Donald Dean Hamann

Donald Dean "Don" Hamann, age 69, of Cove, died Thursday, January 8, 2009 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Christian Church. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center. Don was not a suit and tie type of guy so the family requests that you dress comfortably for the service.

Don was born on November 2, 1939, the son of Albert and Lucile (Beddes) Hamann in La Grande. He graduated from La Grande High School with the class of 1958. During his high school years he was involved with FFA and the ski team. In 1961 he married Sharon Bloom in La Grande. The couple later divorced. On June 1, 1991 he married Becki Johnson in Lake Tahoe.

During his lifetime Don had the opportunity to do many things. He was a member of the Army National Guard, serving over 20 years before retiring from that service. He farmed and was part owner of Hamann Anson Ski Shop before starting Hamann Trading with his brothers Everett and Raymond. In 1984 he established Bulldog Enterprises, which he operated until his death. He was a certified pilot and flew his own plane for many years. He enjoyed collecting Antique coin operated games, machines and old cars. He will be remembered fondly for his gift of gab and he was a friend to all. He was a member of the First Christian Church in La Grande. He was a member and past President of the South 40 Club and also held memberships in the Oregon Wheat League, Blue Mountain Grange, Rusty Wheels Car Club and the Knife and Fork Club. He also participated in his "Tuesday Night Lodge", where he along with family and friends gathered to work on their automobiles.

Survivors include his wife, Becki Hamann of Cove; children, Dean Hamann and his fiancé, Kathy of La Grande; daughter, Tory Brixey and her husband, Ray, of Vernonia, daughter, Lizzy Hamann and her fiance Barry of La Grande; brother, Raymond Hamann and his wife, Patty of Island City; sister-in-law, Mabel Hamann of Cove; grandchildren, Kerstin and Kyle Brixey; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Everett Hamann.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Don Hamann Scholarship in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7th Street, La Grande. The scholarship will be used to help someone going to trade school or a community college.

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