April 3, 1927 to January 31, 2024

Donald Ferguson Dunbar was born April 3, 1927, in his parents’ Buckhorn ranch home, Condon, Ore., and passed away Jan. 31, 2024, at home in Bethany at the age of 96.

Donald began his educational journey at the Buckhorn one-room schoolhouse across from their ranch and graduated from Condon High School in 1945. His education took a practical turn when he entered the U.S. Army in July 1945. Ultimately, he was assigned to the 13th Engineers Battalion, 7th Infantry Division and stationed in Seoul, Korea, where he attained the rank of S/Sgt. He felt especially blessed to work under Ambassador John H. Holdridge who became instrumental in opening relations with China in the Nixon Administration and served as ambassador to Singapore as well as Indonesia.

Don’s engineering experience with the 7th Division led to his work with the Oregon State Highway Department. Later, taking advantage of the GI Bill he graduated in 1952 from Eastern Oregon University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. He received his Master’s degree from the same institution and pursued extensive post-graduate studies through the years. He became school principal and taught grades 5-8 at two-room Fruitdale School in LaGrande, where his wife Zola taught grades 1-4. He went on to become a lifetime educator, serving 36 years as a superintendent or principal, most of that time with Beaverton, Ore., Public Schools. Prior to joining the Beaverton School District he was superintendent of the Knox Butte School District, Albany, Ore, for nine years. In Beaverton he led McKinley, Hazel Dell, Garden Home, Kinnamon, and Elmonica elementary schools. Throughout the years he enjoyed maintaining contact with former students, teachers, and colleagues up until his passing.

Despite his focus on preparing children for the future, he never lost his love and pride in his Scottish and Eastern Oregon heritage. He was a frequent visitor to Gilliam and Wheeler counties and maintained contact with the Scottish relatives of his parents throughout his life. He was an active supporter of several groups and organizations including the Portland Highland Games, the Education Foundations of Eastern Oregon University and the University of Oregon, the Beaverton Elks, the Gilliam County Library and Museum to name just a few. He was also instrumental in supporting the creation of the Cottonwood State Park along the John Day River in Gilliam County.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Dr. Zola Dunbar; his parents, Charles and Mary Dunbar, both born in Scotland; his brothers, Douglas and Robert; and two nephews. He is survived by daughters, Donna Mason (Carl) and Myrna Neese (David); nieces, Bonnie Dunbar and Mary Dunbar Squires (Steve), daughters of his late brother Robert; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and 18 additional nieces and nephews.

A private interment with full Military Honors in Willamette National Cemetery has been held. There will be a tribute to his life at Bethany Laurel Parc, later.

Family would also like to acknowledge the many friendships with residents of Laurel Parc that enriched his life, and to express their deepest appreciation for the outstanding and compassionate care provided by Brighton Hospice and staff at Laurel Parc during his final days. Donations may be made to any of the Don & Zola Dunbar Scholarship funds established at each of the following: University of Oregon, Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Community Foundation/Condon High School, or the Schools of Education at either University. Please visit his memorial page at www.lincolnmemorialpk.com to leave a message for the family.

Please sign the online guest book at www.oregonlive.com/obits

Editor: Don Dunbar was a fine Principal for Garden Home School  from 1968  to 1974. Don continued his interest in Garden Home through his participation with our organization, GardenHomeHistory.com. His stories are found in Veterans of Garden Home, and Garden Home School by Don Dunbar, Principal 1968-1974. We all appreciated learning from him. For his last visit with us, he drove from Laurel Parc to Garden Home for the outdoor celebration of the Garden Home Library 40th Anniversary – June 3, 2023.

Don Dunbar and Elaine Shreve are enjoying a cup of ice cream from our History booth – Garden Home Library 40th Anniversary June 3, 2023