Donald Marvin Sprague Jr., February 6 1948 to October 12 2018
Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, veteran and friend who touched so many lives in his short 70 years.
With a heavy heart and great sadness, our beloved Don Sprague parted this world on October 12 after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. He was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer in July 2018 and though he bravely and willingly faced the difficult and painful journey ahead through chemotherapy, rehab and treatment, his disease quickly spread and landed him in hospice care. He was surrounded by family and loved ones on his last days as he passed peacefully at home. Don always brightened any room with his signature beard, humor and charm. He continued to make jokes and laughs until the very end.
Donald Marvin Sprague Jr. was born to Donald & Rose Sprague in Portland, Oregon on February 6th, 1948. He had 4 siblings Gary, Joanne, Mike and Jerry.He proudly served for the United States Naval Construction Battalions, better known as the Seabees at the young age of 18.
He married his best friend and love of his life, Trish at the age of 22. They spent 48+ wonderful year married, raising 3 children and rescuing several animals. Don touched countless lives with his kindness, charm, humor, smile, laughter and love. Many families will forever remember Don especially during the holiday season as “Santa” who selflessly paid a special visit to countless children in hospitals, community centers, childcare facilities and homes to brighten up their days. His vibrant, loving and kind soul truly embodied the real meaning of Christmas. When Don was first diagnosed with terminal cancer the first thing he said was, “what about all the kids at Christmas?” Even with his own life struggles, he was selflessly thinking about kids he’s visited over the 20+ years of being Santa.
Don lived a fulfilled & blessed life. He always loved working with his hand and had several careers including being a mechanic, an engineer for PGE, a technician for Intel and Radysis, working at the Red Cross to ensure much needed blood donation supplies were ready and above all else, his most loved work was his selfless devotion to spreading Christmas cheer to thousands of kids and families over the years as Santa. He is survived by his wife, Trish; his children: Tod, Jonathan and Shannon; 8 Grandchildren; and many more sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.
He has filled so many lives with joy and laughter and his spirit will continue to live on in everyone who loves him. To honor Don’s life and continue the work of some of the important causes he championed including delighting children during Christmas time as “Santa” and rescuing animals, the family has set up a memorial fund, in lieu of flowers, cards and gifts: www.gofundme.com/don-sprague-memorial-fund.
In honor of Don’s service to our country as a veteran and as the Santa loved by many, an honors service will be held on Friday, November 9th at 1:00PM at the Willamette National Cemetery.
Garden Home History Project 