Donn R. Wilson

On Tuesday, October 9th, 2018, Donn R. Wilson, passed away from complications after heart by-pass surgery. Donn was born August 10, 1944 in Hartland, Maine to Blanche (Rowe) Hamilton. He graduated from Bangor High School in June of 1962 and immediately joined the United States Army before his 18th birthday. His service to his country would take him on a journey all over the world and lead him to the woman who would become the love of his life. Donn served his country in combat in the Republic of Vietnam as a member of the 195th Assault Helicopter Company (AHC). The 195th comprised of three flight platoons; "Sky Chiefs", "Ghost Riders", and "Thunder Chickens" based out of Plantation Airfield in Long Binh. The 195th AHC was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for Extraordinary Heroism on April 4th, 2001 by President George Walker Bush for participation in MACV-SOG missions. Donn received several decorations including a Good Conduct Medal in 1968 and a Bronze Star in 1970. On December 25,1971, Donn, his bride Chin, and son Yung arrived in Bangor, Maine. Soon after their return to the US the family would move to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where Donn was part of the 101st “Screaming Eagles”. Donn would finish his Military career working the last eight and half years in recruiting and career counseling for the Army, taking him back to Bangor, Maine and then to his final four years in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Donn received the US Army Gold Recruiter Badge and several NCO Professional Development Ribbons. Donn retired from the Army with honors in 1982, returned home to Bangor and began a career with TDC/Job Corps. Donn worked as an employment specialist on a Dislocated Worker project for the Training and Development Corporation (TDC) which was a stepping stone to an impressive Job Corps career. TDC operated the Penobscot Job Corps Center, allowing Donn the opportunity to join Job Corps. He held progressively responsible positions including Residential Advisor, Center Standards Officer, Manager of Outreach and Placement, Finance and Administration Director, Program Director, Deputy Center Director and Center Director where he excelled in every position. His “no nonsense” and “gets the job done” attitude afforded many opportunities in Job Corps. He was highly sought after giving him the opportunity to work at the Oneonta Job Corps Center - Oneonta, NY, Tulsa Job Corps Center - Tulsa, OK, Turner Job Corps Center - Albany, GA, Mississippi Job Corps - Crystal Springs, MS, and Westover Job Corps Center - Chicopee, MA. At Job Corps he was known as Mr. Wilson. He was an outstanding leader and a walking encyclopedia of policies and procedures. He was highly respected by the Department of Labor, contractors, staff and students. He made a strong impact wherever he went. Not only did he take pride in helping students and staff, he relished the friends he made in Job Corps and they adored him. Donn and his wife Chin spent 50 loving years together. During those years they raised two children, Yung Wilson and Lee (Wilson) Raymond. The family spent summers enjoying everything the Maine outdoors had to offer. Together they went camping, fishing, and spent perfect Maine summer days in Bar Harbor. Donn had a passion for cooking. He was continuously creating his special dishes for family members, friends, and strangers with love. Donn loved dogs and possessed a great fondness for the Great Danes his mother raised as well as his daughter's Great Danes and Labs. The last 10 years of his life he and Chin would travel the world again visiting family and friends as well as Vietnam, the place where their love story began. He volunteered with Meals On Wheels and the Montgomery County Community Center where he would deliver baked goods for Bingo. He was an avid story teller and enjoyed his daily walk with his dog, King. There are so many things he will be missed for, one of which was his ability to make people laugh. He was generous by nature and never met a stranger. He was a patriot to his country until his last breath and lived his life on his terms while respecting other’s opinions. He is survived by and will be greatly missed by his wife Chin, son Yung, and daughter in law Nina. Two grandchildren who he thought hung the moon and was proud to have carry on the Wilson name, Kyle and Tyler. His daughter Lee and son in law Brad, and four grand-dogs, Jake, Libby, Axle, and Elliot. His own loving and loyal dog, King. His baby brother, Steve Wilson, and older sister Earlene Good. Many loving nieces and nephews. Three very special nieces in Vietnam that he cared for as if they were his own, Quat, Mai, and Thuy. Donn was preceded in death by his mother, Blanche, her lifelong companion Ernest Hersey, and his beloved older twin sisters, Joanne and Jeanne. The Family would like to thank the 6th floor CV-ICU nurses at Memorial Herman Hospital - The Woodlands for their exemplary care and compassion for Donn along with Dr. Agan, Dr. Maniscalco, and the team at Houston Extracorporeal Technologies. The family wishes that it be known a service will be held at Brookings-Smith in Bangor, Maine on June 8th, 2019 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers or food, donations in memory of Donn can be made to the following two organizations: Maine Veterans Homes - https://mainevets.org/locations/bangordonations/ Montgomery Country Animal Shelter - https://www.mcaspets.org/donate "Day is done, gone the sun, From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; All is well, safely rest, God is nigh." - "Taps" The thoughts and prayers of the owners and staff go out to the family and friends.

Donn R. Wilson

August 10, 1944 - October 9, 2018