Donald Robert Squires

Don was born on November 22, 1936 in Tacoma, Washington to William and Viola (Dowe) Squires; he passed away in his home on January 16, 2022 at the age of 85 years. He grew up in the Parkland area of Tacoma and graduated with the first graduating class of Franklin Pierce High School in 1955.

Don began working for the U.S. Forest Service in the summer of 1955 which turned into a lifelong occupation. He worked in fire control and fought fires in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and California. On one particular fire that had blown up; Don led 2, 20 man crews to a safe area. He spent four summers working as an Aerial Observer, flying with Jim Beach of Ashford. He retired in 1991 at the age of 55. After retiring from the forest service, Donald worked with his boys, John and Donald, supporting them with their Campfire Wood concession. He would often be up on one of the big logs with the chainsaw cutting rungs. He also helped them when another person was needed to drive through the campground to sell, either White River of Ohanapecosh. Of course, this fed his need to talk with people he met.

Don was an avid football, basketball, and NASCAR follower; he enjoyed clam digging, gardening, fishing, and walking. His daily walk sometimes took two hours because he also loved to talk to those he met on his way. Don also spent much time volunteering as a docent at the White Pass Historical Society and Museum.

Don married Virginia Panco on September 13, 1958 in Tacoma; they celebrated 63 years of marriage last September. Don and Virginia are the parents of two sons; John and Donald.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; son John and his wife Elizabeth, their children Brook Elizabeth and Zoe Rae; Donald and his wife Patricia, honorary grandson Dylan Canyock and his wife Keri, and his cherished great grandson Oliver Canyock; his sister Nancy Peer (Lewis); niece Lynn Sebring (Mark), children Jory, Josh, Emma, and Evan; sister in-law Pauline Squires and nephews David and Steven. Nephew Harry Schalder and great niece Karen Schaler. Niece Theresa Dickinson (Scott), children Matthew (Keri), children Elizabeth (Ellie) and Alice; Meghan (Matthew) children Sydney and Dexter. Nephew William McLoughlin and partner Cynthia Marsh; nephew Joseph McLoughlin (Lisa). Brother in-law John (Wes) Panco (Judy). Nephew John Panco (Jennifer) and great niece Alicia and great nephew Cameron (Maddie) and great-great niece Maelin, niece Jennifer Aldrich (Jake) and great nieces Sarah and Emma. Nephews Bobby Panco and Brian Panco, nieces Beth and Barbara. Special niece Marilyn Lawson, great niece Tori Panco, her children Mikhail, Shay, Kaleb, Ayla, and Daelynn. Great nephew Dakota Panco, and great-great nephew Maverick. And the beloved grand doge Bella.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, William and Viola Squires. His brother Bill E. Squires. Sister and brother in law Irene and Harry Schaler. Sister and brother in law Shirly and Walt Tokarzyk. His in laws John and Martha Panco, brother in law and his was Lawrence (Bud) and Betty Panco. Sister in law and husband Laurel and William (Mac) McLaughlin. Nephew Timothy McLoughlin.

There will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the White Pass Historical Society, its High Rock Restoration Program, or its La Wis Wis Cabin Restoration Program.