Donald Alan Gries, 65, of Drummond Island, formerly of Walled Lake, passed away Saturday, Dec ember 26, 2009, at his home.

He was born February 13, 1944, in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Mr. Gries spent his career ad - vancing turbine engine technology. He retired in 2006 as vice president of engineering at Williams In - ternational, and built a new home on Drummond Island. He was known among his friends for his charisma and personality. Mr. Gries volunteered his time and energy in many ways, recently, in the numerous community organizations including the DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society and the Lions Clubs In ternational. He was a member of the Drummond Island Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Nella Miller Gries; two sons, Mark Alan Gries of Shorewood, Wisconsin, and Nathan Ryan Gries of Wol - verine Lake, and one brother, John Charles Gries of Wichita, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Paul and Virginia (nee Overbeck) Gries.

An open house in celebration of Mr. Gries’ life will be Saturday, January 2, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gries home at 39807 South McKenzie Pointe Road on Drum - mond Island.

In lieu of flowers or other considerations, memorials may be made to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, CCGC 6-303, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.

Reamer Galer Funeral Home in Pickford is assisting the family with arrangements.