Donald Erwin Tykeson

1927 - 2017

Donald Erwin

Tykeson

Donald Erwin Tykeson was born in Portland, Oregon, on April 11, 1927, to O. Ansel Tykeson and Hillie M. Haveman. He was raised on his family's farm, near Newberg. Don began his education at the Mountain Top one-room school. He showed his promise early, winning a statewide contest in public speaking through Future Farmers of America, and attended that organization's national convention. Don worked his way through the University of Oregon, as a cook on an Alaskan fishing boat. He graduated in 1951 with a degree in business. Don met his wife, Rilda M. "Willie" Steigleder, on a blind date. They married in 1950.

Theirs was a lifelong partnership in the truest sense. As a team, Don and Willie were inclusive and generous. They made friends easily. Along the way they took up golf, tennis, mountain climbing, and they became a force at bridge. Throughout his life, Don made spending time with family and friends a priority. Holidays and vacations centered around their children--Ellen, Amy, and Eric--and their families to share good food, good times, and his love for a fine bottle of Oregon Pinot Noir.

An early definer for Don was his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis at age 30. This setback proved to be a catalyst, honing his desire to make a difference in the world and provide for his family. Don constantly sought and adopted leading-edge thinking on managing MS. He focused on what could be, and often referred to the disease as an "old friend," one that pushed him to excel and concentrate on what mattered most.

Don was fascinated by the communications industry. He began his career in ad sales at the Oregon Journal newspaper and was later hired by KPTV in Portland, the world's first commercial UHF television station. Don's aspiration was to find an ownership opportunity in media. In 1963, he invested his life savings to purchase a minority interest in Liberty Communications/KEZI of Eugene. Don assumed management of the company, and as president he transformed KEZI into a national broadcast and cable television enterprise. Liberty soon acquired GTE Communications cable subsidiary, an expansion that catapulted the business to the 17th largest multi-system operator in the nation. The company was sold to TCI in 1983.

Subsequently, Don continued to acquire television, cable, and pager providers in Oregon. He purchased Bend Cable in 1984 and expanded the company, later known as Bendbroadband, into a regional provider during the ensuing years. He managed it until 1997 when he turned operations over to his daughter, Amy. Bendbroadband was sold to TDS Telecom in 2014. Don was also a founding board member of C-SPAN and served on the board of the NCTA and as president of the Oregon Cable Telecommunications Association. Don was recognized throughout the industry as a pioneer and a visionary.

Don also devoted his leadership skills and managerial expertise to a wide range of civic and charitable organizations and boards, including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, University of Oregon Foundation, Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation, OHSU Foundation, United Way, Oregon Trail Council Boy Scouts of America, Oregon Investment Council, and the Eugene Arts Foundation. He led capital campaigns for the construction of PeaceHealth RiverBend and the LCC Health and Wellness Center, among others.

Don's devotion to community service evolved naturally into philanthropy, and this became a beloved second career. In his words, "If I would have known early on what I know today, I would have worked harder so I could give away more to worthy causes." He donated generously and provided thoughtful guidance to many local organizations in the areas of health sciences, education, and the arts.

Don was honored with many civic and industry awards, among them the Eugene First Citizen Award, National MS Society Hope Award, Cable TV Pioneers, Tom McCall Award, Alexis B. Tocqueville Society Award, the Alton F. Baker Award, AFP Distinguished Service Award, Eldon G. Shaffer/Nils B. Hunt Humanitarian Award, and, from the University of Oregon, the Presidential Medal, Pioneer Award, and Distinguished Service Award.

Don passed away on July 12, 2017, at the age of 90. His philosophy is embodied in his favorite quote, by architect Daniel Burnham: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood, and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work..."

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Willie, his three children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Beverley Tykeson Knox. The family would like to express their lasting gratitude to Don's team of caregivers, whose exceptional dedication and tenderness provided great comfort.

Services will be held Saturday, July 22, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Soreng Theater. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of Lane County or Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades.

Arrangements entrusted to Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please access the obituary and you are invited to sign the guestbook at musgroves.com.