Don Sires, 1951 – 2026
Obituary posted on Facebook, May 13, 2026, by Donna Sires
Donald L. Sires of Newberg, Oregon, died peacefully at home from ALS, surrounded by family, on April 26, 2026, at age 74. He is interred at the Yamhill Carlton Pioneer Cemetery. Preceding him in death were his father, Marvin (Chap) Sires; his mother, Jane Brodhay Sires; sister, Mary Jane Sires, along with her young son, Jacobas Mathew Siemens; brothers Charles Michael Sires and Thomas H. Sires; and Don’s infant son, Ezekiel Michael Sires. Surviving him are his wife of 46 years, Donna Sires; their children: Amelia Sires Nelson (Christopher), Caleb Sires, Cody Rubick (Mary), and Jade Rubick (Katharine); grandchildren: Benjamin and Iona Sires Nelson; Greyson, Atticus, and Elliot Sires; Valentina, Vivienne, and Anthony Haugh Rubick; Sasha Rubick; and Dorian Siemens, Don’s beloved nephew; and Christopher Jordan, who Don always considered part of his family.
Don was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on September 25, 1951. After an adventurous youth, in 1979 he found his way to Oregon. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1983 and worked as an educator for thirty years. A gifted teacher, he was known for mentoring students and guiding them through tough times. Don taught industrial arts and technology at Twality Jr High, then industrial arts, networking and computer repair, and credit recovery at Tualatin High School until he retired in 2014. He also coached track and field for many years. In 1993, he took a two-year leave of absence to move to Kosrae, Micronesia, where he worked with the Department of Education developing vocational programs. In addition to teaching, Don operated a construction and remodeling business.
He was an outdoor enthusiast (madman) who hiked mountains, sailed a Hobie Cat, cycled long distances, and competed in triathlons and marathons. The invitation was always open to join him on these endeavors, but few to none could keep up with him.
His favorite indoor activity was playing guitar, and the first sign of his ALS was losing the ability to fingerpick. One year later, in 2024, he faced the confirmed ALS diagnosis with courage — approaching death with curiosity, not fear. His devotion to the Bahá’í Faith brought him constant comfort and guidance, and, rather than dwell in the mundane, he had a way of nudging conversations in directions theological, philosophical, and historical. Don’s thoughtfulness, patience, and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew and dearly loved him.
