Donald Dell

Donald Louis Dell, 71, has been called for his dance on the streets of gold. Born in Ogden, UT on August 29, 1952 to Ethel Louise and Donald Charles Dell. He left on short notice on August 11, 2024. The Dell family spent their early years moving around the country. In 1954 they welcomed daughter Linda while living in Marion, IL. Don’s brother Darby would follow in 1957 in Paducah, KY. Some of Don’s fondest memories are of time spent on the family corn and pig farms in Illinois. This is where his love of large family gatherings was born. In October of 1963 the family moved to Seneca, OR. One winter in this frigid place was enough and by summer they had moved to John Day where they would settle in. Don swam, ran track, played football, and was an active horn player in the band. He graduated from Grant Union High School in 1970 and maintained lifelong friendships with classmates. Following graduation Don attended Oregon State University (Go Beavs!) to try his hand at higher education. After a brief stay OSU decided it wasn’t for him and Don embarked on a new journey. While working odd jobs he was offered to fill in for a janitor going on vacation at his buddy’s office. His career with Tom Boden Store Fixtures spanned a decade. He would often point out check stands he’d designed or been part of the remodel when he had his kids in a grocery store. Jill Hinman entered his life in 1973 and in 1977 they tied the knot at a large ceremony on a hot day in Portland, OR. The couple would welcome two children, Tara and Derek, in the 80’s. Not wanting to raise their children in the city they found their dream property in farm country on the outskirts of Oregon City. This was a home with an open door. Don was never lacking a quick quip often, for the young visitors, with a bit of hidden advice. Many family gatherings were held and celebrations of life milestones. A place where the kids learned about nature and the human connection to the world around them. Not to mention the legendary trampoline slumber parties! Tom Boden ended up downsizing in the early 90’s and Don found himself in search of a new career. He really wanted a more flexible schedule and decided on self-employment. Don became licensed as a general contractor and started Dell Enterprise. He received requests to work up until the final week of his life. When his marriage dissolved Don set out on a new chapter. This chapter included traveling, meeting new people, and even a move to LA, CA for a couple of years. Upon returning to Oregon Don spent a lot of time reconnecting with old friends and with his daughter and her family. He loved visiting his son and family in Alaska. Derek took Don for a boys fishing trip his last visit and Don was always happy to regale the fish tales. Its near impossible to summarize a life in a few paragraphs. Don had such a variety of experiences from flying an airplane to being a wildfire firefighter. He raced sailboats and rode horses. A Scout Master for 13 years he mentored hundreds of young men and had over 30 Eagle Scouts. Never driving the same way anywhere, the man was an atlas, he was coined DonDon as he was our personal GPS. Don was many things to many people. To his children he was their rock. Dependable Dad, honest advice without judgment, quick to help, supportive, loving, funny, and the best Grandpa. Don was loved, he will be missed by many, and his beautiful legacy lives on. Don is survived by his daughter Tara Niesslein her husband Sam and their children Leila and Jaxon of Albany, OR, son Derek Dell his wife Cora and their children Brooke, Savannah, Leo, Logan, and Parker of Wasilla, AK. He is also survived by his father and stepmother Donald and Joan Dell, his siblings and brother-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his mother Ethel Louise Potts. Come celebrate Don’s life Saturday August 31, 2024 at 11:00 am in the First Presbyterian Church of Oregon City.

Donald Dell

August 29, 1952 - August 11, 2024