Donald William Ellis March 6, 1949 – January 11, 2015

A Celebration of Life will was held at the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito St. Hollister, on January 17, 2015, at 1:00 P.M. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society c/o Grunnagle Funeral Home. Visit: www.grunnagle.com.
 Don was born a twin, on March 6, 1949, in Toronto, Canada to Maxwell and Catherine Ellis.
 He grew up in Covina, CA, receiving his college degree from Citrus College. Don was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country honorably.
 His bravery during the Vietnam War earned him the respect of many. As a Combat MP, Don escorted convoys to and from Chu Lai and Da Nang, many of which drew heavy fire from enemy forces. As written by his fellow servicemen, Don was revered as a leader among many brave men. Despite the respect and admiration he received, Don remained humble.
 Upon retiring from the army, he returned to California. Not long after, Don married and lived the American dream when he bought his first home and began raising a family. He then moved to Hollister, CA,where he began a new chapter in his life, making many friends along the way.
 Don was known for his warm heart, charming sense of humor, and for helping anyone in need.
 After a short and brave battle with cancer, Don passed away on January 11, 2015. On the day of his passing, Don was surrounded by the love of his closest family as they kept constant vigil by his side.
 Mr. Ellis is preceded in death by his daughter Cristy Fashano of Yucaipa, CA. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Ellis of Redding, CA, Patrick Ellis and his wife Amalia, both of Hollister, twin brother, Dave Ellis and his wife, Margaret both of Glendora, CA, sister Patti Blain and her husband, Robert, both of Mission Viejo CA, brother, John Ellis and his wife, Mary, both of Tennessee, four grandchildren, Ian and Colin of Hollister, Hayden of Upland, CA, and Alyssa of Redding, Aunt Wilma Balmer, of Ontario Canada, other cousins, nieces and nephews and many, many friends.