SANFORD — Donald W. Thibeault, 87, of Oxnard died July 15, 2015 following a brief illness.

Don was born Jan. 4, 1928 in Sanford to Henry and Olive Thibeault, humble Canadian immigrants.

He married Marie Albert on June 21, 1952 in Portland.

Don graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Sanford in 1945, and received his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, his Master’s degree from Los Angeles State College, in California, and his Ed.D. from UCLA., also in Los Angeles, in 1978.

His military career was both long and varied, from serving as “Gun Boss” on the U.S.S. Huse (DE 145) during the Korean conflict (1952-1955) to commanding officer of a large Surface Reserve Division in Santa Monica, California (1976-1979). After seven years of active duty and 32 years as a reservist, he retired in 1988 with the rank of lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force.

His high school teaching career began at Reseda High School (1956-1959) and ended at Taft High School (1960-1992). He was an evening instructor at Los Angeles Pierce College from 1965 to 1984. Dr. Thibeault was also a pioneer mentor and master teacher for Los Angeles Unified School District.

After retiring from teaching, Don and his lovely wife moved to Oxnard, where he founded America Realty.

Don served as foreman of the 1997-1998 Ventura County Grand Jury. He also ran an exuberant campaign for mayor of Oxnard and served as a member on the Senior Services Commission, energetically championing causes benefitting the senior population in the community. In addition, he developed and taught mental gymnastics courses at the Wilson Senior Center.

Don is preceded in death by: his wife, Marie; his son, Denis; and his grandson, Andrew.

He is survived by: his son, David, of San Diego, California; his daughter, Donna, of Talent, Oregon; and three grandsons, Alex, Brandon, and Chasen.

There will be a memorial service on July 31 at 10 a.m. at Santa Clara Chapel in Oxnard. He will be interred at Miramar National Cemetery on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. All are welcome to attend.