Together, Don and Ginny served the Santa Clara Vanguard for over 30 years from 1970-1999 and briefly from 2009-2011. They were both instrumental in the growth of the vanguard as an organization from behind the scenes and they were always willing to share their successes with other groups and volunteers to help benefit other programs as well. They not only donated their time, but also made financial donations contributing to the first souvie trailers and even investments towards the original corps hall endowment fund.

Don spent many years working bingo 4 days a week, volunteering to help pay off member dues and was instrumental in growing the bingo program into a vital source of income for the organization. He was a familiar face to all of the bingo players even when he returned after a 10 year absence. Don served on several committees including the bingo committee, Pacific Procession Committee, the building maintenance/fleet committee, served as Booster Club president, and was a member of the board of directors for several years. He drove vehicles on tour for both corps including the souvie RV and Bus 3 (Charlotte). Don also assisted in building the first Miss Amana and the first two souvie trailers from the frame up. 

Ginny took over souvenir sales as a fundraiser and later elevated the line of products from a single shirt to a variety of items and pioneered the show shirt concept. Her efforts contributed to one of the most successful souvenir programs in all of drum corps. She was the first to take the souvie business on the road and became a familiar face at shows standing inside the famous drum. Ginny is perhaps most known for her time spent sewing for both the A-Corps and Cadet Corps. She started sewing uniforms in 1972 when the corps changed the uniform design. She made any and everything that was asked of her including uniforms, costumes, flags, props, stick bags, percussion accessories, flag bags, and sewing patches onto jackets in her “spare time”.

Don and Ginny were always active volunteers in their community starting with their church and singing in the choir. Don served as treasurer for the Sunnyvale Elks Lodge for several terms and regularly worked their bingo games. He also helped to drive for groups whenever called upon by his son, JW, and he continued to work more bingos for the San Jose Raiders as well. Both Don and Ginny were involved with the Saratoga Drama Group in the 90’s/00’s. Don worked the lighting while Ginny sewed costumes and even performed on stage. Ginny continued to sew flags and costumes for countless drum corps, winter guards and marching bands for many years following her time with the Santa Clara Vanguard. Local groups included The San Jose Raiders, Leigh High School, Homestead High School, Ida Price, and many more. Ginny also toured with the Cavaliers for a few summers sewing on the road with them. Don and Ginny both continued their various volunteer roles for many years until age forced them to slow down. 

Don and Ginny were not only pillars of their family, but of the communities they surrounded themselves with. They were a leading example of doing the right things for the right reasons with integrity and passion. Ginny and Don passed peacefully in February and June of 2021 respectively.