In Loving Memory of
Donald Eldon Begley
April 15, 1936 – December 13, 2020
Virtual Celebration of Life Gathering was held on January 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM MST
Don was born to Stanwood and Geraldine Begley in Joseph, Oregon on April 15, 1936. He graduated from Joseph High School in 1954 where he played football and basketball and was on the track team. After high school graduation Don attended Oregon State University for several years before enrolling in the Air Force.
He entered the service in May of 1957 and did his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He then served overseas in Korea for several years. In August of 1959 he married Geraldine Schaefer of Pendleton, Oregon. Tragically, she died during childbirth with their son in August of 1960. He was honorably discharged from the service in May of 1961. He returned to Oregon State University and finished his college degree in biology in 1963.
He later went to dental school in Portland Oregon for a year and then began working at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center from 1964 to 1974 and that is where he met Barbara Wrightson. They were married on July 10, 1965 and had two daughters, Charis and Stephanie.
Barb and Don bought some property in rural Hillsboro Oregon in 1965. Don also obtained his pilot’s license and was a partner in several small airplanes until 1980. He greatly enjoyed flying friends and family on short trips around the region.
Don also had a business, Holly Hill Biologicals in which he sold serum containing antibodies from small animals to other businesses and laboratories conducting research. He spent the remaining years of his work life working on the Oregon Health Sciences campus in various research positions.
In retirement, Don and Barb traveled around the US and Canada in their 5th wheel trailer which was a life long time dream for them. They spent many years traveling to visit friends and family around the continent. They ended up settling in Wellington, Nevada in the early 2000’s.
In 2010 Don was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and he and Barb moved to Denver to live closer to their daughter Charis and her family.
Don is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Charis Sederberg and his son in law James Sederberg II, daughter Stephanie Begley and her partner Carole Galuska, grandson’s James (Jamey) Sederberg III and Jackson Sederberg, his sister Judy Lamy, nephew Christopher Lamy and nieces Ann Hall, Michelle Curtright and Katherine Wrightson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be to sent to The Wings Over The Rockies Museum in Don’s memory.
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Barbara, Charis & family, our prayers, wonderful thoughts and memories are with each of you. Thank you! for sharing the meaningful Memorial reminders of Don’s full life and his precious friendship that spanned Lou’s life since their 20s; more than 60 years and mine since 1985; more than 35 years.
We both appreciated Don’s generosity when Lou had Open-Heart Surgery with a 5-way by-pass. I hadn’t slept for 3 days and no one could help supplement my need to watch over Lou in the hospital. The night he was moved out of ICU into a regular room, Lou jumped out of his hospital bed and began spinning – wrapping himself tightly with the support tubing coming from orifices, IVs, O2 & EKG wires as he spun. I flew out of my chair and onto his bed pushing my hands down on his shoulders and shouted “STOP!” He did. As I unwrapped my 6’2” morphine-induced confused husband, I knew that I had to find someone to help over the next few days. Begley was the only one willing. He arrived. He stayed the entire day. I went to my hotel room inside the hospital and slept, showered and ate. Don did not leave his friend’s side until I returned refreshed and ready to begin, again. He remains our friend and we will never forget his influences: flight/aircraft & auto modifications, diesel fuel objectives, Apple product usage, Facetime, continued phone visits from Colorado & So Much More.
Don remains our best friend whom we speak of today, reminisce together, and every time Lou reviews his Piper rebuild &/or uses one of Don’s tools (some dental) – he brings it in and we remember as we ask: “What would Don do/have done with this?” Don, the innovator.
We miss him terribly and regret not having more time with him.
Most importantly, though, we are appreciative for his time, energy and best friendship – forever.
Love & warm memories always,
Connie & Lou
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Barb, I am so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful Don. You may have moved away but you are stiil in our hearts. Much love my friend.
Lori
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I also met Barb and Don when we both volunteered at the Animal Shelter and became friends. Between the doggies and excercising at the Swim Center we became even better friends. I have missed you Barb and my heart is with you during this tough time.
Judy
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We think Don was one of the funniest, smartest men we ever knew. His wife Barbara is a dear friend even though we haven’t seen her in years. He was a loving devoted husband. Both were involved in DAWG though Barbara was more involved than Don. Blessings to Barbara and her family. Please know we send the sincerest condolences.
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I met Don & Barb when I started volunteering at our local animal shelter in Gardnerville, NV in 2007. We shared many stories about family and the dogs in our lives. Don & Barb were a great support to me when my husband passed. Don had a warm and kind personality. I missed them both so much when they moved.
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Don was the handsome older Brother of my good friend, Judy Begley Lamy. We became better acquainted as adults when Don was attending Oregon State and I was a student at the University of Oregon. Dudring this time we became good friends and enjoyed spending time together. Years later Don and his wife Barb made a trip to Alaska in their lovely Fifth Wheel Trailer and they visited my husband and me in Anchorage. Don was a kind and caring individual. He had a warm smile and a quick sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.