Don Galleano

Don,

Was just thinking about you as I had a glass on Zinfandel and then followed by port.

Never forget the straight shooter, no holds bar encouragement you always provided. You said it like it was, even if people weren’t ready to hear it. And you said it in a way that they wouldn’t easily forget it even if they didn’t want to hear it.

Never forget the evenings after work when we hung out in your cabin on the winery. Where real conversations were had and the World’s problems were dismissed or solved.

When you saw potential in some one you made sure they knew it. And I always appreciate you making me feel that way.

A legend in the water industry and vineyard/farming/winemaking! A true Renaissance man! I remember going out back to siphon port out of a barrel into a mason jar that you wanted me to try.

And not just a self proclaimed historian, but a living legend with a memory like gold. You told stories that never made it into history books, but should have as the life lessons from them were priceless.

I remember asking you why Cantu came before Galleano on the Interchange on 15. And asked who Cantu was and the stories of prohibition and Mexican government.

Larger than life personality and the prowess the back it up.

You had the hat and cattle in life, you knew it, lived it and loved it! They don’t make too many men like you anymore.

Cheers to you Don! Thanks for your investment in me and your kind/caring friendship.

Capturing Director Galleano’s presence, his vibrance, in a tribute is hard to do as he was such a kind, intelligent, full-of-life person. I had the opportunity of working with Don for roughly 15 years as a member of the Western Municipal Water District team. He was always a straight shooter with his thoughts, knowing what it took to provide water for the constituents in Western’s territory. I particularly liked that Don worked to get people around a table to talk things out. I learned a lot as a Western staffer from observing Don as he led the way on Western’s Board of Directors and at MWD. I’m grateful to have known him, learned from him, but also to call him a friend. He checked in on people, especially when he knew they might need a shoulder or an ear. I often think about stopping by his winery to say hello…he is missed by many, including me.

PS I was often behind the scenes, such as for this video shoot for SAWPA featuring Don, helping with scripting and preparation.

Don was a good friend and colleague who helped me over some rough patches in my life. Galleano Zinfandel is indelibly branded in my brain and on several shirts. Congressman John Garamendi enjoyed its benefits at reception held for him in Crestline. As a good Democrat, Donnie was always there.

I enjoyed late afternoons sipping wine and snacking on cheese at his spread and watching wine operations underway, taking notes from the master. I was particularly envious of his old Mobilgas tank outside, a piece of history imagined for my rec room!

Those were memorable days well spent as I experienced a true sense of community with him over the years. Don, the old gang is breaking up!

Don was a great guy who was never short of a good story or a funny joke. I had the pleasure of having drinks with Don on many occasions and he always held the attention of any room he was in. He will surely be missed by all who knew him.

I went to Rubidoux High School with Don. Always the funny one with the jokes. They called him the class clown. Just a nice person, always with the comedy. RIP Don.

Rest in peace dear friend

I passed my certified wine educator exam last month, it breaks my heart that I can’t tell you to your face about this.