The Oregon Association of Nurseries is saddened to report that Don Sprague, owner of Garden Gallery Iron Works, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in his home in Woodburn, Oregon, surrounded by family and friends. The family made the announcement of Don’s passing on Friday, June 28.
A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Saint Luke’s Catholic Church, 417 Harrison St., Woodburn, Oregon. A luncheon in the fellowship hall will follow.
Donald Franklin Sprague was born to Bennie L. Sprague and Margret M. Spinner on July 21, 1944, in Glen Flora, Wisconsin.
Don was raised on a dairy farm with his parents and siblings, which played a huge role in shaping him into a community-orientated man. His family moved to Woodburn, Oregon when he was 17. There, he met the love of his life, Eileen Crose. He saw Eileen through the library window his senior year and knew he had to meet her. They married on September 26,1964 and remained happily married for 60 years until his passing.
Don spent four years in the U.S. Air Force serving as an aeromechanic, stationed in Vietnam and Turkey. Don and Eileen welcomed their first daughter, Lecia, in 1965, while residing in Florida. They moved back to Woodburn a few years later where he and his father, Bennie, built their family home. It was here that they welcomed their second and third daughters — Debra in 1967, and Carrie in 1970.
Seventeen years later Don, started Don Sprague Sales to provide for his family, which evolved into Garden Gallery Iron Works, which makes hand crafted metal goods for home, yard, patio and retail as well as planters for commercial applications. To this day, the company continues to successfully serve customers nationwide with quality craftsmanship and dedication.
At the 2023 OAN Convention, Don was honored with one of the OAN’s highest honors, the Clayton Hannon Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes a specific, notable contribution to the nursery industry. The award was given to Don for his contributions to the Farwest Show as well as the Yard, Garden & Patio Show. He provided artistic and functional landscape and patio metal artwork and furnishings that enhanced the shows’ displays, showcases and break/meeting areas. He also was a prolific promoter of both shows and served on the committees for each.
Over the last 60 years Don enjoyed spending his time tending to his garden, having daily coffee dates with Eileen and bringing the family together for parties, holidays and gatherings.
Don is survived by his wife Eileen; sisters Verna, Judy, and Carol; daughters Lecia, Debra and Carrie; 12 grandchildren; and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Margaret; and his brothers, Earl and John.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to a cancer charity of your choice.