Gates – Donald, 80,
died Sunday in Stayton. He was born in Northome, Minnesota where
he grew up. Donald served in the US Navy in the Korean War. After
the war, he moved to Oregon, living around the Willamette Valley.
Donald moved to Ketchikan, AK. in 1974 and back to the Willamette
Valley in 1986, settling in Gates 2 years ago. He worked as a
Logger, and a roofing contractor for many years, then as a junior
engineer on the Alaska State Ferry System.
Donald was a member of
the Living Water Church of God in Gates and a lifetime member of
the VFW. He enjoyed prospecting, hunting and the outdoors. Donald
married Peggy Bice on April 15, 2000 in Mill City.
He is survived by his
wife Peggy of Gates; Children: James Francis of Medford, Clifford
Francis of Banks, Karen Francis of Beaverton, Michael Nickich of
Annapolis, Illinois, and Donald L. Nickich Jr. of Ketchikan,
Alaska; step-children: Don Colvin, David Colvin, Mike Colvin, Ted
Colvin and Leann Kent; Brother: Tony Nickich of Brainerd,
Minnesota and Sister: Emma Pettit of Brainerd, Minnesota; 47 –
Grandchildren; 54 – Great-grandchildren, and
8 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son:
Wayne Francis in 2003.
Graveside services will
be Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Sheridan Masonic
Cemetery in Sheridan. Serving the family North
Santiam Funeral Service, Stayton.
