Donald Arthur Dezellem Sr.

DONALD ARTHUR DEZELLEM, SR.
1934 - 2007

Don passed away at his home with dignity and love following a year-long battle with cancer. He was born on January 26, 1934 in Brewster, WA to Arthur A. and Lulu F. Dezellem. He enjoyed his childhood growing up along the Methow and Columbia rivers among the fruit orchards and mountains. Don served in the United States Army Signal Corps as an instructor for radio electronics at Fort Monmouth, NJ until his honorable discharge in 1958.
In 1957, Don married the love of his life, Joyce, in New York City. In 1962, they moved to Santa Maria for Don to continue his work on the Atlas rocket program at Vandenberg which included a series of 44 consecutive successful launches. He retired in 1992 after 35 years of service. In retirement, he enjoyed genealogy, woodworking, cycling, skiing, and traveling with Joyce in their trailer. In 1991, Don and Joyce traveled through Alaska on the Alaska and Dempster highways.
Don enjoyed a lifelong interest in electronics, computers, science and technology, and the outdoors- especially camping and fishing. One of the highlights in his life was a flight in the P-51 Mustang, Déjà Vu.
Another highlight was celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary this year with his wife, family and friends.
Don was active in his community delivering Meals on Wheels in the local area for several years, scoutmaster for Troop 82, and participating with his sons in YMCA Indian Guides. Don enjoyed working in his garage on home projects and helping neighbors and friends with their projects.
Don was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Marion.
He is survived by his wife and five children, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his sister Dorthy, all of whom miss him greatly. Don will be missed by his many wonderful friends from coast to coast.
The family would like to thank Dr. Robert Dichmann, his staff, and Marian Hospice for their care and kindness. Friends are invited to make memorial contributions to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls or other cancer society of choice. The memorial service will be held Saturday, November 10th at 11:00 am at Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary. Reverend Robert Wedaa will officiate.
You will be missed by all who loved and knew you. Don, you put up a strong fight against this cancer. Rest now, our Love.
Arrangements are under the direction of Dudley-Hoffman Mortuary and Crematory.
Dudley-Hoffman
Mortuary & Crematory
(805) 922-8463