Donald P. Wilson

Donald Phillips Wilson died September 16, 2015. He was born on May 28, 1930 to Donald and Marie Wilson in Corvallis, Oregon. He graduated from Corvallis High School in 1948. As a young boy, he and his father operated a boat launch, restored a sunken gillnetter and sailed it from Astoria back to Corvallis. He loved the Willamette River. He graduated from University of Oregon with a degree in Psychology. In 1953, he enlisted into the United States Air Force, became a Pilot, completed Intelligence Officer's training, earned the rank of Captain, and a National Defense Service Medal. Serving his country and flying in Alaska during the Korean War greatly influenced his entire life.
In 1961, while pursuing a Master's Degree in Political Science at University of Oregon, he worked as a technician in a language institute which gave him the opportunity to travel to France to help set up a new lab there for the training of teachers of French. This assignment proved life changing, when his seating on the airplane to Paris placed him next to Joyce Elizabeth Greene, a language instructor who would also be working that summer at the language institute in Tours. After just three weeks, Don proposed to Joyce and they were married that December, 1961.
Don's early career included service in the Air Force Reserve until 1970 and work for the defense industry in Southern California. In 1971, Don, Joyce and their three daughters returned to Oregon, where he worked for the State of Oregon. In 1981, he returned to the University of Oregon, earning a Master's Degree in Education. The remainder of his career was spent as an Educational Consultant for the gifted and talented. As a result of Joyce's work with Southeast Asian refugees, Don volunteered his time and mentored many newly relocated refugees during the late 1970's and early 1980's. After 1986, Don and Joyce enjoyed travel throughout Asia when Joyce's job took them to the Philippines.
Don was a Deacon and Elder in the Presbyterian church; his consistent acts of kindness in service to others demonstrated his beliefs. His lifelong passion for music started early in life with Barber Shop Quartet singing. He sought out opportunities to sing throughout his life, in church choirs, choral groups, and most recently in the "Just For Fun Singers." His enthusiasm for making music and listening to music was contagious. His legacy continues amongst his daughters and grandchildren. He also loved gardening, camping and fishing.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Joyce; daughters Elizabeth Marie Wilson, Carolyn Christy (Dan) Laurenzo, Julie Ann (Bob) Spackman; four grandchildren; and his cousins Judy Lindsay, Dr. Gretajo Northrup, and William Plasket.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Just For Fun Singers" Music Scholarship in memory of Don Wilson at 6916 Wheatland Road North, Keizer, OR 97303.