Attaining his final wish to die in the comfort of his home surrounded by a loving family, Donald Ellis Wiens died Friday, October 11, 2013, in Kennewick, Washington. His death was the result of COPD and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Don was born on August 17, 1936, in a house near Dallas, Oregon, the second child of Frank and Esther Wiens. He grew up in the rural area outside Dallas, and at 13 years old the family moved to the farm and home built by his grandfather Henry Fern. From these early farming experiences, Don learned to love and care for plants and animals. After graduating from Dallas High School in 1954, he joined the Navy Reserves and attended Oregon College of Education where he earned his teaching degree. He taught Biology at several high schools in Oregon, married his first wife Jackie Razey, and attained a Master's Degree from Oregon State University. In 1964 the family, including his first three children, moved to Kennewick. He taught Biology at Kennewick High School and coordinated the district's science programs. Don met his second wife Sharron Gibbons when they both taught at Kennewick High, and he had five more children. In 1970 he began teaching at Columbia Basin College where he taught Biology and Environmental Science for 23 years before retiring in 1993. He served on the Washington State Hazardous Waste Commission and on the board of the Benton County Mosquito Control District. Don was a loyal father and husband always working hard to provide for his family. He loved family get-togethers, camping, hunting with his sons, planting flowers, visiting with the neighbors, improving the small family farm, and raising and showing his prize winning Texas Longhorn cattle. He was elated when meeting former students who always commented he was one of their favorite teachers. We'll miss his quirky sense of humor, crazy stories, and insatiable sweet tooth. He was a unique individual. Don is survived by his wife Sharron and seven children; Denise McCormick, Connie (Pat) Mahoney, Mike Wiens, David (Chellaigne) Wiens, Jeff (Johanna) Wiens, Jennifer (Sam) Baez, and Matthew (companion Krista) Wiens; his sister Diana (Larry) Blair; 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Duane Wiens, son Jonathan Wiens, and grandson Christopher Wiens. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening October 15 from 5-8:00 PM at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home on Union Street in Kennewick. A funeral service will be held at the LDS 45th and Olympia building on Wednesday October 16 at 11:00 AM with visitation in the Relief Society room one hour prior to the service. Memorials in Don's name can be sent to CBC Foundation Scholarships