Donald Frederick Donovan

Don Donovan, age 82, of Knappa died peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, Dec. 29th, at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria, Ore.

Donald Frederick Donovan was born to James and Mertie (Graham) Donovan in Clatsop County. He attended Lewis and Clark Consolidated School through eighth grade, and then received his GED later in the Army. Don also attended Clatsop Community College, where he studied union management relations and psychology in supervision.

Don married Jeanne M. Blackburn on July 15, 1951, and they had seven children: Candy (Allen) Foster, Denise (Tom) Amburn, Jim (Cheryl), Cyndy (Rod) Mullins, Pat (Myong), Mike (Stacee), and Suzy (Bill) Pitts. Jeanne passed away in 1982.

Don then married Nancy Baird Ziak in 1983, increasing his children by four: Denise (Chet) Gowen, Diana (Lonnie) Strain, Linda (Ronnie) Geisler, and Lorene (Shawn) Bridgeman.

Don served in the U.S. Army, and was in the Korean War, and also was in the National Guard. After returning from the Army, he was a police officer in Seaside and Astoria. Don was actively involved as an officer during all the riots that broke out in Seaside. For a brief period he was bus a driver. Don then quit there to work for Crown-Zellerbach, where he held various positions. Don was president of IWA Local 3-4, and then was elected business agent. He then worked for Local 3-1 as a field representative for many years. Don then ended up retiring as a stacker operator for Warrenton Fibre, and often fire-watched, even after his retirement.

Don enjoyed family get-togethers and was very proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Don also had taken in Nancy’s brother Steve shortly after they had married. Don had provided over 30 years of care and love for him.

Don also enjoyed watching the wildlife in his backyard, especially the elk. Don had a koi pond with a large waterfall and he used to go and sit to watch his fish and enjoy the beauty of the water rippling down. Don was very fond of birds, and had multiple bird feeders and loved to watch them. Another of Don’s passions was raising pigeons and chickens. Later on, Don planted a fruit orchard, of which he was very proud! Apples and plums were his favorites.

Don liked to do woodworking and he and Nancy built many unique crafts and projects together. Don enjoyed many other various home projects, and he was never afraid of the hard work it entailed. Storytelling was one of his specialties. He loved to tell stories, especially of his childhood, high school sports, hunting, and fishing. Don made many trips following the Astoria Fishermen when his children played, and then later following the Knappa Loggers. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, and clam digging. Don has shot several big bucks and has caught many fish.

Don was an excellent listener and shoulder to lean on, and he would always make the time to do that if you needed it. His soothing words and sincere care made the difference. There was not a thing that Don wouldn’t do for you if you asked. Don had the kindest heart you could ever imagine. Don was a man of integrity and honor, and he will be greatly missed by many. He was so well loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Howard, Dorothy, Patty, Bob, Bill, Dick, and Edith; and his brother-in-law, Steve Baird.

Don is survived by his wife Nancy; eleven children and spouses; 27 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Blackburn and Marjorie (Richard) Boettcher; and closest friends Darell Carlson. Bill Spivey, and Gary Ziak.

There will be a graveside service on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Astoria. All are welcome to attend. Following the service, will be a potluck at 1 p.m. at the Svensen Senior Center.

Any donations can be made in Don’s name to the Knappa Fire Department.