Donald was born in Seaside, Oregon to Edna and Henry Hill, living on the family homestead during the summer and residing and attending schools in Seaside during the school year. He loved his childhood growing up in Hamlet; fishing the streams, hunting the mountains and valleys and helping his parents with the homestead. After graduating High school, he attended Oregon State University for one year. He then joined the United States Air Force, and began his service in Burlington Vermont. While in Burlington he met his beloved wife of 63 years, Joan Barbara Osborne. He was later stationed on Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, and after receiving honorable discharge, he returned to Oregon. Don recently talked about his regrets not furthering his education, but explained “he didn’t have two cents and his dad didn’t have two dimes”, so he got a loan for a used log truck and started a business to support his family and help with the homestead. Don also commercial dory fished and dug for razor claims to help support his wife and five children. He was a talented pianist, loved dancing, playing cards, reading, bowling, golfing, fishing, hunting, and clamming. Don had little use for material things but treasured adventure, experiences and precious time spent with family and dear friends. He left a great legacy of what family and relationships should be in those he raised, loved and spent time with.
- Graduating Senior from Seaside High School
- Preference for financial need
- Preference for studying forestry or fishery interests and attending OSU