G. Donald Beardsley

March 13, 1922 – October 26, 2015

Long-time Salem, Oregon resident, Grant Donald (Don) Beardsley, MD, passed away peacefully on the 26th of October 2015. He was born March 13, 1922 in Eugene, Oregon delivered by his obstetrician father Grant Stanley Beardsley, MD to his loving mother Maude Taylor Beardsley. Don attended Harvard University from 1940-1942 where he met his future wife, Jeanne Robinson. In 1943 he returned to finish studies at the University of Oregon, and married Jeanne in 1946. Don then completed his medical education and urology residency at the University of Oregon Medical School in Portland through an accelerated program to prepare physicians for World War II and the Korean War. As a Captain in the US Army he was stationed at Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Washington. Don and Jeanne moved to Salem where he practiced urology for 36 years until his retirement in 1989. Don was a faculty instructor in urology at UO Medical School (1961-62). He was a proud and active member of the medical community and served as President of Salem Hospital Medical Staff (1970).

After retirement, Don pursued his many interests including travel, music (especially Big Band), photography, trains, reading and geologic studies.

Many benefited from his ability to fix almost anything and his love for opportunities to teach. Don led a wonderfully abundant life, filled with his beloved family and many friends. His sense of humor, quest for improvement and generous spirit will be deeply missed.

Don was predeceased by his parents, his two sisters and brother, and his wife of 42 years, Jeanne (1988). He is survived by his four children: Gail (Owen) Herzberg of Salem, OR; Grant (Jan) of Eugene, OR; Carol (John) Grimwood of Salem, OR; and Pam (Clay) Beardsley of Corvallis, OR. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Matthew (Ruth) Beardsley, Ashley (Benjamin) Easley, Tori Grimwood, Colton Grimwood, Mindy (Paul) Axmaker and Mallory Herzberg. Don is also survived by his seven great-grandchildren: Phebe, Desiree, Isabella, Briella, Brendan, Avery and Jacob.

The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to Dori Denhem, as well as to the staff of Tierra Rose and Willamette Valley Hospice for their wonderful support.

Family and friends are invited to participate in an informal celebration of Dr. Don Beardsley's life at Illahee Hills Country Club in Salem on Sunday, November 22 from 2 to 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Willamette Humane Society (Salem), the Oregon Symphony Association of Salem, or Salem Hospital Foundation. Assisting the family is Howell, Edwards, Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom located in Salem.