Donald Raymond Haight, age 89, of Cascade Locks, OR, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2022 in Gresham, OR. Don was born on October 27, 1932, in Portland, OR, to parents Clarence and Lillian Haight. He graduated from Cascade Locks High School, and later married his high school sweetheart, Gyda Anne (Embree) Haight on November 22, 1953. They were married for more than 68 years; she was the love of his life. Their son, Stephen, was born in 1956.
After high school, Don spent four years in the military as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, then worked on various dam projects in California and Oregon. He and Gyda Anne subsequently spent over thirty years living all over the world while Don worked on development projects in Greece, Israel, Venezuela, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. They made friends abroad, and also hosted loved ones from home. Later in his career, Don was involved with starting an equipment rental company for General Electric in China, and eventually worked as a consultant. His friends and family will remember the wonderful stories he told about his life overseas.
Eventually, Don and Gyda Anne returned to the Portland area, and moved back to Cascade Locks. They were active and known in their community, especially when it came to promoting sailing on the Columbia River. Their support of youth sailing programs in Cascade Locks enabled many children to spend time on the water. Wherever Don and Gyda Anne lived in Oregon, they created stunning backyards—they looked like parks. They enjoyed entertaining friends from near and far.
Don loved his animals, including his most recent cats. He also loved the place he called home. “We’ve been pretty much all over the world,” Don said in an interview for a local oral history project, “and there’s not too many places as pretty as the Columbia River Gorge, that’s for sure.”
Don is survived by his wife, Gyda Anne; brother, Roger (Joan); brother-in-law, Adolph; several nieces and nephews; and close friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Stephen; his parents; sister, Judy; brother, Forrest; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. Don will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
No service will be held at this time.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.6