Obituary of Donald B. Vaupel, Jr.

Donald B. Vaupel, Jr. passed away on July 16, 2018 at the age of 79.  He was the surviving twin born to Imogene Keeler Vaupel and Donald Benjamin Vaupel, Sr. in Santa Monica, California.  Growing up throughout southern California, the family settled in Whittier. 

Don was always interested in giving to others.  Even when young, he raised money for charity and made connections with senior citizens.  While taking part in community theater during his teenage years, he experimented with how drama could be a part of his life.  He explored various careers, which culminated in his position as an office manager at the University of San Francisco. 

When Don was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in his late 40s, he became part of a lifestyle change study run by Dean Ornish, an author and leading researcher in health care.  Through monitoring his diet and continuing his AA sobriety, he extended his life considerably.  He stayed in contact with his AA friends and members of the original Ornish study.

Don came to Olympia in 2003 and became involved in the Senior Companion Program where he continued to support members of the Olympia community through lifelong volunteerism.  Don’s family and friends will remember and celebrate his generosity, his warmth and humor, and his deep empathy for others.

He is survived by brothers, James Vaupel and Michael (Robin) Vaupel; and several cousins.