Donald Azar

Donald Anthony Azar, 83, passed away on January 9, 2025, at his home in Phoenix, Oregon, from pulmonary fibrosis, in his favorite chair, at home, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on May 25, 1941, in Waterville, Maine, Don's family moved to Michigan City, Indiana, at the age of 9. Known for his precocious nature, he started school at just 4 years of age after following his older brother so often that teachers finally welcomed him in. Don graduated high school at 17 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958, where he earned the nickname "Ace" for his exceptional skills and leadership ability.
During his time in the Air Force, Don's aptitude for language was recognized and he was sent to study at Yale University's Institute of Far Eastern Languages. He later served as a Chinese translator at Osan Air Force base in Korea and subsequently worked in intelligence operations at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio. Don also served as a member of the NSA from 1959 to 1960, completing his Air Force service in 1962.
He met and married Betty Schrampfer in 1965. After his military career, Don pursued higher education, earning a BS in cultural anthropology from Iowa State and an MA in Asian Studies from Washington University in St. Louis.
His professional life was one of innovation and service, particularly in international education. He served as Director of the ESL Institute at St. Louis University, where he led programs in intensive English for foreign students, study abroad, and foreign student advising. Don created and taught a groundbreaking program in medical English for foreign physicians in residency, addressing a critical need in healthcare.
Don was also elected Vice President of the National Association for Foreign Student Affairs (NAFSA) and developed a program for foreign students at Marysville College in St. Louis.
Don and Betty later moved to Whidbey Island, where they made their home for 17 years. Don worked in international advisory services, developing educational programs for universities in the U.S. and abroad and securing training and education grants from government and private institutions.
Together with Betty, Don authored workbooks for ESL education.
When their secretary tragically passed away, Don and Betty took her 9 year old daughter, Chelsea, into their home and raised her as their own. Betty and Don divorced in 1994.
Don moved to the Medford-Ashland area, where he met Sally Seibert and her daughter April, who has Down Syndrome, in 2000. Don and Sally married and he adopted April, completing their loving family.
Don was known for his wisdom, humor, charisma, musicality and, perhaps most of all, his kindness. He felt that being "a good man" was the most important attribute of all. He succeeded in spades. Whether serving on nonprofit boards, helping friends in need, lighting up a room with his stories, or singing rock 'n' roll with unmatched enthusiasm, Don brought joy to everyone he met. He shared a deep bond with Sally and April. Their home was filled with laughter, music, Broadway shows, games and their famous "travel nights." He will be deeply missed.
Don is survived by his wife, Sally, his daughter, April Azar, both of Phoenix, OR; Chelsea Feldman of Berkeley,CA, who Don helped raise and held a special place in his life; his sister-in-law, Selma Azar, Schaumburg IL; brother-in-laws, Bill Gass (Tracey Golden) Medford, OR; Tom Gass (Bobbette) Medford, OR; his nieces and nephews: Nicole Azar (Doug Mazurek) Valporaiso, IN; George Azar (Marcelle) Valporaiso, IN; Michael Azar (Amy Wang) San Jose, CA; Karam Azar, Schaumburg, IL; Tom Azar (Cheryl) Pompano Beach, FL; Johnny Azar (Darcy Schreckengust), Sleepy Hollow, IL; Elizabeth Fairbairn (Sean), Medford, OR; Andrew Gass (Tiffany) Portland, OR; Conrad Gass, Santa Monica, CA; Donna Kelly (Jon) Klamath Falls,OR; and 11 grand nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind very special friends, Jean Dreher and Mike Rulon.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Amelia and Karam Azar, brothers Simon and George, sister-in-law Jeanene, and his twin sisters, who passed away as infants.
A memorial gathering will take place at 1:00 on January 30, 2025 at Perl Funeral Home, followed by a graveside ceremony. Immediately following will be a celebration of life and reception at Phoenix Plaza Civic Center, located at 220 N. Main St., Phoenix, OR. Those who wish may wear Don's favorite color, green and/or Seahawk's gear.."go Hawks!"
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to local nonprofit, Riding Beyond. Riding Beyond was close to Don's heart and has helped so many through the healing, therapeutic connection between horses and people. You may contact them at ridingbeyond.org.