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Dr. Donald Francis Addison

1942 - 2018

Dr.  Donald Francis Addison obituary, 1942-2018, Eugene, OR

Donald Addison Obituary

Dr. Don, as he was affectionately known, passed away February 18 at RiverBend Hospital. Don was a lifelong teacher, multi-lingual musician and a Choctaw elder. Born to Walter and Aurelia "Jerry" Addison, he graduated from South Eugene High School. As a high schooler Don joined the Baha'i Faith, a decision that shaped his life in many ways.

Don graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor's in music in 1965, and an M.A. in music from UCLA in 1970. He returned to the U of O, graduating with a Doctorate in Music History in 1998. Dr. Don taught for many years in various institutions, including at the U of O, Chemeketa Community College, and In the Anthropology and Ethnic Studies Department at Lane Community College from 1998 to his retirement in 2013. He was a founder of the Rites of Passage program for Native American students at LCC. Dr. Don studied, performed and lectured on music from Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and Native American traditions. He also contributed to the Wisdom of the Elders program funded by the National Endowment of the Arts.

Dr. Don spent time in Nigeria and taught a popular course on the Baha'i Faith at the University of Nigeria, making lifelong friends to whom he often mailed Baha'i literature. Dr. Don always seemed to have his car trunk full of Baha'i literature in various languages which he offered generously to those he met.

Don leaves behind a sister, Sharon (John) Jackson, nephew Sean (Jennifer) Jackson, niece Sandy (Joe) Noffsinger and a great-nephew and great-niece.

A memorial service is scheduled on March 25 from 1-3 PM at the Lane Community College Longhouse.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Feb. 25, 2018.

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Bradley Hull

January 29, 2024

Still thinking about you and all the ways you added to make Chemeketa community college a better place. You were one of the most accepting, tranquil, and empathetic people I have ever met, and you are sorely missed by Faculty, Staff, and Students alike.

CarolAnn Adams

February 21, 2023

Beloved Don, What a gracious gift you have been in my life. A song in my heart still sings praise for your gifts you shared so willingly. Blessing's to you in the Kingdom.

Vicki McNutt

February 19, 2021

I will never forget Donald. We shared a love for animals. I transported Donald when I worked for Ride Source. We always talked about his cat and my dogs. I was fortunate to be a friend of his. He holds a special place in my heart. He passed on my Birthday and on that day and many days each year I think of him. Prayers to his family.

Sky Ironplow

April 2, 2018

Dr. Addison was an incredible and inspirational teacher and friend. He was my teacher and my wife's co-worker at LCC. It was a blessing to know him on campus and off. We both had a love for Native Languages, adored collies, cats, and cultural stories. He was the definition of kindness and fullness of spirit. We will miss him greatly. His integrity and charisma will live on through his students, friends and family. Tóka akhé, Dr. Addison.

Diane Binnings

March 21, 2018

My daughter Emily and I took your Cultural Anthropology course together and I still say it was the most interesting course at LCC. You blessed many. You are truly Led by the Light.

Roberta Hodgin

March 15, 2018

May Thy servant of Baha'u'llah consort for eternity with Thy chosen ones, Thy saints and Thy Messengers in heavenly places.

Roberta Hodgin

March 15, 2018

I pray that this servant of Baha'u'llah may consort with Thy chosen ones, Thy saints and Thy Messengers in heavenly places that the pen cannot tell nor the tongue recount.

March 10, 2018

Beloved Don; I send you prayers of love and peaceful drumming. Baha'u'llah will greet you as his most shining star. Your friend, Carol Ann Adams

Marsha Wilcox

February 28, 2018

I'm heartbroken! Dr Don was a kind & compassionate man, always ready to listen & offer words of wisdom. I'm so, so sorry our community has lost such a fine man. Go with God, Dr. Don. Thank you for touching my life.

Karel Ann Moe

February 28, 2018

Sorry for your loss. Prayers.

Vicki Cornelison

February 27, 2018

Dr.Don Addison and I shared the love of our animals on every chance I had the opportunity to transport him om Ride source. I was so saddened to hear of his passing. We now share another bond his passing was on my birthday. I am so happy for him that he is at peace and forever pain free. I will miss him in many ways. My heart goes out to all that knew him he. He will always have a special place in my heart. Rest in peace my friend. And entertain and share your knowledge with everyone in your place of peace. You are dearly missed but know that we will meet again. RIP...

February 27, 2018

I grew up on Orchard Street in Eugene with Don and his sister Sharon as a neighbor. We had wonderful times in the 1950's! Don was an exceptional pianist and many of his South Eugene classmates remember that. Don came to our SEHS Class of 1961 gathering last fall. He looked good and seemed very happy. Don will be remembered. Patti Hallin Luse

Cyndi Woodrum

February 27, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Dr Don's passing. I am a dog walker & I walked by his house 3 days a week. He said he was getting a dog & asked me to walk it for him but as far as I know he never got one. There is a sign on his fence saying he does so I've been so worried about it & his cat, that they are being taken care of. I kept thinking Don would come home & I could talk to him then finally decided to check on here. So sorry . I hope all is well with his animals. Please call me if I can help. 541-968-3995

February 27, 2018

So sorry to hear about the loss of Donald. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of many individuals who truly care about you. May the God who supplies endurance and comfort grant you peace. (Psalms 94:19)

Kia Ministry

February 27, 2018

My husband and I send our deepest condolences for your loss. We pray that the promises recorded at Jeremiah 29:11, 12, proves to be a source of comfort for you and your family during your sorrow.

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