Donald Glen Bair was born in San Diego, California on September 21,1948 to Glen G. Bair and Melba Bateman Bair. He grew up near the bay and beach in San Diego, where the sunshine and ocean helped shape his warm, steady, and joyful nature. He passed away at age 77 on April 2, 2026 in St. George, Utah.

Love for others

Don was a man whose presence people felt immediately. He was tall, kind, and carried himself with a quiet confidence. He exuded warmth and respect for others. He had a natural ability to make others feel seen and valued. Whether with family, friends, patients, or strangers, he was genuinely interested in people and often greeted others with a simple and sincere question: “What’s new in your life?” or “How are you doing?”

Education, Marriage, Military

Don’s early education began in San Diego where he played baseball and basketball. He attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah on a baseball scholarship (pitcher). He met Linda Alder at BYU on a blind date and they married in the Los Angeles Temple September 7, 1968. After graduating from BYU, he attended The University of Oregon Medical School (OHSU) from1972 to 1976. He completed his internship and residency in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) at Bethesda Naval Hospital (Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) from 1976 to 1980. He served active duty as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps at Camp LeJeune Marine Corps base from 1980 to1983.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

In the summer of 1983, Don and his family returned to Portland, Oregon where Don began 35 years of private practice. He dedicated his professional life to serving others as an OB/GYN physician. Throughout his career, he answered late night calls, delivered 10,826 babies at all hours, and cared deeply for his patients. Many would later say they felt like they were his only patient – that was the attention, compassion, and individualized care he gave. He loved being a physician and found purpose and fulfillment in helping others at some of the most important moments in their lives.

Family

Above all else, Don was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He found joy being surrounded by those he loved. He loved spending time with his family when everyone gathered together and spent time talking and laughing. He created opportunities for connection through family vacations and shared experiences. He always wanted his posterity to build lasting memories together.

Don is survived by …

Linda Alder Bair – Don’s wife for 57 years.

Barbara Bair Christensen and husband Steve – Karyn, Tyler (Izzy), Jared.

Jason Bair and wife Nancy – Alyson (Max), Ashley, Katelyn, Ryan.

Jeff Bair and wife Tami – Kylee (Austin), Madison (Ethan), Carter, Brynne.

Emily Bair Simmons and husband Mark – Andrew, Grant, Kyle, Natalie.

Don is also survived by his sister, Sandy Bair Risley (Terry) and his brother Rick (Judy).

Great-grandchildren (“Greats”)

Cooper … and a baby girl due in August (Madison and Ethan).

Millie … and another girl to be born later this month (Kylee and Austin).

Leif … and identical twin boys due in September (Tyler and Izzy).

Super-Dad

As a father, he loved each of his children individually and intentionally. He took time to connect, to listen, and to show up in ways that made each child feel important and loved. He treasured simple moments like time spent talking in the hot tub, boating on local rivers or lakes, golfing, camping and skiing. It was in these environments that conversations were significant and meaningful.

Church

Don was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings, including serving in Portland, Oregon as a bishop for seven years and as a stake president for nine years. He served in these roles with deep compassion and humility. He also served a mission for the church as an area medical adviser (North America Southeast) in the Florida Orlando Mission with his wife, Linda, from April 1, 2019 to July 20, 2020. He positively influenced and impacted many lives through his church service and leadership. Don will be remembered for his warmth, his compassion, his humor, his devotion to his family and church, and his ability to help everyone around him feel loved and important.

Medical challenges

Don was diagnosed with ampullary cancer in July 2020. He underwent a 7-hour, complex and risky surgery (whipple) to remove the cancer. His survival outlook was 3-4 months. With many prayers and fasting on his behalf, Don experienced a miracle! His body responded to immunotherapy cancer treatments and he survived for 5½ years. On March 29, 2026 he experienced several strokes and with his wife and four children by his bedside, he quietly and peacefully passed away on April 2, 2026.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Tonaquint Cemetery (1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, UT 84770).

In lieu of flowers please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary or Humanitarian Funds.