Harold Don Unland Jr.

Harold Don Unland Jr. of Henderson, Nev., passed from this life on Tuesday, May 20, 2008.

Don was a man of integrity and honor with a deep commitment to his family, community and country. He proudly served as a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps where he was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of captain.

His thirst for knowledge led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering at Mississippi State University, a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Colorado and ultimately an MBA from the University of Texas-Pan American.

After earning his undergraduate degree, Don began his career with numerous technical and managerial positions in Union Carbide Corporation manufacturing plants. Future assignments included operations located in West Virginia, Louisiana, Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma and Washington. At the time of his retirement from ASiMi in Moses Lake he served on the board of directors as executive vice president of corporate planning, technology and quality. Additionally he assumed the responsibilities and title of vice president of production, safety and engineering. Don's former boss, Sam Footer, worked with him for over 25 years and recently said "Don Unland was one of the most brilliant engineers I have ever known. He had high safety standards, an excellent understanding of finance and was a top-notch negotiator."

Don took advantage of every opportunity offered him and in 2006, he accepted the position of senior advisor and member of the board of directors of AE Polysilicon Corporation, a startup manufacturer of high-purity polysilicon. Dr. York Tsuo, founder and president of AE Polysilicon said, "Don was more than a trusted advisor and mentor. He was a friend to all of us. His judgment, insight and wisdom were excelled only by his passion and drive to succeed. In memory of Don, the new Pennsylvania facility will be dedicated to his name, to honor his passion and dedication to its success."

As an active member and supporter of many professional and civic organizations, Don served on many boards in the communities where his career took him. These included the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Economic Development Council and PTA, among a few. He was chairperson of the Long Range Planning Committee for the Moses Lake School District. Under his leadership in 1993, a bond issue that had previously failed for many consecutive years passed. The funds generated by the passing of the bond resulted in the remodel of 11 Moses Lake schools, the construction of the Columbia Basin Secondary School and the construction of the school's swimming facility. His dedication to service positively touched the lives of many.

Don loved spending time with his family on many memorable vacations. He was an avid golfer and tennis enthusiast. Although he was a terrific competitor and sportsman, he played mostly for the enjoyment of spending time with his buddies. A loyal Mississippi State University "Dawg" fan, Don attended many football and basketball games where he especially enjoyed the camaraderie of pre-game tailgate festivities.

Since his childhood days in Darling, Miss., Don maintained close relationships with his former classmates and friends within the community. He made it a priority to attend each Darling School reunion and often served as Emcee for the events.

Don leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 21 years, Roberta Schachle Unland, of Henderson; three children, Harold Don Unland III of Pattaya, Thailand; John Briscoe and wife, Julie, and their children, Alec and Chloe of Vancouver, Wash.; Melissa Briscoe of Kent, Wash.; and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Harold Don Unland Sr. and his sister, Flo Wofford Lange.

Funeral services were conducted in Marks, Miss.,by his lifelong friend, Dr. Leo Crofford. Interment followed with a military honors ceremony and flag presentation to the family.

Memorial donations can be made to the Mississippi State University Foundation for The Don Unland Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762 or the Big Bend Community College Foundation with the check made out to "BBCC Foundation" and a notation for The Don Unland Scholarship. The address is 7662 Chanute Street NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837.