Obituary for Don Wartner-Chaney Jr.
There was a joyous going home for Don, as he peacefully slipped into the waiting arms of Jesus. Although cancer kept attacking his body, it failed to cripple his spirit, which remained loving, optimistic, grateful, and full of cheerfulness, grace, wit and lots of humor.
Don was born in Dallas, Oregon to Virginia (Jacobs) and Don Chaney, Sr. His family moved frequently throughout Oregon and Washington. He graduated from Tyee High School in Sea Tac, Washington, where he was active in several sports.
During his 68 years, Don was extremely hard working and dedicated in the many different jobs he undertook. As a child he picked strawberries to earn money for school clothes. When he was just 22 he volunteered at a Halloween party for individuals with developmental disabilities, which began his love for this population. He worked in different roles, over the years, enriching lives and feeling that he really wasn’t working at all.
Don met the love of his life, Rose Marie Wartner, while working at a crab cannery in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. They traveled together in her van and enjoyed exploring Mexico for a few months. On November 13, 1976 they were married in Salem, Oregon. They moved to their forever home in Pine, Junction, Colorado in 1979.
He was extremely proud of their three sons; Joseph, Jacob, Jeremiah, his amazing daughter-in-law, Whitney, and his granddaughter, Reese, whom he called his “peach”. They all live close enough that Don was able to spend extra quality time with each during these difficult last months.
Don so loved coaching Little League baseball for each of his boys, and others. He coached for many years in Oregon and Colorado, making lasting friendships along the way. He also played on adult teams for as long as his body would let him.
He often displayed artistic, creative ability doing woodworking. His family was the treasure in his life. Also, Don’s friendships were very meaningful, especially his “Meadow”. Children, animals and the outdoors all brought him great joy.
We are celebrating the life of this loving man at 11:00 am, January 15, 2022. This memorial mass will take place at Our Lady of the Pines church, 9444 Eagle Cliff Road, Conifer, Colorado.
Arrangements are being handled by Foothills Cremation and Funeral Service.
Contributions can be made, in his memory, to the Intermountain Humane Society, Pine, Colorado.
Don was born in Dallas, Oregon to Virginia (Jacobs) and Don Chaney, Sr. His family moved frequently throughout Oregon and Washington. He graduated from Tyee High School in Sea Tac, Washington, where he was active in several sports.
During his 68 years, Don was extremely hard working and dedicated in the many different jobs he undertook. As a child he picked strawberries to earn money for school clothes. When he was just 22 he volunteered at a Halloween party for individuals with developmental disabilities, which began his love for this population. He worked in different roles, over the years, enriching lives and feeling that he really wasn’t working at all.
Don met the love of his life, Rose Marie Wartner, while working at a crab cannery in Dutch Harbor, Alaska. They traveled together in her van and enjoyed exploring Mexico for a few months. On November 13, 1976 they were married in Salem, Oregon. They moved to their forever home in Pine, Junction, Colorado in 1979.
He was extremely proud of their three sons; Joseph, Jacob, Jeremiah, his amazing daughter-in-law, Whitney, and his granddaughter, Reese, whom he called his “peach”. They all live close enough that Don was able to spend extra quality time with each during these difficult last months.
Don so loved coaching Little League baseball for each of his boys, and others. He coached for many years in Oregon and Colorado, making lasting friendships along the way. He also played on adult teams for as long as his body would let him.
He often displayed artistic, creative ability doing woodworking. His family was the treasure in his life. Also, Don’s friendships were very meaningful, especially his “Meadow”. Children, animals and the outdoors all brought him great joy.
We are celebrating the life of this loving man at 11:00 am, January 15, 2022. This memorial mass will take place at Our Lady of the Pines church, 9444 Eagle Cliff Road, Conifer, Colorado.
Arrangements are being handled by Foothills Cremation and Funeral Service.
Contributions can be made, in his memory, to the Intermountain Humane Society, Pine, Colorado.