In Memory: Donald Behrends '52

Dr. Donald Behrends of Vancouver, Wash., passed away on March 21, 2019 at the age of 94.

He was born on June 22, 1924 in Riceville, Iowa to Jennie and Henry Behrends, the youngest of eight children. In 1943, at the age of 19, Don joined the Army and served in the infantry in Europe in WWII. While stationed at Camp Adair, Ore., he met Jean Jones and they were married in 1946 in Salem, Ore., after his tour of duty. From there, he attended Pacific University and obtained his Dr. of Optometry degree. In 1954, he opened his solo optometric practice on Evergreen Boulevard in Vancouver, where he practiced for 30 years, working an additional 10 years after selling his practice. 

Behrends was very active in the Vancouver Lions Club for more than 40 years. He received a Lifetime Membership Award and was a Melvin Jones Fellow in Lions International Foundation.  He loved hunting and was a member of Clark Rifle Range Club for many years.

He is survived by his son, Dennis Behrends; daughter, Becky (Rick) Morcom; and grandchildren, Brianne and Alex Behrends and Samantha and James Morcom. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Behrends in October 2017, after 71 years of marriage.