Obituary of Donald L. Cadwell

Donald LeRoy Cadwell of Mulino, Oregon passed away Sunday, February 23, 2020 following a cancer battle. He was 77. Don was born May 22, 1942 in Eugene, Oregon to Clover and Harriet (Hanel) Cadwell. He graduated from North Marion High and attended Portland State. A persuasive speaker and writer, Don’s communication skills led to a career in labor relations. Don worked for various unions, including the AFL-CIO. He was a shrewd negotiator and was instrumental in forming many regional unions. He also worked as a State Mediator and legislative lobbyist. It was his honor to serve on the staffs of U.S. Senator Wayne Morse and U.S. Congressman Wendell Wyatt. In the '80s, Don managed a federally funded energy conservation program. He later sold residential real estate. Don and his late wife Bobbi shared a deep love for their rural Mulino property and their horses, dogs and cats. Bobbi and Don taught country western dance lessons and turned heads on the Pendleton Elks dance floor during their annual pilgrimage to the Round-Up. Bobbi’s death in 2012 devastated Don, but he sought out grief groups and found an outlet in writing/sharing poetry. His faith and spiritual practice were also very important to him. As time passed, Don was able to help others dealing with their own grief. Many strong friendships were forged out of his loss and resiliency. Don is survived by sons Donald Cadwell Jr. of Portland and Dan Cadwell of Williamsburg, VA; grandchildren Andrew, Shannon, Jane (Williamsburg) and Ben (Portland); sisters Judy Nibler of Salem and Carolyn Kather of Portland; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; wives Bess Ash Cadwell (mother of Don Jr. and Dan) and Bobbi Shintaffer; and brother Jim Cadwell. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 5 from 2-4 pm at the Oregon AFL-CIO, 3645 SE 32nd Ave., Portland.