June 6, 1919 — March 31, 2008

Don Coin Walrod died March 31 at the Mennonite home in Albany. He was 88 years old. Don was able to stay at his beloved farm in Deer Island until the last two months of his life. He was born in Hayden, Colo., on June 6, 1919, the oldest child of Albert A. Walrod and Lorena Coin Walrod. He graduated from high school in Denver in 1938, and studied agriculture at Colorado Agriculture and Mining College, graduating in 1942.

After college, Don enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He piloted a B-24 Liberator in WWII, rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant, and served until 1945 in the 455 bomb group, stationed in Cerignola, Italy. After the war, Don started his career with the Extension Service in Delta, Colo. There he met Eleanor Angel, and they were married in February 1948. Soon they moved to Oregon City, where Don started his long career with the Oregon State Extension Service.

In 1953, Don accepted the position of Columbia County Extension Chairman and moved to St. Helens. He received his master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1960, and was a dedicated advocate for agriculture and forestry until his retirement in 1978.

Don was later awarded the title of “Diamond Pioneer” by the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences, for his many contributions to the agricultural community throughout the state.

Don was divorced from Eleanor in 1977, and later married Ida Ann Loyd.

Don and Ida had many happy years on the farm in Deer Island. Don was known by many for growing fabulous fruits and vegetables, and he enjoyed giving them away to friends and charities.

Don was an active community leader for many years, and in 1974 was named citizen of the year by the St. Helens Chamber of Commerce. Don was a founder of the Columbia County Small Woodlands Association and was President of the St. Helens Kiwanis club in 1963. He was an active and proud member of many other organizations, including Plymouth Presbyterian Church, St. Helens Masonic Lodge, Portland Scottish Rite, American Cancer Society, Rhododendron Society, Native Plant Society, Silvies Hunting Club, Warren Grange, Deer Island Grange, and the Photographic Society of America.

Don was preceded in death by Ida Loyd Walrod in 1996 and Eleanor Angel Walrod in 1998. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Dory Walrod; brothers, Kenneth Walrod and Orin Hamilton; and grandson Kaelin Starr Frith. Don is survived by sisters, Dell Roadman of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and Gwen Werner of Jacksonville; daughter, Linda Walrod Angel of Santa Fe, N.M.; and sons, Burt Walrod and Duane Walrod of Corvallis. Don was very proud of his three surviving grandchildren, Jemie Walrod, Jacey Walrod and Mirabella Angel.

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at Plymouth Presbyterian Church in St. Helens. Memorial contributions can be made to the OSU Foundation, Extension unrestricted fund, 850 S.W. 35th St.,

Corvallis, OR 97333, or the Columbia Humane Society, 2084 Oregon St., St. Helens, OR 97051.