DONALD EUGENE HITT, 71, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on Friday March 3, 2006 at his home in Punkin Center with his loving family by his side. Don faced his battle with cancer ‘Head On’, just as he lived life.
He was born in Waterloo, Iowa on November 25, 1934, the son of Clarence B. and Mildred Paulson Hitt. Don moved from Waterloo as a young boy to Phoenix, AZ, eventually coming to Hamilton, WA.
On June 9, 1956 he was united in marriage to Veryle Schryer. Don’s one goal was to celebrate his 50th anniversary later this year.
He was a 35 year member of the Operating Engineers, Local #302. He worked many jobs in construction, which included the Alaska Pipeline. He also worked at NAS Whidbey Island, where he was nominated for and received awards for his inventions and ingenuity. We will miss all of his wisdom and head full of ideas.
His hobbies included working with metal, and his motto was ‘Make It Heavy’. He also enjoyed Bluegrass music and was ‘the # 1 fan’; grouse hunting in the fall with his dog Sadie and just being outdoors. The last four years Don & Veryle were ‘Snow Birds’ in Yuma, Arizona and there they made many great friends, and their calls and letters meant so much to Don.
He is survived by his wife, Veryle. 2 sons, Don, Jr. and his fiance, Connie Burke and Ken and his wife, Jamie. 3 grandchildren, Jennifer Guffie Josh, Rachel Hitt-Rios and Dalton Hitt and 2 great-grandchildren, Jillian Guffie and Brandon Rios. 3 sisters, Carol Stuart Jess of Bellingham, WA, Sharon Ripley Knox Phillips of Sedro-Woolley, WA, Lois McGuire Lynn of Wheatland, WY and Kathy Persall Jerry of Texas. 3 brothers, Richard Hitt Gayla Mentzer of Conrad, MT, Ron Hitt Mady of Lynden, WA and Mike Hitt Cindy of Texas. His in-laws, Glen & Gerry Adams, Phyllis Queen, Gary & Barb Medford, Bill & Lori Schryer and Georgia & James Mathis, and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Hitt and his mother, Mildred Kohn; father & mother in-law, Bob & Veda Schryer and just recently by a special niece, Donna Medford-Wright.
The family would like thank everyone who has been so kind and that walked the road with Don during his difficult time.
Thank you to Dr. Raish and his band of Angels nurses for their loving care and to his Hospice nurse, Susan. The family requests that memorials be made to Skagit Hospice, as they are so deserving.
A Graveside Inurnment service will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2006 at 11:00 AM at the Hamilton Cemetery.
Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.