This month, we are proud to recognize Don & Delfina as our Deckhands of the Month. Over the past three years as members of the Canyon Lake Yacht Club, they have been wonderful volunteers and contributors, stepping in with helping hands and great spirit at many of our events. 

Delfina grew up nearby in Hemet and New Mexico, with10 other siblings. She was number ten, with an amazing 25-year age gap between the oldest and youngest. Her childhood was split between two homes, traveling often between Hemet and New Mexico. At a young age, she learned to sew from her mother and loved watching boxing with her father. Life was simple but demanding—she recalls picking walnuts and apricots on the east side of Hemet and graduating from Vaughn High School in New Mexico from a class of only 29 students, in a place where running water wasn’t always a given. She later graduated from Mt. San Jacinto College. Her hard work ethic was formed early and has carried with her ever since. 

Don is a Southern California native, born in Inglewood and raised in the San Pedro area before moving to the City of Orange. The second of four children, Don grew up enjoying many sports, but his greatest passion was baseball. He graduated from El Modena High School and later graduated from San Diego State University. 

The two met the “old fashion way,” in a nightclub at the La Jolla Marriott in 1987 and soon built a life together in San Diego, where they lived in Linda Vista. In 1993, they tied the knot in Jamaica, beginning a new chapter as husband and wife. 

While living in San Diego, their son Quinton was born. It wasn’t long before they realized they wanted to raise their family in a safer and more affordable neighborhood, which inspired their move to Canyon Lake, where Delfina’s sister and her family lived. A couple of years later, their daughter Alexa was born, and together they built a life centered on family, friends and community. 

Delfina worked for the Auto Club of Southern California for 25 years, a career that gave her the opportunity to travel, with favorites including Hawaii, Europe, and Sedona, Arizona. Eventually, a transfer to the Inland Empire brought them to Canyon Lake, where boating became a favorite family pastime. Don, Delfina, and the kids loved taking the boat out for cruises, swimming, and floating in the lake together. 

Family has always been at the heart of their story. Don and Delfina were actively involved in their children’s activities—Don serving on the Little League board and coaching baseball, while Delfina attended dance classes with Alexa, helped with story time at the library, and even worked at the election polls. Don worked mostly in sales and customer service, but his career path was diverse, ranging from advertising to car rental, to park ranger. Always versatile, he became known as a “jack of all trades and a master of none,” bringing his many skills to every job he held. Delfina also cherished her time as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her energy into raising their children. 

Their mottos reflect their outlook on life: Delfina’s is “It will always work out,” while Don lives by “Always be grateful and thankful.” Together, these simple but powerful mantras have guided their family through life’s challenges and joys. 

Today, Don & Delfina continue to bring their warmth and positivity to Canyon Lake and to our Yacht Club. Their fun-loving spirit, generosity, and willingness to step in and help make them invaluable members of our CLYC family. They dream of owning a second home in Cottonwood, Arizona—but for now, we’re grateful to have them right here, close to the water. 

Please join us in congratulating Don & Delfina as our Deckhands of the Month, and in celebrating the kindness, positivity, and community spirit they bring to the Canyon Lake Yacht Club.