Don Eliason, 69

Don Eliason

Donald Axel Eliason passed through the veil on January 7, 2016.
He was born in Wagner, South Dakota on September 13, 1946.  His family moved to Kadoka, South Dakota when he was a teen-ager, where he enjoyed being a well-known and lettered athlete, as well as son of a preacher man and his wife, Morris and Vera Eliason. After graduation from Whitworth College in Spokane, he married Gwenda Smith, also of Kadoka. He graduated from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, was pastor of one church, in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, and welcomed two sons into his life, Ryan, born on his birthday in 1970, and Casey, who was born August 11, 1973. Don and Gwenda divorced after nine years, and Don remarried Phyllis Lodgic and welcomed two stepdaughters, Charmion and Michelle into his life, and then a granddaughter, Aisha, who was born in the home he had built in Eugene, Oregon. Don’s carreer was mostly as a counselor and also a massage therapist.  
Don was a master wood worker, loved motorcycles, tools, animals, traveling, music (The Blues) and sports, especially the Oregon Ducks! He loved playing the guitar and singing. His last full sentence was, “You can’t not dance the Blues!” Both Ryan and Casey are married, Ryan to Mayuree Khantaprab from Chiang Mai, Thailand, and Casey to Stacia Grytness from McKinleyville, California. Casey’s two daughters, Mikelle 5 and Farrah 3, loved their Grandpa Don and were always delighted when a visit was forthcoming. 
Most significantly, Don had a very large, very loyal circle of friends that he kept weekly contact with, as well as many friends from other states and other countries. He cherished and nourished those friendships, and this was very apparent at his death, which was attended by close friends and family, and many many others in spirit and love. We are most grateful to report that his passing was filled with love, reconciliation, and tenderness.  Though he fought his heart disease and cancer with all of the big guns he could muster, he was still able to relax and go quietly into that good night.  
At Don’s request, there will be a traditional party at his homestead in the Spring. If you wish to send comments, they would be welcomed on his facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/don.eliason.3. Ryan and Mayuree are living at his hand built homestead and can receive mail at Ryan Eliason, 2620 East 43rd Ave., Eugene, OR  97405. Casey and Stacia’s address is 1171 Tilley Ct., Arcata, CA  95521. 

The Pioneer Review

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