Birth date: Jun 25, 1931 Death date: Aug 8, 2025
Don Melvin Whelden, 94, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, in Gladstone, Oregon. Born on June 25, 1931 in Oregon City, Oregon to Walter and Mary Whelden, Don faced life’s challenges with resilience from an early age. At jus Read Obituary
I’ve never admired another human being more so than I have Dad. Since my early childhood I’ve known that I wanted to be like him. He loved his fellows, oftentimes initiating conversations with strangers he ‘bumped’ into on his walks or at the grocery store.
Dad’s PTSD from being a wounded POW during part of the Korean Conflict affected intrusive thoughts and images which were utterly devastating at times. I am so proud of Dad for his seeking professional help at the VA which consisted of a weekly POW group and a monthly one-on-one with a psychiatrist. Dad attended these appointments for decades, gaining tools for managing the sometimes overwhelming stress of post-trauma, and living life on life’s terms. How courageous of him to allow healthy vulnerability to wash over him and through him. Dad’s spiritual path helped him immensely, too. He was fully dedicated to maintaining his spiritual health in that sense as well, sharing it with others.
Dad enjoyed his regular walks throughout Oregon City. I was fortunate enough to have accompanied him for some years. Dad also loved working on his farms, and he enjoyed caring for his cows. Ol’ Freckles bore many a calf. Dad and I did the hay together for some years, taking turns loading and driving, then stacking the bales in the barn.
Dad is missed by all of us. I’m grateful to have spent the last year with him virtually every day, and seeing him through to his final breath, by his side. He leaves a cavernous space in my heart, but more importantly, he suffers no more.
C. Suzanne Whelden
I liked him from my first time meeting him in the late 80's. I worked several years with him at the Safeway Bread plant.
He had a kind easy disposition. Easy and enjoyable to talk to. And enjoyable to work with.
