Donn passed away peacefully at home with family on February 14 th at the age of 89.

Donn was born in Phoenix Arizona in 1933 to Max and Mayme Wilson.  From an early age Donn was on the move due to his father's construction jobs with the Bureau of Reclamation which kept the family following the next project. Donn lived in Phoenix AZ, Yuma AZ, Brawley CA, Coachella CA, McMinnville OR, Boise ID, and finally Friant CA where they settled during his time in high school.

In 1953 Donn met the love of his life, Doreen, after being introduced by mutual friends. Shortly after, Donn enlisted in the Marine Corp while continuing his courtship of Doreen.  Donn's service took him to Japan in support of the Korean War.  While in Japan Donn summited Mt. Fuji which was a highlight of his time spent overseas.  Upon his return, Donn was honorably discharged from military service, enrolled at Fresno State to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering, and married Doreen on August 17 , 1957, in Carmel CA.  Soon family life began for Donn and Doreen with Doreen's teenage brother Rod Wright coming to live with them during his high school years followed by the birth of their two boys Scot (1960) and Kyle (1964).

Donn began his professional life working for irrigation districts in Madera and Tulare CA. In 1966 the family moved to Crescent City CA where Donn held the roles of Director of Public Works, City Engineer, and City Manager. Much of Donn's efforts were focused on rebuilding city infrastructure destroyed by the 1964 Alaska earthquake and tidal wave.  In 1973 the family moved to Valley Springs CA where Donn managed the Pardee reservoir hydroelectric and water distribution project for the East Bay Municipal Utility District.  In 1989 Donn became the head of the Yuba County Water Agency managing large hydroelectric power and water distribution projects. Donn became known as a water expert throughout California.

Donn retired in 2000 to spend more time on his passions (family, sailing, rowing, boat building, and making anything possible from wood or metal) Donn's life work, where he lived, and interests always involved water.  Some highlights from his love of water include sailing on a 39ft boat from San Diego to Hawaii (through a hurricane) with his son Scot to earning third place in the US National rowing championship for his age group.  In 2006 Donn and Doreen moved to Anacortes WA to be close to their children and grandchildren. The years that followed were filled with family gatherings and attending the school and sporting events of his grandchildren. Donn was most proud of his 2 children and 4 grandchildren attending and finishing college where he provided much support and encouragement.

Donn is survived by his wife of 65 years: Doreen of Anacortes; sons: Scot (Jennifer), Kyle (Kim), both of Anacortes; grandchildren: Mackenzie Wilson of Ft Walton Beach FL, Connor Wilson of Anacortes WA, Natalie Wilson of La Jolla CA, Andrew Wilson of Anacortes WA, brother-in-law Roderick Wright of Livermore CA, and cousin Anne Herogian of Fresno CA.

No service is planned at this time. Remembrances in Donn's name may be made to Hospice of the Northwest .  To share memories of Donn please sign the guestbook and bookmark this link for easy return visits: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/donn-wilson