Memorials › Don Dee Dodson
Don Dee Dodson
12 Feb 1930 – 6 Feb 2024
| Birth | 12 Feb 1930 |
| Death | 6 Feb 2024 |
| Cemetery | North Powder Cemetery North Powder , Union County , Oregon , USA |
| Added by | Jeff Davis on 14 Jun 2025 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/283948379 |
Bio
Don Dodson passed away peacefully, Tuesday, February 6, surrounded by his wife, three daughters and family members, at home, on his beloved ranch at North Powder. Don was born in Baker, Oregon on February 12, 1930, to Harold Wilcot Dodson and Violet Louise Parker Dodson. He graduated from Powder Valley High in 1948, as a lettered athlete in multiple sports. He married Jessie Ruth Swanson in May 1952, and they raised their three daughters on the ranch. Don was blessed with a long life, doing what he loved – raising high quality beef cattle and sharing ranch life with his family and many friends. Anyone who crossed his path was likely to hear stories of his trips around the northwest, buying herd bulls and feeder calves or hauling irrigation pipe from Astoria to help spread irrigation water across the valley. One of Don's proudest accomplishments was his co-founding and 50-year leadership in the development of the Powder Valley Water Control District and the Wolf Creek and Pilcher Creek dams, which transformed the north end of the Powder Valley into the productive farm and ranch ground it is today. Way ahead of its time in the use of gravity-fed irrigation, the Wolf Creek Dam and pipeline, completed in the early 1970s, continues providing reliable irrigation water to thousands of acres. Water delivered from the dam also uses sections of historic ditches, some built by Don's great-grandfather, Lorenzo Kelsey. Don loved good food – especially Jessie's pot roasts and homemade bread – and was passionate about fresh fruit and vegetables. The mountains were always calling him, whether for camping, hunting or Sunday drives. Sharing a good meal, lively conversation and a game of pinochle with the neighbors were the best forms of entertainment. Occasional trips to Portland for a concert or Trailblazer or Bucks game, or to Montana with cousin Eric to check out other ranch operations, added the spice in his life. Nothing could compare with Don's pride in and love for his family. His daughters knew they could count on his support without fail. As grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, Don went out of his way to attend their sports activities and rodeos. His many longtime friends knew he had their back or a helping hand, when needed, and he deeply appreciated the same from them. Don was proud of his pioneer heritage. His great-grandfather, Wesley Parker, settled in the Powder Valley around 1862, and the Kelseys came in the 1880s. His knowledge and love of this land was as deep as those roots and he has passed that love on to his family. Don is survived by his precious Jessie; daughters Sandra Richelderfer (Dick), Cheryl Martin, and Janet Dodson (Phil Rathbun); grandchildren, Kelsey Hanning (Josh), Sarah Anderson (Wes), Cody Richelderfer, Molly Hasselblad (Stefan), Andrew Martin (Marny), Casey Martin (Heidi), Sam Martin (Kelly), and Riley Martin (Lacey); 17 great-grandchildren; sister Joy Harrod (Howard); eight nephews and two nieces, Brother-in-law George Swanson; and many dear and valued friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Dale and Shirley Dodson, and brother-in-law Jim Swanson. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 17, 2 p.m., at the D2 Ranch, 51407 Hwy 237, North Powder, Oregon. Among Don's favorite charities were St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Shriner's Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 and Wounded Warrier Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
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