Donald Francis Penater

Donald Francis Penater was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 4, 1942 to Marion C Ritter and Francis R Penater. He was the second of three children. He's predeceased by his wife Tara Mae Penater (Kingwell), his father, mother, and baby sister Marion Cristine Horwell. He is survived by his daughter Lesley Shea (Penater), grandsons Benjamin Barnes and Brayden Barnes, his niece Amy Horwell, and his older brother Robert Penater. Don served our country honorably in the Marine Corps graduating from bootcamp with the distinguished title of Honor Man. He went on to serve in the Vietnam War. Upon returning from war, he finished college and received his Bachelors of Science degree in Business from Portland State University. On August 1, 1969 he married his teenage sweetheart and love of his life, Tara Mae Kingwell. They remained deeply dedicated to one another for 38 years until her death November 20, 2007. Don spent his life dedicated to his family and community. Building a life in Pacific City, Oregon starting out as a business owner, he purchased the Sportsman's Tavern with his wife Tara in 1970 and owned and operated it for over a decade becoming the first owner to serve food out of the tavern. He then sold it to his dear friend, whom he considered family, Rob Royster, who turned the Sportman's into the beloved locals gathering place it is today. During Don's lifetime, he was also a commercial salmon fisherman, carpenter, and real estate agent. Deeply involved in the local fishing community as a member of the Doryman's Association, he helped run the Dory Derby for years. He was a kind and sensitive soul from the beginning, and proudly served as a Marine in Vietnam, which made him the protector he was throughout his lifetime. He lived his life protecting those he loved. Every time he lost someone though, a little piece of him broke because he wasn't able to protect them. Losing his baby sister in the 1986 Mt. Hood climbing tragedy broke him, but losing the love of his life to her own hand almost 14 years ago destroyed him. In his mind he failed to keep her safe. If he only knew how he had succeeded in protecting and helping so many in his lifetime. As he raised his family, he didn't have much to give, but he would share anything he had with others, and not only did he give, he served. Giving out a free meal at the bar or a few bucks to get someone by came easily to him, but serving others was baked into his soul. When the river would flood homes, he would be there to dig them out, and his hands helped build so many friends' homes. Once in real estate, he helped members of our community squeak into buying a home by not charging a commission. As much as he gave and served others, everything he did, he did for his family...his wife, daughter, niece, and two grandsons. He was so proud to be a Husband, Father, Uncle, and Grandfather. Since his wife's suicide, he was tortured every hour of every day for 14 years suffering a deep searing pain that ripped his soul. His final two years were spent at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Oregon where he was lovingly cared for by their dedicated staff. He died peacefully and was respectfully honored in death by his caregivers, fellow Marines and family. His family hopes that in death he finds peace. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to the Don Penater Memorial fund on GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/03db7408 All donations will be given to the Oregon Veteran's Home in The Dalles, Oregon in Don's name.