Former Ontario Police Chief Donald E. Howes, 80, passed away March 30, after a battle with cancer.

Don was born Dec. 8, 1937, in Topeka, Kan., to Wayne and Hope Moyer Howes. He moved in 1940, with his parents and siblings, to Burns, where he received his education, graduating in 1956. Don married Theresa Brophy on Nov. 21, 1959, in Burns. They were married for more than 58 years. They had two daughters, Mylisa and Denise. Don loved his family and his friends.

Don started his career in 1960 as a patrol officer in Burns. He went to work for the Ontario Police Department in 1964, promoted from patrolman, to detective, to captain in 1975, and became the chief of police in 1990.  Don retired from Ontario Police Department in January 1993. Don loved the law enforcement profession and the Ontario Police Department. He received commendations in a variety of areas, but especially for his commitment to children and families. Much of his focus was around child abuse, and included praise from Governor Barbara Roberts for his devotion to children.

Don was an active member of the Oregon Association of Chief of Police, Southern Idaho Oregon Intelligence Association, and Idaho Oregon Peace Officers Association, including serving as president to these associations. He taught law enforcement part time at Treasure Valley Community College for many years. Don was able to help many of his students start their law enforcement careers. He was very proud of that. Don also served in the Oregon National Guard for nine years.

Don and his wife, Theresa, moved to Silverton in 1996 to be closer to their five grandchildren.  They were very involved in their grandchildren’s lives and loved supporting them by attending baseball, soccer, and ballet recitals or being the house to go to after school. This gave Don and Theresa a lot of joy.

Don is survived by his wife, Theresa; daughters, Mylisa Holland and her husband, Mark, and Denise Totland; five grandchildren, Jason Holland, Don Holland (Jill), Greg Holland (Brittnie), Nichole Petersen (Jason), and Kelsey Cross (Danny); sisters, Dorothea Purdy and Helen Kennedy; brother, John Howes; five great-grandchildren, Elliana Petersen, Wyatt Petersen, Reese Holland, Quinn Holland, and Teagan Holland.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Howes.

We have lost a great man, and he will be greatly missed.

A private service will be held in Silverton on Saturday, April 7, under the direction of Unger Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children’s Trust Fund of Oregon or a charity of your choice.