Sept. 3, 1932 – Feb. 18, 2023
On the morning of Feb. 18, 2023, Donovan “Don” R. Holbrook of Cottage Grove passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 90. Don was born to Raymond George and Mary Isabell Holbrook in 1932 in Pampa, Texas. At the age of 4 the family moved to Oregon, where he would spend the remainder of his life.
His father homesteaded in the Turkey Run area and Don loved growing up exploring the hills of Cottage Grove with his four brothers and good friends, the Macauley boys. He graduated from Cottage Grove High School in 1950, before serving three years in the United States Naval Construction Battalion, better known as the Navy Seabees.
In 1958, Don married Carolyn M. Little in California and together they had two sons, Wade and Dagan. In 1986, Don married Donna Garman and added Donna’s four children to the family mix.
Don began his career as a land surveyor in California after his years in the service but quickly returned to the hometown he loved, Cottage Grove. He continued as a surveyor for several years before purchasing a Veteran’s Foster Home in Cottage Grove and acting as caretaker and administrator for the Veterans. More than 15 men passed through his home over the next 18 years.
Don’s hobbies included his hobby farm with goats, cows, donkeys, chickens, rabbits and, of course, several dogs. He also enjoyed gardening, potlucks, nature, home repairs, playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most days he could be found walking down to Mosby Creek at the back of his property, which he loved to do. In the summer, many days he would come back to the house with berries for Donna to make into a pie, his most favorite dessert of all time.
Don is preceded in death by his parents; and his sons Dagan Holbrook and Marty Garman; and brothers Dave and Jodie Holbrook. He is survived by his sweet wife, Donna; his brothers Jack (Donna) Holbrook, Zack Holbrook; his children Wade (Kay) Holbrook, (Patty) Garman, Joanie (Mike) Boyd, Nick (Konnie) Garman, Penni Garman and by 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
