September 24, 1937 – July 22, 2026
After a brief illness, Donald Albert Tousseau passed away peacefully at his Palm Desert, California, home. He was surrounded by loved ones as he left for his next adventure.
A native of Anaheim, California, he was born on September 24th, 1937, and grew up amongst the orange groves and palm trees. He attended local area schools, including Anaheim High School, where he was a yell leader as well as class president.
After graduation he attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., while serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He graduated with a degree in dentistry, and his love of the outdoors, skiing and the Sierra Nevada mountains culminated in his establishment of a successful practice in South Lake Tahoe, California. He purchased and restored the 60-acre Hallelujah Ranch just over the mountain from Lake Tahoe in the scenic Carson Valley, Nevada area, situated 4 miles from the frontier town of Genoa, where he resided for many years.
His affection for the Coachella Valley began with childhood family vacations to the desert, and in 1977 he purchased a second home there. After his retirement from dentistry, he resumed his tennis game and soon became enamored with the sport, making many lifelong friends. He became proficient on the courts and frequently played in tournaments, more often than not, finishing in the top. When a restaurant space became available at the Palm Springs Tennis Club, he leased it and opened the Tie Breaker, a breakfast and lunch spot frequented by club members as well as the public. After several years, he sold that business; many iterations later, the space is now part of Spencer’s Restaurant.
Donald made and kept friends from around the world; he had an uncanny ability to recall anyone’s birthday, no matter how casually it had been mentioned. He was an animal lover; his pets were as devoted to him as he was to them. His life was marked by his loyalty to his friends; he treasured each relationship and was happiest while on a tennis court or in the company of those friends. They often overlapped.
He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and his brother, Michael.
All are welcome at his services, with visitation on August at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Rd., Palm Desert, CA, starting at 10:00 AM
