Donald J Cier

Don Cier passed away December 20th, 2013, in St. George, Utah. Don was born August 31, 1926, the only son of John and Gladys Pharo Cier, in Wausau, Wisconsin. He grew up on a dairy farm near Mauston, WI and attended a one-room grade school. Upon graduating from Mauston High School in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy. Don was an Electrician’s Mate on the USS Warren, which landed troops during the Okinawa campaign, took the first occupation troops to Tokyo, and ferried service personnel home from Pacific bases. Don then served in the US Naval Reserve from 1946 to 1951. Don received a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin in 1951. While employed by Syro Steel Company in Youngstown, Ohio, he met Mary Ellen Beil; they were married in 1961. The family moved to Salt Lake City in 1966 when Don was selected to run the newly-created Western Division of Syro in Centerville, Utah. Retiring as Vice President in 1993, he worked as an industry consultant, actively marketing and overseeing large installations of underground steel structures until the age of 83. Don moved to St. George in 2004 and made many good friends in the SunRiver community. Don was a warm, generous and humble man. He was always active in both business and charitable groups wherever he lived, and he had a special place in his heart for the homeless and less fortunate. In Salt Lake, especially during the holidays, he would bring boxes of food to the homeless and hand out dollar coins and gift certificates to people in need. He was a member of the Salt Lake Rotary; a favorite memory of his was taking a Rotarian-donated school bus loaded with clothing and toys down to an orphanage in Mexico. As a father, Don made many sacrifices to support and care for his children. He made sure they attended Catholic grade school and took them on trips all over the United States, encouraging questions and giving thought-provoking answers. He continued to look after their individual needs throughout his life. Don also served on the Salt Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member of the Utah Manufacturers Association and the Utah Safety Council. Don was a member of numerous trade associations and engineering societies, a 27-year member of the Salt Lake Country Club and a charter member and officer of the SunRiver Post 142 of the American Legion. He was proud to have served his country in World War II, though like most of his generation, considered that sacrifice just part of being an American. Don and Mary Ellen divorced after 36 years, but remained friends. He is survived by her and their four children: Andy (Lynn Ivers), Park City; Elizabeth (Gary Springer), New York; Ted (Katie Coffey), Denver; Jeff (Deborah Haverfield), Denver. Grandchildren: Andrew, Grace and Kate, Park City; Isabel and Oliver, Denver. A celebration of Don’s life will be scheduled later. Friends and family are invited to share condolences at www.SereniCareofStGeorge.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Donald J Cier

August 31, 1926 - December 20, 2013