558 N. Main St., Prineville, OR 97754 | (541) 447-6205
Donald Edward Lewis, 55 of Prineville passed away Jan. 20, 2012 while on a working vacation in Sun Valley, Idaho. In accordance with his wishes no service will be held.
Don was born March 19, 1956 in Chico, Calif. to Donald and Audrey (Williams) Lewis. At an early age his family moved to Canby, Calif. where Don grew up on the family ranch. He spent his early years attending a one room school, learned to ice skate right out his back door, hunted, fished and searched for arrowheads with his mother and grandmother. Don was active in 4-H and FFA, showing livestock, judging and holding numerous degrees and offices. Prior to high school he spent his summers working in the hay fields, but when old enough went to work in the local veterinary clinic in Alturas, Calif. this is where he developed his passion for veterinary medicine. Don graduated from Modoc High School in Alturis, Calif., class of 1974. He then attended the University of California from 1974 to 1983 where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture and his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Once out of veterinary school he worked in Susanville and Alturis, Calif., then Burns and Lakeview, Ore. before starting his own practice in Prineville in July of 1994. Don married Holly Imbach in Reno, Nev., on Aug. 10, 1994. He worked as a large animal veterinarian throughout Crook, Deschutes and Harney counties with his wife Holly as his assistant for the remainder of his life.
Don was a member of the American, Oregon and Idaho Veterinary Medical Associations.
Don’s passions other than taking care of animals included the great outdoors, especially in the winter. He enjoyed back packing, camping, alpine skiing, snow shoeing into forest service lookouts and sledding with his family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife of 17 years Holly Imbach, brother and sister-in-law Ron and Cindy Imbach, niece Rachael Imbach, nephew Ryan Imbach, brother-in-law Larry Imbach along with numerous cousins, friends and animals (especially Holly’s cats) who will miss him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Contributions can be made to Pioneer Memorial Hospice 1201 N.E. Elm St. Prineville, OR 97754 PH: 541-447-2510 or any local 4-H club, FFA, or any agriculture charity program of your choice.
Whispering Pines Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.
