The Memorial Wall

Palm Springs - Donald C. Cavanaugh, owner of the Blue Coyote Grill in Palm Springs, passed away at his home on February 23, 2019 due to complications of Parkinson's disease. 

He was a beautiful man inside and out and lived his life to the fullest and on his own terms. 

Don was born in November 1944 to Dolores and Van Cavanaugh. He grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and made lifelong friendships that exist even today. He launched his restaurant career in 1966 with Jack-in-the-Box and later managed several full-service restaurants in Chicago, Madison, and Denver along with dabbling in real estate. In 1992 he moved to Palm Springs and opened the Blue Coyote Grill on North Palm Canyon. Blue Coyote Grill was an instant success and has been voted one of the top restaurants, famous for its Wild Coyote Margarita, beautiful patio and atmosphere. 

Don loved Palm Springs, the year-round weather, playing golf, and the casual life style. He was popular and enjoyed meeting customers, and entertaining friends and family. He often commented that living and owning a restaurant in Palm Springs was beyond his wildest dreams. 

He is survived by his loving daughters Kelle (Mike) Baker and Shayne (Troy) Alloway, five grandchildren, twin brother Dave and girlfriend Kami French. He leaves behind an incredible restaurant, a loyal and dedicated staff and family and friends that will love and miss him forever. 

A Celebration of Life is being held on March 11, 2019 from 1-4 at Indian Canyon Country Club at 1100 E. Murray Canyon in Palm Springs, all are invited. A private service will be held at a family gravesite at the East Cemetery in Dodgeville Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers consider donating in his memory to Parkinson's Resource Organization in Palm Desert (parkinsonsresource.org).

Parkinson’s Resource Organization lost a friend. The world lost a legend, a philanthropist, an enormous talent of which we will be hard-pressed to find again. He was an honorary Board member of Parkinson's Resource Organization since 2005, he was Jo Rosen’s winning dance partner in Dancing With Our Stars in 2006, he created, donated, and performed the concert at PRO's 20th-Anniversary Gala 10 years ago. He appeared at each of our three Mitch's Pitches PRO events at Mitch's on El Paseo- took pictures with our guests and signed autographs, he came to the Don Cavanaugh day at the Blue Coyote Grill Palm Springs to remember Don Cavanaugh who died of Parkinson's. We are forever touched by his graciousness and generosity of self. To his family, personal and extended, we send our deepest condolences.