David Allen Kolander

David Kolander of Portland, Oregon, passed away on January 24th, 2024 at the age of 82.

David was born on February 26, 1941 to Bernard and Alice (Wiland) Kolander. After graduating from Central Catholic High School (‘58), he attended the University of Portland (‘62).  While at UP, David was a member of the AFROTC and the Mitchell’s Rifle Squadron. Upon graduation, David joined the Air Force and served for 6 years at bases in the US, Japan and Vietnam.  While stationed back in the States, he met First Lieutenant Marjorie Miller (of Eden, Utah) at the Officer’s Club at Griffiss Air Force Base in New York. 

David married Marge and they celebrated 58 years with one another, residing primarily in the Skyline area of NW Portland. He continued his service to the Federal Government with the IRS until his retirement. Their son, Michael Kolander, is an architect in Portland. He is married to Nikole and they have a daughter, Seneca, also of Portland.  Their daughter, Jerilyn Evans, is married to Brian Evans, and they live in Puget Sound. Jerilyn's daughters, Madeline Walsh and Chloe Evans, also reside in the Puget Sound. Madeline is married to Thomas Walsh and they have a daughter, Alana Walsh. David’s sister, Carolyn Kolander, resides in Southern California. 

David cherished his lifelong friendships, as well as being a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. David enjoyed learning and honing his skills for his many passions. He loved to go fishing, elk hunting, and boating in the Pacific NW. He also had amazing groups of friends to golf and run with. David and Marge have wonderful memories gardening and tending to their sheep farm together, and after retirement they began traveling, both as a couple and with their dear friends. They spanned great lengths of the Globe, but favored beautiful Europe, the Puget Sound, and stateside adventures in their RV. 

David will be laid to rest with his military service honored at the Willamette National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the Spring.