Donald James Chalmers

Don was raised in Multnomah and lived in Oregon most of his life. Don's pioneer family donated land in North Plains and helped found the Old Scotch Church in the early 1860s. Don was the oldest and last surviving of three children, his brother, Rob; and sister, Nan.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna Elizabeth Lingo Chalmers; children, Don Jr., Larry, Anne and Paul; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. Don graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School and went on to complete his industrial engineering degree at Oregon State University after serving five years in the U.S. Navy.

Don retired from Boeing after 32 years as an industrial engineer. Don was actively involved in his community. He was a founder of the Portland Triumph Owners Association, lifetime member and supporter of the Oregon Maritime Museum, founder of the Oregon Railway Association, volunteer with the Boeing Retirees and member of the Rockwood United Methodist Church.

Don filled his life and the lives of those around him with exploration and adventure. Don was an avid sailor and enjoyed anything having to do with trains, planes, Triumphs and bridges. He was compassionate and gave of himself without hesitation. We encourage anyone wanting to honor Don to consider a donation to the Oregon Maritime Museum, to which he gave hundreds of hours. There will a celebration of life held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, January 25, 2015, at the Rockwood United Methodist Church, 17805 S.E. Stark St., Portland, OR 97233.

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Published in The Oregonian from Jan. 15 to Jan. 18, 2015

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