Donald Virgil Stitt

Donald Virgil Stitt, 92, of Woodburn and formerly of La Grande, died June 18 at the Cascade Park Retirement home in Woodburn.

Funeral services were held June 27.

Donald was born June 9, 1915, the third of six children, to Charles and Annie Stitt in La Grande. He grew up in La Grande and graduated from La Grande High School where he was an outstanding athlete in Basketball, football and track.

In 1937, he moved to Portland with his family. He played professional basketball for the Signal Oil Co. and attended Oregon State University in 1939 and 1940 where he was a star guard on the basketball team.

He served in the Army and was stationed in England during World War II. While in England, he was a member of the United Kingdom Basketball Championships after the war he played professional basketball in the Northwest Professional Basketball League for the Salem Trailblazers and the Portland Indians.

At 40, Donald began playing tennis. During his tennis career, he won many Northwest titles and was a top-ranked player for many years. He was also an accomplished bowler and won many team bowling titles.

In his 70s and 80s, he competed in the Masters Track and Field Championships, winning many titles. In one competition, he barely missed the world record in the high jump for his age.

He was self-employed for many years in the health and exercise equipment field in Portland.

He moved to Cascade Park Retirement Center in Woodburn in 2004.

He was preceded in death by his sisters, Laretta and Marie and brothers, Wilford and Daniel. He is survived by his brother, Alvin Stitt of Portland. He was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews, family members said.

To leave an on-line condolence, go to www.bollmanfuneralhome.com