Sheldon Ham

Sheldon (Don) HAM On April 26, 2011 at the age of 57 Don Ham died at home in the arms of his loving wife Rhonda. Don was born on May 3, 1953 in Detroit Michigan and was the 2nd son of Margaret and William Ham. Don's family moved to Oregon when he was 9 and he graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1971. He attended Oregon State University where he earned a Business Administration degree. Don and Rhonda were married in 1983 and moved to Bellevue, WA in 1987. Don was a kind, caring, compassionate, and intellectual man who always showed respect for everyone with whom he came in contact. Hewas a consummate team player and treasured his family and many friendships. He enjoyed organizing family gatherings and bringing people together to simply enjoy life. He wanted everyone to feel welcomed and included. His infectious smile and dry wit will be missed. He loved to participate in and watch sports and he had a passion for cars, planes, animals and history. Don always took pride in his work whether at a work facility for disabled adults, a software company or an electronic manufacturing company, but he longed to be his own boss. In 2004 he became the proud owner and partner of a successful Wild Birds Unlimited store in Burien, WA. During Don's last days as he battled his illness, he said to look to the sky because he was becoming a Sky Runner. Don is survived by his wife, Rhonda, his Step-Mother Nadine Ham (Grants Pass, OR), his siblings Steve Ham (Marsha) of Corvallis OR, Megan Autry of Issaquah, Chris Ham (Michelle) of Blodgett OR, his step-siblings Pam Griggs (Charles) of Grants Pass OR, Laurie Glantz (Donald) of Salem OR, Mike Curry (Julia) of St. Helens OR, Jeff Curry (Julie) of Scapoose OR, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, an aunt and uncle and loving in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents. A service celebrating his life will take place on May 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St Andrews Lutheran Church, 2650 148th Avenue S.E., Bellevue, WA. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Bridge Ministries, Evergreen Hospice, or a local Audubon chapter.