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BORN
1929
DIED
2011
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Donald Bubna Obituary
April 30, 1929 - September 24, 2011
SALEM - Don is not here today, because he is with Jesus. He is more alive today than he has ever been. On Saturday evening, September 24, while at home with his family beside him, Don took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven.
Don was born in St. Louis, MO and became an avid sports fan. He graduated from John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR. It was there that he met his wife, Deloris. They were married on graduation day, May 19, 1952.
Don and Dee's first home was in Long Beach, CA. While working for John Brown Schools they served as chaplain as well as teachers for the prep schools of the military service academies. During those years, Don and Dee also began a new church, Pacific Beach Alliance Church, where they pastored for ten years.
Salem Alliance Church called Don and Dee to be their Senior Pastor where they served for 23 years. During those years, Don and Dee served overseas providing pastoral care to missionaries in Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Hong Kong.
Following Don and Dee's years at Salem Alliance Church, Peace Portal Alliance Church in White Rock, BC called the Bubnas as Senior Pastor. At the conclusion of their ministry in BC, Don and Dee returned once again to Salem, where they have lived the last several years.
Don and Dee also served a number of interim pastorates through the years. Don was privileged to begin internship programs at Alliance Theological Seminary and Canadian Bible College (now known as Ambrose University College).
Don loved his family, people and had a great passion for mentoring. He had a unique gift for asking hard questions that required deep, introspective and thoughtful answers; he especially loved working with pastors and young people. After Don left full-time pastoring, he began serving with Peacemaker Ministries on their board and teaching in their schools. Don also had a great love for landscaping and working in his yard and of course loved his ice cream.
Don's family includes his wife of 60 years, Deloris; daughter Cindy (Peter) Lippold of Jefferson, OR; son, Jeff (Patty) Bubna of Chugiak, AK; daughter, Lisa VanLeeuwen of Salem, OR; and his much-loved grandchildren: Brandon, John (Krystal), Stephen (Tiffany), Britton (Joelle), Brian, Karen (Mike), David, Katie (Ben), Lina (Fernando), Andres and Christina; and eight great-grandchildren that he adored. Don was preceded in death by his grandson and namesake, Ethan Donald.
A celebration of God's faithfulness in Don's life will be held at Salem Alliance Church on Sunday, October 2, at 4:00 pm. Arrangements are by City View Funeral Home. Don suggested that in lieu of flowers, contributions to the scholarship funds at Alliance Theological Seminary and Simpson University be given to support children of missionaries and pastors desiring to go into the ministry. Please send your check made payable to Salem Alliance Church and designate a specific university if you have a preference, to 555 Gaines St NE, Salem, OR 97301.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bubna
Emmanuel Méndez
June 17, 2025
Hola a todos, mi nombre es Emmanuel Méndez (soy de México), Hace 10 años tuve la oportunidad de leer un libro (que fue traducido al español) del Pastor Bubna. Fue edificante a mi vida, lo atesoré muchísimo y recientemente lo volví a leer y ahora lo aprecio más. Desearía haber conocido en persona al pastor o tener más libros de él, porque soy un pastor joven que hubiera deseado tener la dicha de aprender a través de sus escritos. Innegablemente él ha bendecido mi vida.
Steve Snyder
October 26, 2011
I met Don through Peacemaker Ministries 10 years ago. His faithful teaching and example have greatly influenced me and many, many others. It amazed me how a man with so many deep and longstanding relationships could still take time to recognize and get to know those of us he met in these last few years to the point that we, also, called him our friend.
Paula and Ed Castagna
October 5, 2011
Don walked our Salem neighborhood reading his New Testament, always ready to stop and greet neighbors with a smile. Every visit ended with a joke and Don's special great delivery on the punchline. Don represented the Lord Jesus with joy and an adventurous spirit. He always made time to connect with people in our neighborhood and was the glue that held us all together in our Neighborhood Watch. We had the best neighbors ever in Don and Dee and we thank God for them and pray God's continued care over Dee in the days to come. ..Paula and Ed Castagna (formerly Ptarmigan St., Salem) Santa Cruz, CA
Scott and Sharon Werdebaugh
October 4, 2011
Pastor Bubna and his wife have been long-time family friends. He baptized my dad and I, attended the wedding of my wife and I, and in the last several years, he officiated at both my parent's memorial services. While he will be missed by many, we rejoice that he is now cancer-free, very much alive, and face-to-face with Christ His Savior, hearing the voice of His Master saying, "Well done, My good and faithful Servant!"
Richard Barclay
October 4, 2011
Donald Bubna is now with Jesus. For some 20 years Don was my pastor, mentor and dear friend.He taught me how to love God and love people. His walk with our Lord was the same as he preached. Don showed us how relationships always come before issues except when there is trust. May God richly bless Don's dear wife Deloris. For over 60 years Don and Dee were a team faithfully and sacrificially serving our Lord.
jim & connie schmotzer
October 3, 2011
Pastor Don was our first pastor after getting married and settled in Salem. Over the years he became a mentor and friend as we moved away and into ministry. We are very thankful for all the time and kindness he and Dee demonstrated toward us over the years. He is greatly appreciated and will be greatly missed.
Kevin Clarkson
October 2, 2011
Don was a mentor and a friend, someone I could always look, and did look, to over the years for advice or just to listen. I always knew he cared. I still remember the bible studies and discipleship. And over all the years he was always there to talk when life's journey was hard, in person, by phone, or e-mail. I will miss him greatly.
Steve Miller
October 2, 2011
I will greatly miss Don's warm smile, thoughtful questions, loving 'provocation', passion for ministry, and joyful optimism. I have counted it a privilege to be a friend. Praise God for a faithful servant and coach to pastors. And Dee may you be comforted by family, friends and Christ in your loss.
Doreen Guthner
October 1, 2011
I believe Dan and I were one of the first Interns at Salem Alliance (Dan's home church) where Pastor Bubna taught us the art of visitation and hospitality and as we finished up our schooling and went into ministry in the PNW District, we knew that Salem Alliance was behind us all the way...proven by the myriads of Encouragement Cards we received over the years. Thank you Dee for the investment you and Don had in our lives.
LeRoy Hedberg
October 1, 2011
My life would be so different without Pastor Bubna's influence. He helped me in my search for who God made me to be. Thank you, Don for your love for God's people. You will always be my pastor...see you in heaven!
Dorothy Townsend (Dague)
October 1, 2011
Pastor Bubna was one of my childhood pastors. I remember the encouragement cards - a great idea. May all his family and friends be encouraged and comforted with God's peace during this time of loss.
Dave & Jan Melsha
September 30, 2011
What can we save about this special man of God. He married Dave and I 34 years ago, he dedicated our children to the Lord. To the whole family thank you for sharing him with so many people for so many years. Pastor Bubna is getting all the answers to any questions he had right now sitting and chatting with our Lord Jesus Christ. So many were so blessed to have him in our lives.
Daniel Wetzel
September 30, 2011
I have always been thankful for Don's willingness to engage with others in ministry and benefited greatly from my interactions with him over the years. In recent years that has often been through Peacemakers. Don had a pastor's heart and gave good, godly leadership in every arena. I regret that previous commitments have made it impossible to attend the memorial service. Our prayers and thoughts will be with family and friends.
Jerry and Barb Beeghly
September 29, 2011
Our family moved into the neighborhood of Don and Dee and we were new to Salem. This was in 1964. What a joy to meet this compassionate man and his wife Dee. They were truly interested in us and our kids. Many times I needed to talk to Pastor Don and he was always so gracious and helpful. He was greatly used in our families lives. What a blessing!
Bill Downs
September 29, 2011
Pastor Bubna was a reflection of Jesus.
He was loving, kind, and gentle while always directing his message towards Christ. His "Welcome Class" sessions were the best - introducing newcomers to God's word through life lessons. I am forever thankful to the way he and Dee so warmly welcomed my family and me during our time in Salem. He was truly a teacher of God's word - always humble but with high expectations for his congregation. He will truly be missed, but oh what a reward he is experiencing now.
WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!!
September 28, 2011
The memories of Uncle Don go on and on for us. He was a wonderful encourager and coach throughout our lives as CMA workers. My sister is married to Uncle Don's nephew so he always called us his "shirt-tail relatives". We will miss him so much & our deepest condolences and prayers are sent with this note of love to Aunt Dee.
Darrell & Cheryl
Randy Fast
September 28, 2011
"Pastor Bubna", a person whom I would have liked to talk with more. My list of "hard questions" is growing too. Praying for his family, confident that we have a loving FATHER who can comfort like no other.
Sharon Benham
September 28, 2011
I knew Don Bubna through his brother, Paul. Two wonderful men of God that served faithfully throughout their lives.
Alfred Poirier
September 28, 2011
Don served for many years on the Board of Peacemaker Ministries. I count it a privileged to have served with him and known him. Don's love of the Lord Jesus was infectious, strong, vital and real. And it showed in his love and care for all he met. He has fought the good fight and won the race. He was a sure instrument in the hands of our Savior.
Jeff Smith
September 28, 2011
en·cour·age·ment
noun /en'k?rijm?nt/
encouragements, plural
1.) The action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope by "coming alongside"
2.) Persuasion to do or to continue something
3.) The act of trying to stimulate the development of an activity, state, or belief
example: Don Bubna
If Heaven had not already adopted the spiritual practice of writing encouragement cards, it has now.
Karen Strong
September 28, 2011
Don was an exceptional man, pastor, teacher, friend, and colleague. I can hardly grasp that he is gone from this life. But I do rejoice that he has gone on to where there is no more sickness or suffering, where he now is in the full presence of Jesus and reveling in eternal fellowship with all the saints. I look forward to the reunion on the other side!
Scott Hayes
September 28, 2011
Don Bubna was my neighbor, friend, and my spiritual mentor. I will miss him greatly.
Linda Lyons (Werner)
September 28, 2011
Remembering Pastor Bubna's sermons and teachings is something that has stayed with me all my life. As his daughter, Cindy, and I were best friends growing up, I spent many many nights in the care of their home, and have such wonderful memories of the love shared by all there. His wonderful spirit will be missed here on earth, but it is a comfort to know he will be waiting to greet us all in Heaven.
Barry & Sheree Sharp
September 28, 2011
Pastor Bubna was so special to Barry and I. When we lost our first little girl, Shelby in 1980, we happened to be in Salem and he asked to meet with us. His care and concern has always meant so much to us and we have shared that story with so many. He took the time for us as he did for so many. Also, he officiated at my brother Randy Stroup's funeral in 1969, which was his first child funeral. I could go on, but the Bubna family is so special to Barry and I and we are thrilled to have known him. God Bless your family. Barry & Sheree (Stroup) Sharp
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