Don Moreau

Donald Joseph Moreau, 96, of Somerset, Manitoba, Canada, passed away unexpectedly at his home, in Temecula, on Thursday, January 10th, 2019. He was born October 12th, 1922, the seventh child of Louis and Olivia Moreau’s 13 children.

Don, was musically talented, playing various instruments through his years. At the age of 13, he played the drums in his family’s band, The Rhythmic Serenaders. The family moved to Vancouver, B.C., Canada when Don was in his early teens. There he worked many jobs, including a lineman, a deep-sea diver and a logger. At one point, Don was a professional boxer, and donated his winnings to charity. Don left home at 17 years of age where he hitched a ride on the freights, accompanied by his brother Clem, and headed east in search of work during the Great Depression. They arrived in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, where Don found work as a miner. Don moved to Los Angeles in 1944, where his aunt and cousins lived. While living in Hollywood, Don became interested in plumbing and construction. That interest encouraged him to obtain his Contractor’s License, and ultimately opened his own plumbing business, Moreau Plumbing. During that time, Don experienced the heyday of the Hollywood scene, and mingled with stars like Lucille Ball, Robert Mitchum and others.

Don was married to Faith Lieberson from 1949 to 1978, and together they had 9 children. During that time, they resided in the South Bay area for many years, where he developed over 250 residential units. Being active in his community, Don was a member of the Knights of Columbus, was an Honorary Speaker for Salesian Boys and Girls Club in East Los Angeles, and donated the tower bell to St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church, in Torrance. The family moved to Sacramento for a brief period, where Don was developing a tract of one hundred new homes. In 1961, Don was in a serious accident where they pronounced him dead at the scene, but then was revived at the hospital. Don spent many months in the hospital, rehabilitating from the accident, as only he could with that indomitable spirit, and zeal for life. Don went on to live a full life to the age of 96.

In 1980, Don married Marjorie Smith, and they resided in Manhattan Beach for fifteen years, where he built many custom homes. Don retired from his construction business at the age of 65 years, and sold his business at the age of 70.

In 1995, he and Marj moved to Temecula, where they purchased Don’s ranch style, dream home, with acreage. Don continued to stay engaged in construction and real estate activities throughout his retirement.
Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Marjorie Moreau; his nine children, Karen (William), Donna (Steven), Dennis (Patricia), Gary (Rosemary), Michele (Gary), Douglas, Donald (Laura), Ronald, Kathleen (Mark); 31 Grandchildren and 28 Great-Grandchildren, and 4 predeceased grandchildren.

Don will be most remembered for his undeniable love for his family, love of life and his energetic spirit. Don’s daughter, Kathleen stated, “I am sure dad is already at work making plans on how to expand God’s Kingdom.”

Don’s celebration of Life will be held at Michael’s Tuscany Room at 470 West 7th Street, in San Pedro, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Donald J. Moreau’s name to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. For donations go to: Scripps.org/giving or send checks made payable to: Scripps Health Foundation, with Donald J. Moreau’s name in memo field, at 4275 Campus Point Ct, San Diego, CA 92121