Donald Andrew Charleson

Donald Andrew Charleson, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Bellingham, Wash. on May 21, 2010. He was born on Sept. 29, 1925 in Ocean Falls, B.C. Canada to Alexander and Pearl (Mcrae) Charleson. Donald attended Charleson High School in Ocean Falls, B.C. and enlisted in the military after graduation. He served his country proudly in the Canadian Scottish Regiment, Third Infantry Division called the "water rats" and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the France and Germany Star. His division helped liberate Holland when he served in Europe and the U.K. Donald then went on to the University of British Columbia and graduated in 1949. He married the love of his life Ruth L. Chase on July 16, 1951 in Ocean Falls, B.C. Donald started his career as a mechanical engineer and consultant at Crown-Zellerbach in Ocean Falls, B.C., worked for MacMillan Bloedel, and retired from Boise Cascade after 20 years. He was Christian, a world traveler, a Mason, loved Tai Chi, valued education, organized a Billy Graham Crusade in Port Alberni, B.C., and a Renaissance man with modern aesthetics. Anyone who knew Donald would describe him as generous, caring, 6'8", honorable, strong, had a great sense of humor and loved his wife and family. Donald is survived by his wife Ruth of Bellingham, Wash.; sons Christopher Charleson of Vancouver B.C. and Dan Charleson of Crawfordsville, Ind.; daughters Margo Domes of Hillsboro, Ore.; Lia Heisel of Portland, Ore.; Nancy Whanger of Corvallis, Ore.; Kim Charleson; his brother Bernard Charleson of B.C. Canada; and nine grandchildren: Mathew Domes, Christopher Domes, Kurt Heisel, Kelly Heisel, Daniella Whanger, Kimberly Whanger, Christopher Whanger, Alexander Charleson, and Patricia Charleson. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be donated to the Lighthouse Mission of Bellingham. Please sign the Book of Memories and leave your condolences for the family at www.JernsFuneralChapel.net