degree in Orthodontics. Don had a dream to live near the ocean, and in the late 1970’s, he moved his wife, Dianne, and four sons to a beach front house in Surfside, California. He opened his orthodontic practice in Fountain Valley, California, and was a well respected orthodontist, until his retirement. He was passionate about his work and loved his patients of whom he had lifetime relationships. Don raised his family on the beach in Southern California. He was the proud father to four sons, Eric, Andy, Mike and Matt, who were athletic like their father, and all played competitive high school sports. Don enjoyed attending sports events and other activities of his boys and, more recently, his 12 grandchildren. Don had a passion for aviation, earning his pilot’s license in the 1970’s, and later his instructor’s license. He owned several airplanes over 40 years, including a Steerman, which he flew with friends, and a Bonanza. He was especially proud of a Christen Eagle he built with his Dad in the 1980’s. Don was in his element as an adventure seeker while flying, even participating in mock “dog fights” in the air. He was a fine pilot and flew safely. He called his airplanes “Corvettes in the sky”. In 2009, Don met Teresa Veldof, whom he married in 2014. They shared a passion for aviation, and spent the last 15 years flying together, traveling and enjoying friends and family. Don was preceded in death by his mother and father, Leonard and Lorraine; his son, Matthew; and his brother, Lynn. He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Teresa, sons Eric (spouse Amy), Andy (spouse Laura), Mike (spouse Michelle), and Katie (wife of Matthew), and 12 grandchildren: Hayden (spouse Victoria), Avery, Abby, Annie, Ariel, Olivia, Brady, Charlie, Chloe, Colt, Bailey and Lily. Don is also survived by his sisters, Karen (Dean) Hein, Kathy Hallford, and Sandy (Ralph) Bigger, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Don will be greatly missed by many friends and everyone who shared his love for life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.