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.
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.
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