Donald Arthur Harting

Longtime Davis resident Donald “Don” Harting, 90, passed away quietly at home in the early hours of December 30th, 2023.   He was born in Lakewood, Ohio to Frank and Julitta Harting.  

Don graduated with a BA in business from Kent State University,  then enlisted in the US Navy at NAS Oceana Virginia Beach, VA. There he worked in chaplain services including journalistic duties for the on-base newspaper.

Shortly after relocating to California in 1958 he began working for Fireman’s Fund Insurance in San Francisco.  There he met the “love of his life” Carol Schneider and they were married October 22nd, 1960 and had 3 sons.

 In 1969 he started working for the California State Employees Association (CSEA).  After being offered a position in Sacramento, he moved his family to Davis in 1972, and became an avid runner.  He retired in 1995 after having been a state mediator for the Association of California State Supervisors.

The arts played a big part of his daily life.   He was a talented abstract/mixed medium painter, classic music aficionado, and father of over 300 cactus which developed out of his love for gardening.  He and Carol were volunteer ushers at Friends of Mondavi Center, travelled often to Europe, and participated on many cruises.  Closer to home, they attended various Elderhostel “weeks” in New Mexico and Alaska.  A devout Catholic, Don ushered for over 25 years at St. James Church.

He is survived by his wife Carol Harting, and sons Paul Harting of Sacramento, Thomas Harting of Los Angeles and Vancouver, BC, and Dennis Harting and wife Anna of Cupertino, and grandchildren Emma Harting and Amity Harting of Goleta, CA.

Funeral service will be held at St. James Church, Friday, January 12th at 10:30am.  Burial to follow at Davis Cemetery.