| Graduation Year | Class of 1979 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 04, 2008 |
| About | Don passed at the age of 46 on March 4, 2008. He was determined to beat his cancer with a courageous and valiant battle against Melanoma. Since he was stage IV when diagnosed, he participated in experimental treatments and research that have lead to medical discoveries that are used commonly in treatment today. Don had risen to the top of his field with IBM as a computer engineer, software designer and was their worldwide head of in-house IT and troubleshooting. He was completely passionate about his work and was a patient & talented instructor to anyone who asked for his assistance. He worked as long as he was physically able, it's what kept him going. He left behind his adored wife of nearly 25 years, Jill and their daughter Britt. They all shared the love of food and cooking. He even had his own special chocolate chip cookie recipe that he took freshly baked to his medical team on a regular basis. He and Britt were very close and often found mischief to get into. He and Jill enjoyed Jazz music and would attend the Mt Hood and Portland Oregon area Jazz festivals, whenever possible. Although he took his work life seriously, Don had a marvelously dry sense of humor and was quick witted. He always had a smile, warm hug or hand to lend to all he met. He is a dearly loved son, brother, cousin, nephew, husband, father, uncle and friend. His immediate family and close friends have found our mourning unending and we miss him as much today, as we did on the day of his passing. |
