Lakeside resident Donald “Don” J. Rausch died in a Guadalajara hospital on May 14 at the age of 73.
Born January 17, 1939 in St. Louis, Missouri, Rausch graduated from St. Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy. He had a long career teaching English and Drama at the high school level in Houston and Kansas City, Missouri.
Rausch was active as an actor and director in professional and community theater, particularly after a move to Ventura, California, where he toured with professional dinner theaters.
He also trained personnel for various positions in service industries.
Rausch moved to Lakeside and settled in Riberas del Pilar with his partner, Graham Miller, in 2004. He continued his keen interest in theater, participating in productions at the Lakeside Little Theatre with roles in “Doubt,” “A Lion in Winter,” “The Dresser” and “Tribute” and as director of “Bell, Book and Candle.” He also collaborated with the Naked Stage minimalist theater.
When he first arrived in Mexico, Rausch immersed himself in Spanish and eventually spoke the language well. He was subsequently asked to perform with a professional Spanish-speaking theater company in Guadalajara.
Rausch became a fan of local soccer and was an avid supporter of the Ajijic team.
He is survived by Miller, his partner of 45 years; an aunt, Helen Walcker of St. Louis, Missouri and his “adopted” Mexican family, that of Socorro de Jesus Barrazo R. Quinta in Guadalajara.
As Rausch had no medical insurance in Mexico and his hospitalization was unexpected, more funds are required to pay for his care. Those who wish to do so may make donations to Actinver account number 7013022 that has been set up for this purpose.
Look for an announcement about plans for a memorial event to be held later in the summer.