Don Hurzeler has a business card that lists him as an “Old Retired Guy”. However, he does not let retirement get in the way of his writing best selling books and taking award winning photographs. Don is retired AND inspired.

Don lived in Palos Verdes in the 1950’s and 60’s…thus the “Old…” designation. He recently sold the family home in PVE. His son and daughter, and their families, are still in the area. Two of his grand kids attend Palos Verdes High School…a fact that brings him great joy.

Don’s new book, Suddenly Retired, has been a number one best-seller on Amazon and Kindle since its release in March. It is a part of his Courage to Succeed Series of books. He thinks it is a hit because the subject matter is so timely. It was written for those having to change career directions or head into retirement unexpectedly due to the pandemic and how that virus has changed the world. Don wrote an earlier book on retirement planning, Smells Like Retirement, and decided to adapt it for todays situation. He is glad he did…the reviews and sales have been outstanding.

Don and his wife, Linda, have lived in retirement in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii for nearly 15 years. Kona is a resort community…no industry at all. When the pandemic hit, his friends and neighbors lost their jobs, some lost their businesses and a few had deaths or serious illness in their families. The combination of bad effects changed life forever for many. Don’s book is designed to help those in that kind of a situation to find a clear path toward peace, happiness and security for whatever comes next….especially for those who find themselves Suddenly Retired.

Don has had a life in three acts…student/athlete…corporate warrior…old retired guy. Of the three, Don says that Old Retired Guy has been the best. Although not a fan of getting old and all that comes with aging, he is a big fan of independence, freedom and the time to explore his various passions. Those passions include professional photography, owning a publishing company, co-owning a photo gallery, writing books, surfing, snorkeling, travel and his wife and family. He is also a big fan of naps.

You can keep up with Don Hurzeler on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or at his website donhurzeler.com.

The book can be ordered by following the link below.

Other books by Don Hurzeler…click on image to purchase.

thumbnail_hurzeler-suddenly-front_cover-031422-691x1024.jpg

Today, Don can be found in the surf or out snorkeling in the warm, clear waters of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Better yet, Hawaii has an erupting volcano, perfect for an explorer and photographer.

Don and Linda are “lucky to live Hawaii” for the past fourteen year and claims to have never experienced an unhappy day on the island.

However, he does admit that he thinks of PV often…as it stands today and as it was. And what he misses most from those early days on the hill are growing up with a great set of friends and neighbors and the unimaginable freedom enjoyed in those days. He claims that he was raised like a free range chicken, able to hitch hike to get around town, to go out in surf that would scare any parent and to carry around a bow and arrow or small caliber gun to protect himself from rattle snakes when he hiked the canyons…not as a highly trained, accredited, licensed gun owner…but as a 12 year old kid whose dad treated guns like tools…there for protection and to be treated with respect and care.

And the best part of his freedom, no cell phones. Don was basically on his own and no one could track him or reach him until he decided to come home. Don always knew when dinner was served and he made sure to sneak in the door a few minutes prior. And, get this, dinner always included beer for Don…from about age 9 on. Or a milkshake made using 31 Flavors Baskin and Robbins ice cream from the Hollywood Rivera store mixed with crème de menthe. His dad felt the alcohol would whet Don’s appetite and help him grow from the skinny kid he was in those days. That did not work, but it did make him (temporarily) unafraid of orcas.

You can catch up with Don Hurzeler on Facebook. He is also on Instagram @donhurzeler. His book writing website is donhurzeler.com and his photography website is lavalightgalleries.com.

For a kid who grew up on the mean streets of Palos Verdes Estates, parented in a way that would land everyone in jail today, but supported, coached and loved…Don came out alright. A PV boy who fully understands how lucky he was that his parents built their dream home on a hill with a million lights sparkling below…or a fog bank a thousand feet thick.

Subscribe Free to Palos Verdes Pulse