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Donald Ostrom
Nov. 8, 1922 - Feb. 4, 2014
Resident of Orinda
Don was born in Seattle, Washington on November 24, 1922, the second child of Dr. Ralph and Minnie Ostrom. Don is survived by Mary, his wife of over 65 years, daughter Barbara Ostrom Ward (Denny Ward) of Danville, son John Ostrom (Sharon) of Denver, CO and son Jim Ostrom (Maura) of Orinda. He had six grandchildren; Michael, Jason and Victoria (Tori) of Denver and Sam, Brian and Luke of Orinda. He is also survived by his brother Robert E. Ostrom (Jeanette) of Seattle and was predeceased by his sisters Audree Booth and Shirley Hemstad. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Ballard High School in 1940, Don enrolled at the University of Washington in engineering. His time in college was interrupted by three years of military service during World War II. Following graduation from Officers Candidate School at Ft. Belvoir, VA, he served in the Pacific Areas of Guam, Okinawa and the Philippines. After the war ended, Don re-entered the UW and graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering in June 1947. While at the UW, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity and rowed on Washington's crew team.
Don was recruited on campus and hired by Standard Oil Company of California (now Chevron Corp.), beginning his career in California's San Joaquin Valley oilfields. During his time in the Valley, he met the love of his life, Mary J. Saunders. They were married in June 1949 and moved to San Francisco the following year, when Don was transferred to the Home Office. Except for an eight-year period in Denver, the rest of Don's 40-year career was in the Company's San Francisco offices. He retired in 1986 as President of Chevron International Oil Company.
During Don's and Mary's retirement they continued some of the travelling that had been customary in Don's assignment with Chevron International. Don also became involved in consulting work in the industry and volunteer assignments, many with church-related organizations. He was actively involved with the Chevron Retirees Association throughout his retirement, serving two terms as its president. He participated in a number of groups and social organizations as well, which he enjoyed very much.
Don enjoyed life, but never more than when attending gatherings of family and friends. He was so proud of the achievements and personalities of his children and grandchildren, and treasured his relationships with many long-term friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 15th at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in Orinda, where Don and Mary have been members for over 44 years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, www.plts.edu.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
One of the best of human beings I have ever met. A true family man who cared for others far more than for himself. I learned a very lot from Mr. Ostrom in the very short time we shared together.
William Buckalew
March 25, 2014
It was an honor to be a part of the services Feb 15 for this WWII Veteran, with our Honor Guard firing a three shot volley. VFW Post 6298 and American Legion Post 237, Pleasanton, CA..Dave Caldwell
February 15, 2014
Begley, Edward
Bennett, Isabel Jezwon
Brignoli, Rudulph
Brotsky, Muriel
Butler, Margaret
Caldwell, Sophie
Canepa, Katherine
Cawaling, June (Kennedy)
Conway, William
Crowley, Mary
Doherty, Robert
Eaton, Gladys
Fahey Sr., Francis
Fusco, Elvera
Horton, Marie
Iñiguez, Eligio
Lustenberger, Robert J.
Mahoney, Michael
Menzel, Dorothy
Miller, Mabel
Monteroso, Raymond
Moock, Nancy H.
Orologas, Ulysses
Ostrom, Donald
Ranken, Carolyn
Reinhard, William
Rogers, Mary
Sarouhan, Alice
Smith, William
Stewart, Gordon
Watarai, Clyde
Woodard, Dr. Charles
Yerger, Benjamin
Zaremski, Michael
Melvin Richmond
February 12, 2014
It is with heartfelt sadness we learn of the passing of a great man, Don Ostrom. He was especially kind, thoughtful and always generous with his time and talents. Our sympathy to Don's wife, Mary, and all his family.
Mary Lou and Stu Baugher
February 11, 2014
It was my privilege to share ideas, thoughts and opinions with Don during the years we were both active in the Chevron Retirees Association. He was a true friend, and will be missed by many of us who were not of his earthly family.
Clyde Crittenden
February 11, 2014
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