February 23, 1936 - November 2, 2017

On November 2, 2017, Ashland lost one of her most dedicated citizens. Frank Donald (Don) Laws drew his last breath in the presence of Sharon, his beloved wife of 54 years, and his son, Tim. He was born February 23, 1936 in Compton, California.

Don graduated from Ashland High School in 1953. He received a Bachelor’s degree in 1957 from Willlamette University, and a Master’s degree from UCLA in 1959; he received his PhD in 1970 from the University of Oregon.

Don was a great man, though not in the sense of drawing attention to himself, as he was a very humble man. He was an intellectual and taught political science for 40 years. He was a man of service, serving on numerous committees in Ashland and the city council for over 20 years. He affected many lives in many ways by making Ashland a better place to live, inspiring young minds, and through his and Sharon’s generosity to a number of causes. His accomplishments are not going to be listed here as he would not want to draw attention to himself even in death. Suffice it to say he was a great man, and all of our lives are poorer with his passing.

He enjoyed reading, stamp collecting, Grizzly and Duck sports, classical and jazz listening, and his shelter animals.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughter, Natalie Hively (Mark), Portland; son, Tim Laws, Ashland; brother, Louis Laws (Margie) of Colorado; granddaughters, Christina Schultz ( Nick), California, Bethany Fields (Nathan) South Dakota, Jennifer Hively, South Dakota; and Amy Laws, Eugene. He also has special nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the Southern Oregon University Student Scholarship fund at 1250 Siskiyou Boulevard, Ashland, OR 97520 or Friends of the Animal Shelter, 5595 S. Pacific Hwy, Phoenix, OR 97535.