Donald Oehler

Donald Oehler passed away peacefully on Friday, September 23rd, his family surrounding him, he was 92 years old. Donald was born in Portland, Oregon on March 27th, 1930, to Irving and Alma Oehler. His Brother Gerald was born three years later. When Don was 4 years old his father died of pneumonia. Don’s mother, to be closer to family, immediately moved back to North Dakota with her two young sons. Don grew up in Grand Forks where he graduated from high school and University of North Dakota, receiving a degree in Chemical Engineering. Upon graduating, he served two years in the Air Force in Del Rio, Texas. After leaving the military, he was hired at Puget Sound Pulp and Timber Company which would later become Georgia Pacific. He worked at G.P. for 42 years and became the Superintendent of the Paper Board Mill, retiring in 1995. Don married Donna Seldomridge in 1956. They happily lived most of their 66 years in their home on Lake Whatcom. They had three children, Jeffrey, Leanne, and Sandra. It was a wonderful time raising their children, remodeling, and adding an addition to their home, living on the lake, and the many adventures and travel they shared as a family. He was especially proud of his wife Donna’s gardening abilities and the beautiful garden they created there on the lake. He loved sharing their garden when it was offered for view several times on Whatcom Garden Tours. Don was also known for his salmon barbeques on the 4th of July. He was active in the community, serving as a Lake Whatcom Water District commissioner, President of the Boundary Review Board (one term), President of the Y.M.C.A. Board, Industrial Credit Union Board member, president of TAPPI, a professional group, and numerous other organizations of which he belonged. After retirement, Don could often be found on the golf course with his golfing buddies, sharing their love of golf and companionship. In his many years of retirement, Don and Donna travelled extensively, travelling to all seven continents, several times. Most memorable were India, a safari in Africa, Egypt, the Iguassu Falls in South America, New Zealand, Australia and the bicycle trips down the Danube, the Loire Valley in France, and the Poe River Valley in Italy. Donald will be missed by all who loved him. Vaya Con Dios, Donald Dearest.

Donald Oehler

March 27, 1930 - September 23, 2022