Donald William Davidson

Donald William Davidson, age 86, of La Grande, died May 15, 2010 at a local care facility. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Mr. Davidson was born on January 14, 1924 to Wallace William Davidson and Sophie (Malinowski) Davidson in Aberdeen, Washington. He attended Samuel Ben Elementary School and graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1942. He joined the Army Air Corps in February of 1943 and was sent to various camps in the United States. He was in Nebraska for Cadet Flight School and then to sent Sioux Falls, South Dakota for Army Airways Communication School. He was then sent to Natal, Brazil and Ascension Island.

Mr. Davidson attended college at Wayne State, Nebraska, Colorado State, Grays Harbor College and Oregon State. On June 11, 1949 he married Phyllis (Misitano) Davidson in Aberdeen, Washington.

He started work for Nalley's as a salesman. Then in 1950 he joined with his brother, Bob, and two uncles in a road construction business. After buying out their two uncles, they started Davidson Bros. Contractors. They built roads in both Washington and Oregon, many in the Mt. St. Helen's area. They came to La Grande in 1971 to work on the Cabbage Hill Highway and Ladd Canyon. They continued until his brother Bob died of cancer in 1984.

Don was on the Grande Ronde Hospital Board for a number of years, the Union County Development Board, the La Grande Chamber of Commerce and various committees. He belonged to the Optimist Club, the Elks Lodge and the Blue Mtn. Barber shoppers.

He enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball, in his college years and also in the Service. Music was a big part of his life and he had great fun singing with the Barbershop Chorus. His greatest love was his family and all the Reunions and gatherings. He enjoyed living in La Grande and his friends here. They had good times together.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of La Grande; daughter, Diane (Mike) Quanbeck, son, Dan (Tracy) Davidson, son, Scott (Susan) Davidson; six grandchildren, Eric, Kathryn, Bryan, Ben, Kelly and Sean; sisters, Emily Airhart, Doris White and Mary Vogeler and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lois, and brother, Bob.
There will be a family memorial at a future date.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Charity of One's Choice in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7th, La Grande.

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