Donald L. Cornell passed away on May 22, 2016.  He and his twin sister, Doris, were born to Alta and Elmer Cornell in Yakima, WA in 1927.  Doris preceded Don in death. 

From the 6^th grade on thru high school Don worked summers with his father running the Cornell boat landing on the South Fork of the Tieton River on Rimrock Lake, Washington.  Since there was no electricity Don learned how to repair and move equipment using hand tools, pulley systems and mechanical/hydraulic equipment. 

Don graduated from Davis High School in Yakima in 1946 and facing the draft, joined the Navy.  He graduated from the Navy Electronics School on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay.  He then spent a year at sea maintaining air, surface and fire control radar on a light Cruiser.

Taking advantage of his Naval experience and the G.I. Bill he graduated from Washington State University in 1952 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  That summer he moved to Richland, WA and joined the General Electric Company at Hanford.  In 1958 he met his wife Carol.  They were married 57 years and in that time they had two boys, Steve and Brad. 

Don held management positions in the Hanford 300 area fuels fabrication plants, N Reactor, and the Plutonium Recycle Test Reactor before joining the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey in 1970 to design, build and manufacture commercial nuclear fuel elements for commercial power reactors worldwide.

Don retired as Vice President of Exxon Nuclear in Idaho Falls, ID in 1987.  He loved working for Exxon and made many lasting friendships.

Some of the older Tri-City residents might remember seeing or hearing about him driving his German Amphibious Car to work daily across the Columbia River from Pasco to Richland. 

In his free time Don loved the outdoors and had a great passion for hunting, fishing and boating with his family.  From racing small outboard hydros to cruising the San Juans and Canadian waters and summer vacations on Priest Lake, Id., he loved it all!  He built a boat house at the family’s home on the Columbia River providing ease for skiing and boating and many fun memories.

Don was extremely handy at fixing things and kept things working for himself as well as his kids and grandchildren.  He spent many hours teaching his boys how to repair and work on their own cars which has proven most valuable over the years.

He is survived by his wife Carol and their children Steve (Jody) of Pasco and Brad of Lake Stevens, WA, and grandchildren Tanner, Blake, Shea, Jessica, Ryan and Matt Cornell. 

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Tranquility Manor and Heartlinks Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Don. 

A Celebration of Don’s life will be held with the family on Saturday, May 28^th at Sunset Gardens.