Donald "Don" North

Donald Gene North, 76, of Richland, Oregon, died on Sunday, April 6, 2025 with his family at his side.  Per Don's request there will not be a service.

Donald Gene North was born on June 1, 1948 in Herschell, Missouri to Buster and Ida "Tootie" Mae (Wallace) North.  He attended school in Missouri and Portland, going into the military as soon as he graduated high school.

He and Judy were married in Lewiston, Idaho in 1977.

Don worked as a welder in Redmond; and was on the Crooked River Ranch Volunteer Fire Department.  He continued his welding work when they moved and made their retirement home in Richland, of which they have lived in Richland for 26 years.  Don enjoyed mushrooming in the spring, hunting in the fall, boating and fishing.

He was a member of the VFW Post #7847, and held the position of the trustee in the organization, bingo caller extraordinaire and the first one to volunteer with anything that was going on.

If ever an agreement or disagreement in the family and he was speaking, it was common to hear “I’m just stating the facts.”  ]Don was a kind man that always had a smile on his face and a jolly laugh when he would hear a good joke or tell a fond memory. He often referred to the people he held dear as "Sugar" or "Bud" and was always the first on the scene when a friend or family member was in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Wayne North.

Don is survived by his wife Judy of 47 years; Children Annita Homan of Louisiana, John North of Madras, Or, Crystal North of Richland; brother- in-law Bob Heller; Grandchildren Candice, Brittny, Christopher, Sienna, James and Joshua; 11 great grandchildren.

For those who would like to make a memorial donation in memory of Don, the family suggests to the VFW Post #7847 through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Services PO Box 543 Halfway, Oregon 97384.  Online condolences may be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com