Tucson, Arizona - Donald S. Ren, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, in Tucson. He was born on November 28, 1938, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Charles Ren and Charlotte McNeilus. A man known for his strength and perseverance, Donald lived a life defined by hard work, commitment and discipline.

Donald grew up in Ajo, where he graduated from Ajo High School in 1957. A gifted athlete, he earned varsity letters in football, basketball and track, and his competitive spirit guided much of his life. After high school, he went to work in the copper mine of Ajo and also spent a period there serving as a deputy with the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the early 1960s.

In the late 60s, Donald began a long and rewarding career as a land surveyor with the Pima County Transportation department in Tucson, a position he held for more than thirty years until his retirement in 2001. His knowledge and dedication to detail left a lasting mark on those with whom he worked.

In his private life, Donald was an accomplished fastpitch softball pitcher during Tucson's heyday in the sport in the 1970s. In a span of just two years, he rose from the city's B leagues to Tucson's top league (AAA) -- a remarkable feat reflecting his natural athleticism and relentless drive. He went on to compete in the Arizona State League from 1975 through 1977, when it was recognized as one of the premier leagues in the nation.

Donald devoted his life to fitness, maintaining a rigorous weight training regimen for more than fifty years. His commitment to personal discipline inspired friends and family alike. He was also a devoted fan of the University of Arizona football team and was a season ticket holder throughout most of the 1960s, 70s and 80s. He attended his first Wildcat game in the early 1950s as a schoolboy and continued going to U of A games off and on in eight straight decades, including one as recently as 2023.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beth Burkhead; his father, Charles Ren; his mother, Charlotte McNeilus; his brothers, Chuck Ren (an accomplished western artist), David Ren and his grandfather, renowned Arizona hunting guide Charles Ren. He is survived by his children, Evan Ren and Charlotte Dobson, his stepchildren Monica Bulla and Jeff Schnell and his sister, Judith Hargrove.

In accordance with his wishes, Donald will be cremated and his ashes will be spread in and around the areas of Tucson, Ajo and Sedona — a fitting tribute to a man whose roots and heart always belonged to the Grand Canyon State.