Donald E. Nash

1924 - 2010

Donald E. Nash obituary, 1924-2010, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

BORN

1924

DIED

2010

FUNERAL HOME

Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary

1223 Cravens Ave

Torrance, California

Donald Nash Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 30, 2010.

Donald E. Nash 1924 - 2010

Donald E. Nash, 85, passed away on April 28, 2010. He was born on June 21, 1924 in Long Beach, California. He is survived by his son, Don L. Nash and wife Zola, his son, John E. Nash and wife Danielle, grandchildren, James K. Nash, Gregory B. Nash, Jake E. Nash and Nicole T. Nash and 5 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by former wife, Iris Phoenix of Torrance, CA and former wife, Rita Walker of Colorado Springs, CO. He moved to Torrance with his family in 1939 where he attended Torrance High School. A week after the attack on Pearl Harbor he enlisted in the Navy where he served for 3 years in the Pacific area in World War II. He joined the Torrance Police Department in 1948 where he served his community for over 42 years. He rose through the ranks of the department to become the Police Chief for the last 22 years of his career before retiring in 1992. Throughout his life he enjoyed family trips including camping and waterskiing with his sons. He loved to restore old vintage cars, travel and play golf. Due to his declining health in the past few years he was not able to continue with his passions. He enjoyed his time spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the community. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Covenant Church located at 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North in Rolling Hills Estates.

Arrangements under the direction of Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, Torrance, CA.
www.halversonstonemyers.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Nash

What is your first memory of Donald?

Share a favorite memory you have of Donald.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Donald.

Describe a time when Donald made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Donald?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Donald.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Donald.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Donald.

What is something you learned from Donald?

Not sure what to say?

May 12, 2010

Tim Ford

I was fortunate enough to meet Chief Nash at a Torrance Police Memorial and I have the honor of calling John my friend. Rest in Peace Chief.

Tim Ford
City of torrance Radio Shop

May 10, 2010

So Sorry for your loss. He was a great chief.

Barbara & Harold Maestri

May 10, 2010

The Bull Pen Restaurant

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

May 8, 2010

Lisa Horkay

When I first met Don, I was a shy young girl in a world of grown ups.... I will never forget the first time I met Don.... Art took me up to his house to introduce me..... the three of us were standing in the driveway; Art and Don talking....

I was just there, hiding behind my hair.... when Don turned to me, put his large hands gently, yet firmly, on my chin and lifted my chin up and said, " Stand up straight kiddo and hold your head up high... it took sometime but he did break me of the habit.

I feel so blessed to have been able to spend so very much time with Don. And yes, it was over meals.... Don loved a good home cooked meal and I loved to cook. Art and I shared more meals with Don than I could count. But after each meal, he would thank me and tell me how delicious it was.... Don has been there for me from the first day I met him..... Art and Don were the best of friends and a day did not go by that Don didn't come down and see Art or call. Don was Art's best friend and they were there for each other in good times and bad.

In the past year, Don helped me accept Art's death. He has called on a regular basis.... and always let me know I had a place to live up on the Hill....
While we will all miss Don; he is in a better place now and we shall see him again one day. ...Until that day, Don will live on in our memories and in our hearts.
Lisa Anne Horkay

May 6, 2010

John Masaki

Hi John, I'm sorry I was not able to make your dad's service yesterday. Phil tells me it was a beautiful program highlighting your dad's accomplishments during his lifetime and career. I know you stand proud, being his son!

May 6, 2010

gary vanderburg

i never met mr nash. but what i do know of him is that when i became a eagle scout in 1972 torrance troop 706 he was nice enough to write me a very nice letter of congrats! and that helped me shape my life! God bless you mr nash.

May 6, 2010

Emilio Paerels

Dear Chief Nash, all of our kind remembrances and accolades cannot do you justice. All we can do is honor your memory every day by living our lives in a way that would make you proud. Please give our friend Frank from Domenick's Pizza a big hug up there in heaven and enjoy one of his "Mussolini" sandwiches together. Until we meet again, God Bless.

May 5, 2010

My Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Chief Nash. It was a sad day upon hearing of his passing. During my time with the department Chief Nash was the boss and I had a great deal of respect not only for him but for his leadership. He was without a doubt a professional and at the same time a friend to his troops. May Chief Nash and Dave Cook rest in Peace.

Lee McCoy
Police Officer -1969-1980

May 5, 2010

Bob & Debby Kammerer

I first met Chief Nash when he was a Lieutenant and I was a newly hired Police Cadet. He help mentor me until he hired me as an officer in 1969. He supported me again when I proposed a new K-9 program in 1980. He promoted me to sergeant in the late 80's. Chief Nash led TPD through it's growth years and made it one of the top departments in California. I have nothing but great respect for this man. He was an "officer's" chief. Always backing his men, dispersing discipline when needed, but he was always fair. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to the family in this time of loss. May God bless his soul.

May 5, 2010

"To a great Chief, who never backed down and was a big part of the pride that each and every member of the department felt. Chief Nash was a great leader and helped develop the department into the best department in California!" Sgt. Rick Louk retired, Kerrville, Tx.

May 5, 2010

Rudi Linke

When our family moved next door some thirteen years ago, it was then he became my neighbor. Immediately after meeting him and his wife, he became our friend. Sitting with him on his patio over countless conversation, he became my confidant. He was all these things and so much more. I always marvelled at his sharpness of mind. He made me not afraid to grow old. He always said how happy he was to have a family next door breathing life into his neighborhood. We as neighbors will miss him so much.

May 5, 2010

Julie Connell

Long before I worked in Research and Training, Don and I were classmates at a UCLA Extension in a Personnel Management Class. To all his family and friends, remember the good times.

May 5, 2010

Al Romero

My condolences to the family of Chief Don Nash. I meet Don in the 50s I was a Torrance Police Reservist and worked Traffic with Don. He was a Great Person and Teacher to work with and learned from him. I went to work with L.A.P.D. for 26 years.Then went on to the California State Lottery Security Div. for 24 years. May the Peace of the Lord be with your family.

May 5, 2010

TerriAnn Ferren

Please accept my deepest sympathy. My prayers and love go out to Don's family and friends. Don was a very special person to me - and my husband Dave - and I have may beautiful memories of the times we (Don, Rita, Dave and I) spent together. I will miss Don very much. Say hello to my Dave in heaven.

May 5, 2010

Pete Velis

My heartfelt condolences to the entire Nash Family.
Don Nash was a street cop’s Chief. He was a great Chief, a great leader, a great man and he treated and backed the hard working street Cop with respect and dignity; even when they were not always the apple of the administration’s eye. Truth and Hard work were key.
To me TPD was like a family; that became so evident when we had the misfortune of losing Tom Keller. Don Nash was the patriarch and we all grieved together. God speed Don Nash, you will be greatly missed.

May 5, 2010

Glen Amos

John, Saddened for the loss of your father

May 5, 2010

Carolyn Weyant

To the Nash Family: On behalf of Betty Schroeder's family, please know that the thought of Don ("Chiefie" as Betty lovingly called him) will always bring smiles to our faces. He was a great boss and a great friend; and he was so fortunate to have had you in his life.

Carolyn (Schroeder) Weyant
Neil Schroeder
Toni (Schroeder) Spencer
Sheryl (Schroeder) Illgen

May 5, 2010

Kevin Eliason

You were my Lt. when I worked Traffic back in the '60s. You were always friendly and took extra time to chat with this rookie...You and Sgt. Dave Cook, a tough pair to work for but I learned an aweful lot from you both that shaped my career. Say Hi to Dave, up there at the roll call in the sky. Rest easy, Chief, you earned it. God Bless. Thanks. Kevin Eliason

May 5, 2010

Gil Kranke

A good honorable man and a GREAT Chief. It was a privilege to work for him. He was tough, demanding, but always fair. Rest in Peace.

May 5, 2010

Lauralee Faricelli

Don Nash was truly an icon, he was like "The Duke, he had True Grit", and he was such an asset to the people and the City of Torrance for a very long time. Don was one of those people that you thought would be here forever. His family is in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Chief

May 5, 2010

Robert Van Lingen

From helping my Dad put my first Bike together while you were working graveyard to your love for cars, your leadership and friendship, my memories run long and deep... 'till we meet again...

May 5, 2010

Mike Tamble

Our deepest sympathy to the CHIEF'S family. I have many fond memories of Chief Nash. He was the best man to lead our department. He was fair to all, he had the City's best interest and those who worked for him in his heart. He was truly a dedicated civil servant. You knew you had to do the right thing. I will miss him very much. Rest in Peace Don. Mike & Betty Tamble

May 5, 2010

My condolences go out to the family. I grew up with his grandson Greg and my grandfather Wally Nitz was also a former Torrance police officer as well as a good friend of Mr. Nash. Prayers.

Shannon Compare

May 5, 2010

John Prins

Rest in peace Chief! It was an honor and a privilege having worked for you!

May 5, 2010

Debi Traber

Don was a good friend to my husband, Ron. I will miss him coming by my house and pulling into the driveway and honking instead of parking and knocking on the door. Don, you were a very unique and special person. RIP our dear friend.

May 5, 2010

Ron Traber

Don was the one that we all looked at as "the real chief" and I felt fortunate to have had the privilege of working as his adjutant for 8 years. He provided me with many opportunities that I would otherwise not been able to enjoy. He was a very good friend and I will miss him a great deal. His passing truly is the end of an era.

May 5, 2010

I was deeply saddened in hearing of the death of Chief Nash. I was fortunate to have worked out of his office for 2 years and had the opportunity to learn a great deal from this man.
All of us, both retired and current Torrance Police Officers, will miss him and the valuable influence he had on all of us.

Wally Murker

May 4, 2010

A great man, very fair-but you better have told him the truth.
Great memories. John Senger Sedona AZ

May 4, 2010

Mike Terry

A man of his word. I am proud that I was able to work and know him over the years. My deepest sympathy to John and his family.

May 4, 2010

Kevin Berman

Don Nash was a caring and compassionate leader. He understood what being a policeman was and never forgot even as Chief. I have never forgotten.

May 4, 2010

Jean Hardy

I haven't seen Uncle Don since he attended my mom's funeral in 1982 (Thelma Nash Hardy). Sorry I lost touch with everyone. I live locally and will attend the service. If I don't have an opportunity to speak to my cousins, I can be reached at the e-mail address below. My sincere condolences to the family. I hope we can reconnect.

May 4, 2010

Jim Papst

With Chief Nash you never doubted who was in charge and that the Department and the community was in good hands. The most fair and staight forward Chief I ever worked for. We are all going to miss him.

May 4, 2010

Jim Farrar

He served during better times for our city and the country We will miss him.

May 4, 2010

I remember Don as always being very fair and friendly to me. He was my only Chief and I will always have fond memories of him! May he rest in peace.
Terry Shores
Temecula, Ca.

May 4, 2010

Jim and Lola Ulrich

To the Chief I hired on with and moved our Department forward we were all better because of his leadership. God be with the Nash family during this time.

May 4, 2010

John W Peterson III

May God Speed, We were young together and times were good!

May 4, 2010

Jim Weyant

It was an honor to serve as a member of Chief Don Nash's Torrance PD command staff. Not only did he provide me with professional guidance and allow me to handle my responsibilities without interference, he was a father figure during the early part of my career who helped me sail through some rough waters. Rest in peace chief!

May 4, 2010

Bland Family

Our deepest sympathy to the Nash family.

May 4, 2010

Jim FERGUSON

I pray for him to rest in peace and that he can be remembered only for the good things that he did.

May 4, 2010

Jim Foster

So long Don..It's an end of an era !
Jim & Bonnie Foster

May 4, 2010

Jim Randall

Both Carol and I thought Don was a warm and caring person. Carol says he was her favorite cop (next to me). Thirteen years on his Command Staff gave me many fond memories.

May 4, 2010

Both Carol and I thought Don was great. Carol said he was her favorite cop (next to me) and I will miss playing golf with him. Jim and Carol Randall (Fallbrook, CA)

May 4, 2010

Bob Foy

He was a good chief and person. Torrance is a better place because of Chief Nash. Thank you for your good works. Until we meet again with Our Lord in heaven...

God Bless all of his good family, peers and friends.

May 4, 2010

Penelope Koenig

Chief Nash was my Chief for most of my time with TPD, and I could not have had a better Chief. He was a good friend. I miss him.

May 4, 2010

Jill Hartel-Lonergan

My deepest sympathy to Dons family. My father Don Hartel worked with the Chief for many years and was a family friend to us all. He was a wonderful man.

May 3, 2010

Betti Baldwin RN

I will miss you Chief.

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results

Make a Donation
in Donald Nash's name

Memorial Events
for Donald Nash

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary

1223 Cravens Ave, Torrance, CA 90501

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Nash's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more