Donald "Duck" Oman

Donald was born at Ocean Beach Hospital in Ilwaco on August 8, 1950 at 12:34 pm. He died January 1, 2015 at age 64. His parents were Esther (Nau) Oman and Oliver Fredrick Oman. He joined two older brothers in the family. His first home was in Long Beach on Blvd and 3rd Streets. He lived in the Long Beach area all of his life. Don attended Long Beach Grade School and Milwaukie Grade School (second grade), Ilwaco High School, and graduated from Coulee Dam High School when he lived with his brother in 1968. Donald was a commercial fisherman on several "high liner" boats along the Alaska, California, Oregon, and Washington coasts. He also had a gillnet operation on the Columbia River and Willapa Bay. Later he drove dump truck and ran heavy equipment for his father's company, Ollie Oman Construction. Donald led an interesting life. He loved to drive around and explore, especially the beach. He was an avid beachcomber and had a great collection of glass floats as well as a lot of flotsam and jetsam that came in on the beach. He liked to drive the roads of the Northwest and see the countryside. Don got the nickname of "Duck" early on in the 1st or 2nd grade. He favored an Oregon Duck T shirt and wore it often. Later his moniker of "Duck" was attributed to Donald Duck the cartoon character. He loved animals and nearly always had a cat, dog or both. He liked to name his dogs "Lucky" and his cats "Rocky". It was easier to remember the names that way. Donald was married and divorced when he was in his 20's. Don had heart bypass surgery in 2009. His recovery was not a healthy one and he ended up with several more ailments. He passed away at Ocean Beach Hospital after a month's stay at the Long Beach Retirement home. We will miss his smile and gentle character. He had many friends who he visited with on his beachcombing forays. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Esther Oman. He is survived by his brothers Douglas Oman, Philip Oman (Cynthia), Dennis Oman (Marion) and a special friend, Ginger Curran as well as nephews and nieces Nick Oman, Alison Kohn, Karl Oman and Marina Oman. No formal service will be held at Don's request. A wake to celebrate the life of Donald Fredrick Oman will be held at The Cove Restaurant at the Long Beach golf course on Saturday, January 17th from 4-6 PM. Hope to see you there. Don's final resting place will be Peaceful Hill Cemetery in Naselle next to his mom and dad. In lieu of flowers please give memorials to the South Pacific County Humane Society in Long Beach. His guestbook is available on-line at www.penttilaschapel.com