Donald Wesley Elkins Jr.'s Obituary
Donald Wesley Elkins, Jr. passed away at the age of 82 years, in his home of Redland Oregon where he had resided for 52 years.
Don Elkins was the second of five children to Donald and Ellen Elkins born in Bend Oregon where he lived until he was three years of age. They then moved to Albany where Don got his education and attended Albany high school. Following high school, Don began working at a plywood mill located in Adair. Don later joined the Army National Guard and served 10 years. Following his service, Don became a charter bus driver for Pacific Trailways, allowing him to travel throughout the United States, including Alaska.
In 1969, Don joined the Clackamas County Fire District as a firefighter and proudly served for 27 years before retiring. His service did not end there, within his retirement Don continued with his passion by teaching Wildland firefighting and later driving a Tanker for a private contractor. His service continued with his assistance in an infrared contracting company that took images of hotspots via helicopter following fires. Don did not limit himself to fighting fires, he also volunteered his time to the Red Cross to assist others in gaining their training certification.
Throughout his downtime in his retirement, Don enjoyed Ham radio with Trivia nights, riding his four-wheeler, and spending time outdoors with friends and his family. He was known for enjoying a great firefighter's breakfast with other retirees as well as casino trips with his wife.
Don and Nina Porter were married in 1962 and were blessed with two daughters Shelley and Sharon. Don was sadly preceded in death by his parents, two siblings Denise Colbert and Ed Elkins, as well as his daughter Shelley Elkins. He is survived by his wife Nina Elkins, daughter Sharon Christensen and her husband Tom Christensen, as well as by his two grandchildren TJ Christensen and Kelsey Christensen.
Services will be at Redland Pioneer Cemetery on December 3, 2022, at 1:00 PM.
A reception will follow the graveside service for Don. TBA
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