February 5, 1940 to September 22, 2015

Don passed away peacefully at home in Arlington surrounded by his loving family. He was 75 years old.

Beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, godfather and friend too many.  Don was a man of unwavering faith, inclusive and respectful to all. He raised three grateful children who learned so much from him: Richard, Mary (Darin) Janda, and Megan deLay.   He was a loving Bumpy (Grandfather) to Donald and Lily Janda.

Don was born at home in Wyoming Township, Michigan. He joined the Navy on a whim at 17.  He met Susan Anderson on a blind date while stationed at Whidbey Island NAS in 1960. They were happily married for 51 years.  Don worked for Seattle City Light for 35 years as a cable splicer and crew chief. One of his last projects before retiring was bringing power to Safeco Field.  When he retired in 2000, his hard hat was placed on the tallest pole in West Seattle.

Don enjoyed traveling, gardening, and was a lifelong master of crossword puzzles. Attending a Springsteen concert, catching an Edgar Martinez home run ball and an eight week tour of Europe with Susan are among his memorable adventures. He was a very proud Bumpy who loved watching Lily’s dance performances and relished his last outing to see Donald being awarded his Eagle Scout rank.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ordinary Men, OFCC, IBEW Local 77, and Navy Squadron VP-2.

He is survived by his siblings, John (Rita Williams), Evelyn Veenstra, Bob (Marijo), Leonard (Sandy), Julia London, Jim (Betty); his Aunt Luella Jensen; in-laws, Nancy and Jack Wires, Paula and Ernie Luders as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Clayton; brother, Bill; nephew, Stephen; brothers-in-law, Augie Veenstra and Jerry London; son-in-law, Paul deLay.

We will miss his sweet smile, his amazing mind, and his kind heart.

His celebration of life will be held on October 10th at 10 AM at Immaculate Conception Church 1200 East 5th Street, Arlington WA 98223.  Don’s final resting place will be Saint Sebastian Church, Byron Center MI where he attended church as a boy.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Don’s favorite charity:  Saint Martin de Porres Shelter 1561 Alaskan Way South, Seattle WA 98134.