A well-known mechanic and car enthusiast in the Pendleton area died Friday at the age of 75, surrounded by family, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Donald “Donny” Ivan Briggs was born in La Grande, Oregon, on January 30, 1941, to Raymond and Ada Briggs.
Raised in Pilot Rock and Pendleton, Donny enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and cars. In 1962 he married and had a son, Ronald Eugene, then married again in 1969 and had a daughter, Phyllis Marie. He then spent the last 26 years with wife Terri and took on the father role to four daughters, Dayle Stinson, Jody Lemon, Bobbi Lemon and Rebal Lemon, along with a son they adopted, Anthony. He was very fond of his kids and gave unselfishly to many family and friends.
Donny began working at odd jobs at a young age. He had a love of cars and eventually learned how to fix and rebuild them, and in the ensuing years became a full-fledged auto mechanic. He spent 30 years working in local wrecking yards and was a fixture here in Pendleton at all the parts stores, auto body shops, and junk yards. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles, and Main Street Cowboys.
He was preceded in death by father Raymond, mother Ada, brothers Charles, Eugene and Freddy, and sister Dorothy.
Donny is survived by his wife Terri Briggs, Pendleton; brothers Calvin and Paul Briggs, both of Pendleton; sisters Darlene Ables of La Grande and Carol Baldwin of Hermiston; seven children; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
There will be a graveside service on Saturday, June 18, 2016, at 12 noon at Olney Cemetery, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Pendleton Eagles Lodge.
Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter.
Do not ask me to remember
Don’t try to make me understand,
Let me rest and know you’re with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you,
To be with me at all cost.
Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can’t help the way I’m acting,
Can’t be different though I try.
Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone,
Please don’t fail to stand beside me,
Love me ‘til my life is done. — Owen Darnell
