September 17, 1936 – April 16, 2008

After working three decades in various capacities within the roofing industry, Don Banks became owner and CEO of San Marino Roof Company, Inc. in 1987 as a union signatory contractor.

As a union contractor, he had the satisfaction of knowing that his employees received excellent medical, and dental benefits, as well as a superlative pension plan.  Furthermore, as a board member of the Union Roofing Contractors Association (URCA), Banks continued to support programs that benefited all union roofing contractors and their employees.

Banks was one of five union roofing contractors to start the union roofing apprenticeship program that is still in place. He later became the full-time apprenticeship program coordinator and was the Chairman of the Apprenticeship Trust until his death.

In tribute to Don’s dedication to the union apprenticeship program, the URCA Don Banks Memorial Award  will be given to the outstanding apprentice graduate, along with a check in he amount of $2,500.

Don was a strong supporter of the URCA scholarship program, which has allocated over $100,000 to young men and women who are immediate family members of URCA member company employees. In recognition of his dedication to this program, it has been renamed the Don Banks Memorial Scholarship Fund.

One of his passions was to fish among nature’s beauty. He was considered by many to be an expert angler and took trips abroad to test his skill. Often these fishing trips included family, friends, and even roofing competitors.

Don Banks lived in Palm Springs, CA with his wife JoAnn where they enjoyed gardening and woodworking. At home, he experienced many wonderful family memories with his wife, children and grand children.

Don Banks will always be remembered as a man who dedicated his efforts to increase the level of craftsmanship and standards within the roofing industry, and a living testament to this is the many world class roofing projects his company produced throughout southern California.

URCA members are honored to have known Don for his compassion, humor and dedication. He will be sorely missed as a devoted colleague and friend.