Obituary of Donald Francis Drobny

DON DROBNY Lifelong resident of Chico, Don Drobny, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. He was born on January 25, 1928. He was a true "man of the earth". Born and raised on an almond farm, he was a farmer for over 50 years. He farmed the land that his father, Joseph and his uncle, Wencel Drobny bought from Annie Bidwell's Rancho Chico Estate. He lived on the farm most of his life. Don was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed exploring Butte Meadows and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain areas. Don served in the US Army as an artillery man. He served in a domestic capacity. After his years in the military, he returned to his home in Chico to work the family farm. In later years, Don took care of his mother, Emilia Drobny, and his father, Joseph Drobny, until their deaths in 1986 and 1994 respectively. Don will be greatly missed by family and friends. We will miss his true wit and dry sense of humor. He is survived by his brother, Eugene Drobny; niece, Dayle Luke and her husband/Don's caregiver, Tom Luke; nephews, Paul Drobny (Catherine) and Chris Drobny (Edie); grandnieces, Emily, Olivia and Sophie Drobny; and grandnephew, Eric Drobny. Don will also be missed by his family at Roseleaf Senior Care where he spent his final months. Don's final request was to have his ashes scattered in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.