Donald Sachse Francis passed away on February 10th, 2013. Don was born on March 17th, 1921 to Carroll and Irma Francis in Portland Oregon. Don attended Belmont Grade School and graduated from Grant High School in 1939 where he was a gymnast and pole-vaulter. He then attended OSU where he was a star on the OSU ski team and a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Don enrolled in ROTC and graduated as a First Lieutenant with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1943. Don married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Nadine Korlann, on Christmas Eve 1942. After college Don served in the US Army building temporary bridges, for our troops fighting in Europe, until the end of the war.
After the war Don joined his father and uncles Jack and George Francis in running the family business, Dealers Supply Co.. Nadine shared Don's lifelong passion for snow skiing as they enjoyed several winter vacations to Sun Valley Id. and Mount Bachelor near Bend Or. where they built a vacation home. Don enjoyed bird hunting, golfing and sunbathing whenever the snow wasn't flying.
Don is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nadine, sons Peter Donald (Kathy), Richard Walter (Beverly), Kenneth Paul (Barbara), daughter Carol Jean Golden (Lonell), Sister Anne Kinney, 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild and one deceased grandchild, Michelle Golden.
The family will hold a private family gathering to celebrate Don's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 23, 2013
Jeannie Hardy
Nadine, I was so surprised to read about Don in the paper. You really hadn't been in your new place very long. It's good you had made the move when you did. Our children seem to know what we should be doing, I guess. I was sorry to hear you didn't have more time together. Much love, Jeannie Hardy
February 19, 2013
Carol Reese
My father was Rora Reese, a roofer who did business with Dealer's Supply. My family was very lucky to get to know the Francis family, and Don & Nadine specifically. I remember with great fondness our waterskiing trips. All of the Francis family were naturals on water skis, while I never quite got the hang of it! They were very helpful & encouraged me to keep trying. I am very sorry to hear of your loss; Don was such a wonderful man. Nadine, Pete, Rick, Ken & Carol-you are in my thoughts.
February 19, 2013
Michele Roy
Thinking of all the family, friends, associates, employees, etc. who knew this great man intimately. How lucky you all were. Let the memories bring smiles to your faces. Michele and Dave Roy
February 18, 2013
Lynn Ihringer
Nadine, Pete, Rick, and Carol,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My memories of Don and the family are good ones. I especially remember and enjoyed the ski trips to Bachelor, the associations in the neighborhood, and the time spent working at Dealers Supply while attending college. Thank you again - you are in my thoughts and my parents, Lynn and Melva send their sympathies also.
February 16, 2013
Dear Nadine, Pete, Carol, Rick and Ken:
We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I have such fond memories of growing up in Portland with your family, our trips to the Oregon coast and all of our family gatherings. We look forward to seeing you when we move to Astoria in a few months.
David and Barbara Vistica( Mount Airy, Maryland)
February 14, 2013
Dan Vistica
Nadine, Pete, Carol, Rick, Ken and all:
Great memories of Don: how to make popcorn and BBQ hot dogs correctly and, how as a kid at the beach, to bypass the hot dogs and get the adults' lobster. Much love to you all,
Dan and Annette Vistica
February 14, 2013
Dear Nadine, Pete, Rick and Carol,I was so shocked to read of Don's passing and want you to know how sorry I am for your loss. Nadine, you and Don have been an intimate part of the Vistica family for as long as I can remember. I know there are many happy faces "on high" to welcome Don, but Ed and Ginny will be in the front of them all. Who knows, there may be golf in heaven! I see that te service is private, but would be happy to attend if that is appropriate. Much love, Sr RitaRVistica
February 12, 2013
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland
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