Donald H. Chadwick

Donald H. Chadwick passed away at a local care facility on January 16, 2008, he was 91. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street.

Don was born April 9, 1916 in La Grande to Charles and Olive Chadwick. Don married Cleo Burke December 29, 1935. A lifelong resident of La Grande, He owned and operated Don's Plumbing & Heating with Cleo managing the office. (She even threaded pipes as needed!) An avid bowler, Don participated in many bowling
leagues and local and national tournaments. In 1972, Don achieved every bowlers dream game of 300. Don didn't put down his pipe wrenches until he was 87 years old. He will be greatly missed by those people with heating systems that were in place long before the technology of today. Don was never too tired or too busy to make late night and weekend calls. He loved his work. Don also had a passion for his dogs, never forgetting to order up an extra cheeseburger at McDonalds. He had a special place in his heart for Boston Terriers, German Shepherds and toy poodles. His last dog "Buddy" still resides at Angeline's Senior Living. Don was very creative. If a part needed for a repair was not readily available, he was able to build his own to get the job finished. He was known to be a very talented welder by his peer plumbers, friends and family. He crafted numerous figurines using his welding talents.
Don and Cleo were the loving parents of six children: surviving family members are daughters and sons-in-law: Barbara and Jack Laughlin of Vancouver, Washington, Patty and Jack Rudd, Donna and Bill Tsiatsos, Linda and Bill Whittemore, all of La Grande, Kathy and Andy Gilbert of Eugene, Oregon, and son and daughter-in-law, James and Wayla Chadwick of La Grande. Don had 19 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren (if we counted right!). Don was born to a family of ten. Surviving siblings are Walt Chadwick of Boise, Idaho, Betty Holmes of San Clemente, California, and George Chadwick of Portland, Oregon. In 1999, Don was preceded in death by Cleo, his wife of 62 years. He was also preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters.
The family requests that any donations be made to the Union County Humane Society. The family would like to thank the many caregivers who so lovingly helped their father in the last days of his life. There will be a memorial service at The First Christian Church of La Grande at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 2nd, with Pastors Ted Davis and Andy Gilbert officiating.