Donavon Edward English

English, Donavon Edward 81 4/27/1928 10/16/2009 "It was a great ride!" Donavon died peacefully Oct. 16, 2009. He passed away while sleeping, most likely dreaming of joining his late wife, Wanda. Donavon was a man who lived his life as positively as possible, loved every aspect of living, and left this world with a smile. Donavon was born at home in Tulsa, Okla., the second child of Edith Leona Thomas and Edward D. English. He grew up during the Great Depression and lived on a small farm with many pets. His father was a master electrician and was always a good provider for his family. During the Depression, Donavon moved with his father and sister to many localities across the central and western United States as his father helped to bring electricity west. Donavon attended 27 different schools during this time, graduating from South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, Wash. As a result of this variety of homes, Donavon cultivated his famous warm and welcoming personality. After high school, Donavon enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean War on the U.S.S. Sussex. After his Navy service, he graduated from college with a business degree using his G.I. Bill. He met and married his beautiful bride, Wanda Leu, in Spokane. They settled in Bremerton, Wash., where Donavon worked selling gas appliances and commercial ovens. In 1958, he interviewed with the Dohrmann Commercial Company at a Seattle restaurant show and soon moved to Portland to start his career as a manufacturer's representative for various lines of food service equipment and supplies. He and Wanda started their own firm in May 1969. He represented the finest lines in the food service industry for over 48 years, making many friends along the way. His wife, Wanda, preceded him in death. He is survived by his two caring sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan; and his loving granddaughter, Alexa Chelsea English. A memorial service will be at noon Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes, Portland. Interment will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, in Willamette National Cemetery.