Donald Gene Ackley

Donald Gene Ackley (Don) passed away at home in the company of loved ones on November 5th, 2024, in Keno, Oregon, at the age of 78.

Don was a strong fighter, battling Multiple Myeloma and the related kidney failure for over 7 years, with the steadfast help and support from his much loved wife Barbara (Bobbie) Ackley, their daughter Michelle, numerous family and friends, and dedicated healthcare professionals. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.

Don was born April 21st, 1946 in Elma, WA to Lawrence and Doris (Whitmer) Ackley. He was the 2nd of 3 sons - Lawrence (Larry), Don, and Craig. His family moved to the Tulelake area when his father was granted a Homestead. Sadly, his father was tragically killed in a tractor roll over when Don was only 4 years old. His mother, a polio survivor, raised the 3 boys to be independent and hard working.

Don began high school in Tulelake, CA and graduated from Elma High School, Elma, WA. From there he served in the Army as an E-4 Specialist during the Vietnam War. After leaving the Army he wore many hats. He was a cowboy for the Bob Byrne Cattle Company and his uncle Orvin Ackley, worked for Newell Potato Co-op, was a firefighter for the US Forest Service, worked at Glass Mountain Block, was a plywood stock rustler for Weyerhaeuser, earned his Associates in Business from the Oregon College of Business, was the Pavillion and Grounds Manager for Britt Music Festival and Gardens, and eventually retired from Collins Pine LLC.

Don went on his first date with Bobbie July 4th, 1969, and they married less than a month later on August 2nd, 1969. He adopted Bobbie’s daughter Michelle and raised her as his own. Don and Bobbie celebrated their 54th anniversary this last August. He loved Bobbie and Michelle dearly. Don was at his center, a family man. He deeply loved his in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins and their extended families.

Don is predeceased by his father Lawrence, mother Doris, older brother Larry, and nephew Dale. He is survived by his wife Bobbie, their daughter Michelle, his grandchildren Ryan and Sarah, his great-granddaughter Hazel, his younger brother Craig and his son, Nathan, his nephew Jason (Larry’s oldest) and his son Dalton, as well as numerous cousins and their extended families.

Don had many hobbies over the years including woodworking, wood carving, photography - wildlife, ceremonies, etc., knife building, hunting, gardening, but his all-time passion was fishing.

Don was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences.

He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his family and friends. He truly loved each of them.

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