Don was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 16, 1929. He was raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming where after graduating high school, he attended the University of Denver in Colorado and ultimately the University of Wyoming in Laramie. While at the University of Denver, he met the love of his life, Eloise. When he first proposed, she told him he could not marry her. When Don asked why not, Eloise told him she did not think she was going to live very long. He lived to almost 90 and Eloise is still going! She attributes that to all the walking her and Don did – forty-four blocks every day through their favorite city park in Denver. She did happily agree to marry him and they tied the knot in the First Presbyterian Church in Denver in May 1949.
His love of sports was unlimited! He was a competitive ping pong player, an avid golfer, a lively tennis player, and a great armchair quarterback! Don loved baseball, basketball, hockey, badminton, and even croquet. You name it, and he either played it or rooted for it. A couple of his more subdued activities included bridge and chess, both of which he played quite seriously and at a high caliber.
The great outdoors always made Don smile! He hiked with his daughters in the Colorado Rockies and took them rock climbing in Wyoming. He seemed happiest when he was at a high elevation and reflecting on the beauty around him.
Don loved traveling with Eloise, making every trip an adventure. Sometimes they even traveled with his beloved cat, Ringo. They traveled to Mexico, enjoyed several trips to Canada, and spent a great deal of time traveling throughout the United States. Don and Eloise also visited the Holy Land, Greece, Egypt, and other neighboring countries.
He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 40 years of service. That gig had Don and Eloise living in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Riverside, California, and Omaha, Nebraska. After retirement, they moved to Yakima to be closer to family.
Don is survived by his loving family, including Eloise, his wife of almost 70 years, two daughters, four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a sister-in-law, two brothers-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Keith and Keith Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Cottage in the Meadow and sent in care of Keith and Keith Funeral Home (902 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima WA 98902). To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.keithandkeith.com.
The family would like to thank everyone at Cottage in the Meadow for the loving care provided to Don. Their kindness and concern were very much appreciated.
