Donald “Don” Batz died April 22 at the age of 77. Batz was senior vice president and director of operations for CommAir Mechanical Services in Fresno, California, before retiring. He was actively involved in the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA) of Northern California and served as its president.

In recent years, Batz was involved with the Kent Morrill Scholarship program, which provides scholarships for the children of MCA of Northern California members as well as other Northern California charities. Batz was also involved in the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), serving as chair of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America (MSCA) and as a past member of the MCAA Board of Directors. He also served on the board of trustees of the International Training Fund.

In 2005, Batz was presented with MSCA’s D.S. O’Brien Award for distinguished service, and, in 2006, he received MCAA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

Batz is survived by his wife, Darolyn, of 55 years, six children, 16 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service took place on April 27 at the Clayton Valley Church, 5430 Michigan Blvd. in Concord, California.

Publication date: 5/18/2015