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Donald J. Cier
St. George, UT
Don Cier passed away December 20th, 2013, in St. George, Utah. Don was born August 31, 1926, the only son of John and Gladys Pharo Cier, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He grew up on a dairy farm near Mauston, WI and attended a one-room grade school. Upon graduating from Mauston High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy. Don was an Electrician's Mate on the USS Warren, which landed troops during the Okinawa campaign, took the first occupation troops to Tokyo, and ferried service personnel home from Pacific bases. Don then served in the US Naval Reserve from 1946 to 1951.
Don received a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin in 1951. While employed by Syro Steel Company in Youngstown, Ohio, he met Mary Ellen Beil; they were married in 1961. The family moved to Salt Lake City in 1966 when Don was selected to run the newly-created Western Division of Syro in Centerville, Utah. Retiring as Vice President in 1993, he worked as an industry consultant, actively marketing and overseeing large installations of underground steel structures until the age of 83. Don moved to St. George in 2004 and made many good friends in the SunRiver community.
Don was a warm, generous and humble man. He was always active in both business and charitable groups wherever he lived, and he had a special place in his heart for the homeless and less fortunate. In Salt Lake, especially during the holidays, he would bring boxes of food to the homeless and hand out dollar coins and gift certificates to people in need. He was a member of the Salt Lake Rotary; a favorite memory of his was taking a Rotarian-donated school bus loaded with clothing and toys down to an orphanage in Mexico.
As a father, Don made many sacrifices to support and care for his children. He made sure they attended Catholic grade school and took them on trips all over the United States, encouraging questions and giving thought-provoking answers. He continued to look after their individual needs throughout his life.
Don also served on the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the Utah Manufacturers Association and the Utah Safety Council. Don was a member of numerous trade associations and engineering societies, a 27-year member of the Salt Lake Country Club and a charter member and officer of the SunRiver Post 142 of the American Legion. He was proud to have served his country in World War II, though like most of his generation, considered that sacrifice just part of being an American.
Don and Mary Ellen divorced after 36 years, but remained friends. He is survived by her and their four children: Andy (Lynn Ivers), Park City; Elizabeth (Gary Springer), New York; Ted (Katie Coffey), Denver; Jeff (Deborah Haverfield), Denver. Grandchildren: Andrew, Grace and Kate, Park City; Isabel and Oliver, Denver.
A celebration of Don's life will be scheduled later. Friends and family are invited to share condolences at www.SereniCareofStGeorge.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I was saddened by Don's death. Don was truly a wonderful friend and mentor. Even after I left Syro Steel to adopt my son, we have been in continual contact. I remember lunching with him one day at Market Street Grill and we had such a wonderful visit. Our emails were pithy and full of fun and interesting information. He was a brilliant man who delighted me with his sense of humor. I miss his emails and more than that, I miss a dear friend. I applaud his service in WWII to defend and protect our nation. He was fiercely patriotic and for very good reason. During the past 12 months I have lost four people who have all had an important impact on my life. Rather than grieve, I choose to be thankful for the experiences I shared with such beautiful friends. Now they are all angels who are watching down upon us. Sincerely, Maureen J. Pinegar - [email protected]
Maureen Pinegar
June 18, 2014
Don, thank you for all your help with my development and advancement with both Syro Steel Company and Trinity Highway Products. I will never be able to repay you for all the hours of mentoring and training I received from you over the years. I truly cherish our business and personal relationship that was developed during my years in the Salt Lake City area. My sincere condolences to the Cier family, Mary Ellen, Andy, Elizabeth,, Ted and Jeff.
Bob Pacific
January 17, 2014
Dear Andy & Lynn & Family - I was sorry to read of your fathers death. Andy Mates & were @ breakfast in SLC for holiday family gathering. We spent 12 days together from Dec. 26-Jan. 7 enjoying each others company. You are in our thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Charlotte Mates
(801)870-4062
January 9, 2014
I was sorry to hear of Don's passing. Having grown up with the Ciers, I spent a lot of time with Don and Mary Ellen. Andy is one of my dearest friends and I will keep him and all of the family in my thoughts and prayers. Grief is a journey . You will heal and rebuild yourself around the loss. Sending all my love.
Mary Roney
December 31, 2013
Don and I spent many years working together at Syro Steel. He gave me many opportunities to grow and advance. Don and Mary Ellen raised four great kids that were always fun to be with. I am saddened at Dons passing and pray for comfort to Mary Ellen and the kids and grand kids. With respect. Crn
Chuck Norton
December 30, 2013
Don, you were my inspiration during our time together at Syro Steel. I cherish our business relationship as well as the many times we spent together on the golf course. My condolence to the Cier family.
Mike Hooley
December 30, 2013
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