Donald Edward Chirstie

Ed Christie, named Donald Edward, was born on March 23, 1941, to Earl & Flossie Christie as the youngest of 7 children. He passed away from complications of a hemorrhagic stroke on Thursday, April 16, 2026. He was raised in a traditional log cabin that his father built on Chehalem Mountain--five miles from the center of Newberg, as he liked to tell people. He spent a happy childhood there and still enjoyed going "up on the hill," where he owned property and a big shop. It was his "happy place". Four days before passing he was there in the shop cutting wood for the wood stove. Ed graduated from Newberg High School in 1959. While involved in the high school wrestling program, he also played violin in what was then called the Portland Junior Symphony. After high school graduation he spent two years in the army. When he returned from Korea, he married his high school sweetheart in 1963. Attending Portland State, he drove a cement truck to help get him through school, and graduated in Business Administration. He then worked for years in the lumber products business, in construction and real estate, as the Deputy Director of State Lands in Salem, then returned to the wood products industry. Along the way he skied many great hills, camped with family and friends, took multiple trips to Alaska, learned to fly, sailed his small sailboat, built buildings and shops for himself, went on a cruise to the Caribbean, threw his own fantastic 50th birthday party, went to Santiago, Chile with Brent to visit a friend and colleague, traveled to Australia and New Zealand, visited Mexico, spent time in Palm Springs and Indio, and took his 38' Bayliner Cruiser from Newport, OR to the San Juan Islands, plus a variety of other adventures. He often said, "I'm a lucky guy." Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cathy, a daughter Lucia (Carl) and son Brent (Trea), as well as two sisters Marjorie and Maryle, and many nieces and nephews. He was a truly loving and attentive husband, father and father figure, brother, uncle and friend. A gathering to celebrate Ed's life will take place at the Newberg Chehalem Cultural Center, 415 E. Sheridan St., on Saturday May 30th from Noon to 3pm. All who knew Ed are welcome! Come for lunch and stay to visit. The Cultural Center is the former Central School, which Ed and Cathy both attended as elementary students. Park in the lot at the rear of the building, or streetside. Ed was a storyteller extraordinaire, so come and share Ed stories with one another! Bring printed pictures to display on the photo table, email digital images to the address below, or text them to Ed's family members. RSVPs appreciated but not required: edchristiegathering@gmail.com The family looks forward to visiting with you. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Yamhill County Action Partnership Youth Outreach, https://yamhillcap.org/ or Newberg Animal Shelter, https://newberganimals.com/

Donald Edward Chirstie

March 23, 1941 - April 16, 2026