Donald D. Watkins, age 78, of Berkeley, California, passed away peacefully at his home on July 17, 2026. He was born on November 17, 1947 in Richmond, California and raised by his mother, Evelyn Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Joan Watkins and Joyce Ray. Surviving are his wife, Karen Watkins; his daughter Krsni (Umesh) Tongbra; and grandchild Avani.
He was a graduate of Salesian High School in Richmond and a few years later, volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. He went on to co-author, with Clark Smith, The Vietnam Map Book: A Self-help Guide to Herbicide Exposure. It compiled and made accessible, for the first time, information about Agent Orange spraying during the Vietnam War.
Don retired after many decades, and roles at the Social Security Administration, most notably as a union representative and negotiator, and most recently as a facilities manager. He was a beloved member and long time volunteer at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, where he met his wife. In his free time, he enjoyed watching football, especially when the San Francisco 49ers were playing. His playful, kind, and occasionally stubborn demeanor will be greatly missed.
A private memorial will be held on August 23, 2026. Donations may be made in his name to the Muktabodha Indological Research Institute or to the charity of one’s choice
