Alan Craig Donnelly, age 78, passed away on Aug. 26, 2024 in Hermiston following a brief illness due to cancer.
Born on May 8, 1946 in Oregon City, Alan was a beloved figure in his community and a cherished family man.
Alan’s early years were spent in Prineville, where he attended Crook County High School followed by the University of Oregon, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism. In 1966 he married his high school sweetheart, Eunice Richardson, and he later became the loving and proud father of daughter Kelly and son Aaron.
His commitment to reporting was sparked early, and he gained his love of hometown newspapers by working after school and during summer breaks at his parents’ newspaper, the Central Oregonian in Prineville. After college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1968 to 1972, where he honed his communications skills and served his country with distinction as an Army officer stationed in Germany. Following his military service, Alan’s career in journalism saw him take on roles at newspapers in Tigard and Sweet Home before eventually leading him in 1975 to become the editor and then publisher of the Hermiston Herald. His exemplary work led to recognition from the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association.
In 1995 Alan transitioned to Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., where he was general manager of the Student Media Department and advisor to the students’ newspaper, the Daily Evergreen. He also was an adjunct professor in WSU’s Murrow College of Communications until his retirement in 2012. His mentorship to many young students at WSU was a source of pride, and his influence was fondly remembered by many who credited their successes to his teachings. In 2022, Alan and his wife relocated from Idaho to the Hermiston area to be closer to family.
Alan was known for his warm, sociable nature, and he always tried to see the best in people he knew personally and professionally. He was an eternal optimist and always looked for the bright side of any situation he encountered. Over the years his hobbies included camping, boating, water and snow skiing, hiking and backpacking, and sometimes golf. Alan also found joy in making his favorite homemade artisan bread and sipping a glass of his favorite wine. During his early years in Hermiston, he was actively involved in the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce and the Hermiston Rotary Club, where he held leadership positions, and he chaired Hermiston’s 75th anniversary celebration in 1982. He was a founding member of Hermiston’s Desert Arts Council and was a long-standing member of the Toastmasters International organization. He also served for several years as a court-appointed volunteer advocate for at-risk children (CASA).
Alan is survived by his wife, Eunice; daughter, Kelly Schwirse and husband Jeff of Hermiston; son, Aaron Donnelly and wife Jill of Spangle, Wash.; grandchildren, Tyler Schwirse and wife Dezi, Cole Schwirse and wife Shae, Caden Schwirse and Sam Schwirse, and Grace Donnelly and Carter Donnelly; great-grandson, Daxton Schwirse; half-sister, Mary Ann Barlow and cousin, Dorothy Anderson, both of Portland.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward A. Donnelly and Doris M. Donnelly; and half-brother, Norman Donnelly.
No services are planned at this time.
Alan’s legacy of warmth, humor and dedication to journalism and mentorship will be remembered by all who knew him.
Burns Mortuary in Hermiston is assisting the family with arrangements.
