Life Member 1996, SEAW Seattle President 1988, President's Award 1986April 14, 1928 - December 3, 2012Donald E. Orazem, a 1950 graduate of the University of Colorado, began his career with the Oregon State Highway Bridge Department, where he helped design bridges on the I-5 corridor. He came to Seattle in 1963 to work with the John Graham Company, then headed his own structural engineering firm before joining Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire, Inc. in 1984.
Don's professional experience incorporated a wide range of projects from long-span bridges to high-rise buildings. He took special pride in his work as the project manager for the 62-story AT&T Gateway Tower in Seattle, constructed over the top of the Columbia/Cherry Street ramps connecting to the I-5 freeway.
Prior to his 1988 term as President, Don served SEAW as Director 1986-88. He also chaired the Newsletter Committee and the Building Code Advisory Committee, and represented SEAW on the King County Building Code Advisory and Appeals Board. He appreciated the opportunity to mentor younger engineers.
An avid boater and salmon fisherman, he shared the joy of his hobbies with his family: Margaret, his wife of 62 years, and their children Carol, Scott, Ed, and Curt. He also enjoyed dancing, studying, and playing bridge. In his retirement he spent many hours constructing his extended family's genealogy.
At the time of Don's passing, his colleague Howard Burton referred to him as "one of Seattle's quiet heroes."
Posted April 2012, updated December 2012