Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Donald Harold McAllister was born in Seattle, Wash., on May 6, 1943. Don moved to Stanfield, Ore., when he was seven years old, and moved to Hermiston, Ore., three years later. He graduated from Hermiston High School. While in school, Don enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball.
Don was proud of serving in the “Ground Observer Corps” at the Hermiston airport, watching for Russian planes during his 8th grade year.
Don attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., for one year before transferring to the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore. He graduated in 1965 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Later, at age 42, Don earned his Master’s degree at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash.
Early work experience included delivering newspapers and working in the watermelon and hayfields of eastern Oregon. Professional work experience covered 40 years as an educator, counselor and coach in high school and college, including Pleasant Hill HS, Wallowa HS, Washington State Univ., Wahtonka and Wahtonka/The Dalles HS, and Sherman County HS.
Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda, and their three children Jason, Justin, and Jana, and five grandchildren. He instilled in his family a love of the outdoors, travel, sports, literature and more.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2018 from 1-3 p.m., at the Civic Auditorium in The Dalles, Ore.
