Don Shindler was born in Scio in 1929, the eldest of 11 children, grew up in Scio and attended Scio schools. He served in the military including the Korean War followed by 18 months in Japan. He met and married his wife, Phyllis, in California in 1955. They owned and operated West Coast Headboard Company in California, before moving back to Oregon and making Scio their forever home. He made his living as a drywall supervisor on and off for 20 years and retired from Multicraft Plastics after 20 years of service.

Shindler Bridge, which was built circa 1907, was named after Don’s grandparents, John and Anna Shindler. Don spent much of his spare time on the weekends building homes in Scio in the 1980’s. He also spent the best part of a year back in the 1990’s building the Carol Bates Stage on the Lamb & Wool Fairgrounds.

Don spent his retirement serving the town of Scio as a Museum Board Member, where he helped write the book, “Scio, Czech’s New Found Oasis,” along with Willetta and Jerry Duncan. Don was truly a Scio treasure. He said, “Of all of the places I’ve ever been, Scio’s the best!” When asked what kepts him young, he replied, “Just visiting and talking to people. I love life and I love people.”