Donald Paul Ellsworth

Longtime resident and Veteran, Don Ellsworth passed away on Friday November 1st.  Born to Dewey and Marjorie Ellsworth in Portland, Oregon September 25, 1930.  Don led a very productive life of a self-made man. He attended many elementary schools but graduated from Ashland High in 1949 where he played football and basketball.  After high school he worked odd jobs and tried to further his education at Southern Oregon College and played football his freshman year. However, the need to work and support himself required him to quit school and he was hired on at the power company in northern California, COPCO.  This experience led to and vaulted him into a career as a lineman with Bonneville Power Administration. It was during his tenure there he took night classes to attain his electrical engineering degree. At BPA, he received many promotions and ultimately his last position was Sup’t of Line Maintenance for the largest power company in the world at that time.

With his continued promotions during a 30 year career at BPA came numerous moves around Oregon and Washington during his marriage to Barbara Ellsworth and the raising of 2 children.  Finally, the family settled in Vancouver, WA from 1965 to 1985 when he retired from BPA. It was about then he left Vancouver and moved to Ashland where he would spend the rest of his life with Barbara Decker at her family ranch.  His passion for being a lineman and work at the power company soon became a new passion for ranching and operating heavy equipment.

Don is survived by:  daughter Sue Johanson, son Don Ellsworth, Grand kids Jon Ellsworth, Ashley Phelps, Emily Edwards, Anna Johanson, Sarah Johanson and Erica Johanson.  Great grand kids Penelope Phelps, Madden Phelps and Aria Edwards. Daughter in law Jane Ellsworth and Son in law Eric Johanson, significant other Barbara Decker and her two children Larry and Gloria Decker.  Don is preceded in death by his ex-wife Barbara Ellsworth.
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