Donald Benjamin Foreman

Donald Benjamin Foreman was born on May 6, 1933 to Allen J. Foreman, Sr. and Theodora Banks Foreman in Galveston, Texas. Don was the youngest of two children born to this union. He attended grade school in Galveston, Texas and graduated from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon. Don graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology in Klamath Falls, Oregon. From college Don enlisted into the United States Army from 1953 - 1956. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant. Don returned to Portland and married his high school sweetheart Marian O’Neal Foreman. From this union one child was born, Kimberly Anne from Portland, Oregon. Don remarried on June 29, 1984 to Beverlee Jean Carter Foreman. Where he inherited two additional children, Stephen and Roxaynn Robinson.

His professional career included a job at Nabisco, Oregon Health Sciences University and finally his 33 ½ years at the phone company. During his tenure at the phone company he was the first African American telephone installer for Pacific Northwest Bell. He retired from US West Communications as a marketing consultant. Don volunteered his time to the telephone pioneers. Don had quite the love for golf. So much so that his cell phone voice message and his golf slammer reveals the unique love affair. Those of you who do not know what a slammer is, it’s a soft toy that you slam on the ground with 3 sayings. “Fore”, “That was a practice swing”, and “Look at the size of that divot!”

Don shared his love and wisdom with his family and those he came in contact with throughout his life. He taught those close to him what it meant to be a leader not following others even when your position was that of the majority. He stressed the importance of standing up for what was “right”. He was a strong advocate of not being part of a problem but taking part in creating a solution.

Don will be greatly missed and leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Beverlee, his older brother, Allen, his children Kim, Roxaynn (Roxie), Stephen (Stevie), his grandchildren Travis (TJ), Erin, Shamika, and Malik. He leaves to celebrate his life a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Donald Benjamin Foreman passed away peacefully at his house in his sleep. We will always have memories of him and can celebrate in knowing that he touched each and everyone of us in a special way.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.