Don R. Amyx, N6DA SK Don R. Amyx May 12, 1948 - November 11, 2017 Resident of Union City Don Robert Amyx, resident of Union City, CA, age 69, passed away on November 21, 2017. Don died peacefully, surrounded by family, after a year-and-a-half battle with lung cancer. Don was born in Salinas and later moved to San Jose where he attended Blackford High School (Class of '66). As a teenager, Don developed a huge interest in Amateur (HAM) Radio and was licensed as WA6TQK and later N6DA. He pursued this hobby throughout his life and was a member of several HAM clubs, including NCCC and SBARA. Don was an avid sailor. He learned to sail in small lake boats and then crewed on larger racing boats in San Francisco Bay and also on yacht races to Hawaii and Tahiti. Don worked at San Jose Airport for his first career. He was an aircraft refueler and later worked in management in Airport Operations. He loved planes and held a private pilot's license. He attended San Jose State University during this time and earned a degree in Business. In the mid 1980's, Don began his second career at the City of Fremont, where he was an Administrative Analyst in the department of Public Works. He made the most of working closer to home and was able to coach his sons' teams, particularly Little League teams for Union City American. After his retirement in 2005, Don picked up the game of golf and loved playing with friends, especially at his home course, Skywest in Hayward. He was a loyal A's fan for over 40 years. He loved traveling to the Hawaiian Islands where he would swim, snorkel and celebrate the culture. Don was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Binh Thuy, near the Mekong Delta, for his tour of duty. He was always grateful that he was able to return home, meet Mary, and raise a great family. He is predeceased by son, Christopher B. Amyx, and parents, B.V. "Bob" Amyx and Marjorie Hickey Amyx of San Jose. He is survived by loving wife, Mary White Amyx, devoted sons, Robert (Kelly) Amyx of San Jose, Paul Amyx of Seal Beach and Brian Amyx of Hayward and wonderful grandsons, Patrick and William Amyx of San Jose. Don is also survived by his brother Richard (Meredy) Amyx and nephews Damon and Ethan Amyx of San Jose. Don's mother-in-law, Helen C. White, of Los Gatos and his large extended family also mourn his loss. A private "Celebration of Life" will be held. A donation in Don's memory may be made to www.donornetworkwest.org View the online memorial for Don R. Amyx Published in San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 17, 2017 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mercurynews/obituary.aspx?n=don-r-amyx&pid=187507365
