Don was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, business owner and friend – largely content to be in the background, letting those around him shine. He was known for his kindness and quiet generosity. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 68 years, Geraldine (Geri) Cermack, a proud father of three children, Cathy, Mary, and Meg (Ariel), and a delighted grandfather of two grandsons, Gavin and Garrett. Not only a gentleman, Don was a gentle man.
Donald Wayne Van Zyl was born on November 14, 1926 in LeMars Iowa to his parents Helena Van Zyl (Spaan) and Cornelius Van Zyl. His passion for travel may have been sparked in his childhood. At age 12 his parents purchased a travel trailer and sold their poultry farm. They bundled up their belongings, Don and his younger sister Helen, and set off to see the entire country, ultimately settling one year later in Gresham, Oregon. Don attended Gresham Grade School and Gresham Union High School where he met the love of his life, Geri. After graduating from high school in 1945, he was inducted into the US army where he served in the 11th Airborne Division and was stationed in Marioka, Japan through December of 1946. After returning to the states, Don attended the University of Oregon where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in business. He then married his high school sweetheart Geri on August 13, 1950. For their honeymoon, they crossed the country in Don’s red convertible, arriving in New York City in time for him to attend New York University, where he earned a Masters of Science in Retailing.
Once he completed his education, they drove back to Oregon where Don and Geri lived for the rest of their lives. He then began his career in retail starting at Lipman’s, then Rhodes, and finally Best Apparel, which became Nordstrom Best in 1965. Leaving retail in ’69, Don worked for a series of clothing companies in sales. In September of 1971, Don and Geri launched their dream in Gresham; opening, a women’s specialty clothing store, The Glass Butterfly. During this time they raised their 3 beautiful daughters - Cathy, Mary and Ariel. The Van Zyls successfully owned and managed The Glass Butterfly until they sold the stores in 1993.
Throughout his life, Don was passionate about skiing, golfing – and later in life, gardening. He delighted in sweets, especially chocolates, as well as the goodies Geri made for him. He was an avid reader of books, especially detective series. His passion for travel took him all over the world, particularly once he and Geri retired. They visited many regions of the US and countries throughout Europe, Africa, India, Indonesia, Asia and Central America. His greatest passion however was his family – including his Glass Butterfly “family” during his years in business. He adored being a grandpa and spending time with
his grandsons. Later in life, Don enjoyed spending days golfing and evenings on his lanai on Maui watching the sunsets, cigar in hand. He loved the sun and as his life waned his favorite perch was a chair on the deck, bundled up to absorb the rays, even on chilly days.
Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geri, and his parents, Helena (Peggy) Van Zyl and Cornelius Van Zyl and step-grandchild, Joshua. He is survived by his sister Helen, 3 daughters Catherine Van Zyl, Mary Van Zyl (John Hynes), Ariel Kane (Shya Kane); grandsons Gavin Payne, Garrett Payne; four step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren and one step-great, great grandchild.
In Lieu of Flowers, please donate to the Gresham Historical Society.
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