| Oregon State Bar Bulletin — DECEMBER 2006 |
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Long time Grants Pass resident and attorney Donald H. Coulter died Oct. 26, 2006 at his home. He was 84.
Born Dec. 14, 1921 in Fort Morgan, Colo., he moved with his family to Eugene where he spent his formative years. He gradulated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oregon and had begun postgraduate studies at the Oregon School of Law when World War II interrupted his attendance.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army and fought in the European Theater. As a First Lieutenant with the 5th Armored Division, he landed at Utah Beach during the Normandy Invasion and also participated in the springing of the Falaise Gap. He was wounded in the liberation of Luxembourg, for which he received the Purple Heart. His military career was one of his proudest achievements in life, and he considered it a privilege to serve his country.
Upon his decorated discharge at the war's end, he returned to Oregon and his studies, obtaining his Bachelor of Law degree in 1948. Shortly thereafter he moved to Grants Pass where he practiced law for several years with his brother Raymond Coulter, before the firm of Myrick, Coulter and Seagraves was established. He retired in 1986.
In 1953, he married Carol M. Wyckoff, and together they raised three children. He was active throughout the community for many years and helped to establish the Josephine County Library. He was a voracious reader and particularly enjoyed poetry and works documenting the Civil War and World War II. He had an extensive music collection and in his later years, also enjoyed gardening and stamp collecting.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol, a son and two daughters.