Donald Andrew Charleson

Donald Andrew Charleson (age 84) passed away peacefully at his home in Bellingham, WA on May 21, 2010. He was born on September 29, 1925 in Ocean Falls, B.C. Canada to Alexander and Pearl (Mcrae) Charleson. Donald attended Charleson High School in Ocean Falls. He volunteered for military service during university and served his country proudly in the Canadian Scottish Regiment, Third Infantry Division, known as the Water Rats. Don received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the France and Germany Star. Serving in the U.K. and Europe, his division helped liberate Holland. 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. They were married for 59 years. Donald started his 50 year career as a Mechanical Engineer at Crown-Zellerbach in Ocean Falls, worked for MacMillan Bloedel in Port Alberni, B.C., and retired from Boise Cascade after 20 years. He was a world traveler, a Mason, a Tai Chi practitioner, and who organized a Billy Graham Crusade in Port Alberni, B.C. A true Renaissance man who valued education and modern aesthetics. Anyone who knew Don would describe him as a gentle giant with a keen wit. As a man of God, Don loved his wife and family, lived a life of integrity, and was generous, honorable, and strong. Donald is survived by his wife Ruth of Bellingham, WA; sons Christopher Charleson of Vancouver, B.C. and Dan Charleson of Crawfordsville, Indiana; daughters Margo Domes of Hillsboro, OR; Lia Heisel of Portland, OR; Nancy Whanger of Corvallis, OR; and Kim Charleson. He greatly loved his nine grandchildren: Matthew Domes, Christopher Domes, Kurt Heisel, Kelly Heisel, Daniella Whanger, Kimberly Whanger, Christian Whanger, Alexander Charleson, and Patricia Charleson. Don will be missed by all who knew him. 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 Jerns Funeral Chapel & On-Site Crematory Bellingham, WA