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Donald Avery Keller, (66) passed away in his home on Sunday, May 22nd, 2016, after a courageous 2-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Kearney, Nebraska on December 6, 1949, Don was the second of six sons born to Donald Adelbert Keller, and Elizabeth Hillon Keller. While still a toddler, his family moved to Long Beach, California, where Don attended Lincoln and Emerson Elementary Schools, Stanford Middle School, and Millikan. After graduation from Millikan in 1968, he attended Long Beach City College and California State University, Long Beach where he graduated with a B.A. in History and a teaching credential.
In 1973, Don followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a second-generation LBUSD teacher at Muir Elementary School. During his time there, Don earned his Master’s Degree in Education and an Administrative Credential. In the following years, he taught and coached at Newcomb K-8 and Wilson High School before holding Administrative positions at Lindberg Junior High School, Lakewood High School, and Masuda Middle School in Fountain Valley.
 Ultimately, Don’s career was defined by his dedicated work as Principal of Stanford Middle School and Co-Principal of Millikan High School, both institutions he had attended and loved as a young man. “Once a Ram, Always a Ram!” Donald often exclaimed. His teaching staffs and colleagues appreciated and respected his positivism, enthusiasm, genuine passion, sense of humor, and pride he brought to work with him every single day.
Donald Keller is survived by his mother, Betty Keller; wife, Gail Keller; children, Cassie Keller Ward (Ross) and Ryan Keller; grandchildren, Mason and Camille Ward; brothers, Rich (Peggy), Eric (Staci), Ray (Ann), Neal, and Gary (Patty) Keller as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
.png) A Memorial Service in Don’s honor was held at Millikan High School on Saturday, June 18, 2016.
The family of Donald Keller requests that, in lieu of flowers, please send donations for pancreatic cancer research to UCI Health at:
https://www.uadv.uci.edu/Donald-Keller.
For those wishing to send a check, please make payable to UCI Foundation; Memo Line: Donald Keller/Pancreatic Cancer; Mail To: UC Irvine Health Advancement; c/o Rhonda Halverson; 333 City Blvd. West, Suite 605; Orange, CA 92868.
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Wayne Kaplan
It struck me—when I first learned Don was a Millikan Principal— the parallels, between the TV show, Welcome Back Kotter, starring... Gabe Kaplan (no relation); and Don's circular route: from Millikan Student to Millikan Principal. So, as part of the Reunion lead-up, I created a short video snippet, based on that thought.
I wasn't sure how Don would receive it, but I took a chance and published it, without telling him. Well, Don loved it! In fact, when it came time for his retirement party, a few years later, Don contacted me and asked if I still had a copy, because he wanted to play it at the event.
So, in fond memory of Don Keller... and the Sweathogs, here it is: Welcome Back!
Roger Hassenpflug
Jan Wagner (Kirner)
I have fond memories of Don since Standford Junior High. He was always a leader but never obtrusively. My foundest memory was going to my first boy/girl party with dancing at his home. His parents pushed the furniture back and played the music loud and we all danced for hours. I was sad for his family to have lost him before he was able to experience a relaxing retirement.