Donald Harvey Vachon

Donald Harvey Vachon, of Sun Lakes Arizona, peacefully passed away while surrounded by his family on July 29, 2015 at the age of 84. Don is originally from Michigan and was born to Harvey and Mildred (Kliene) Vachon on February 15, 1931. One of four children, Donald grew up in Birmingham, Michigan where the family had apple orchards and prized walnut trees. Don could always be found outside; he would play hockey on the pond next to his home in the winter and baseball all summer.

Don graduated from Bloomfield Hill High School and went on to work for the Birmingham Public Schools for 12 years in the purchasing department. Later, he owned and operated a small drive-thru grocery store “Richardson’s” in Clarkston, MI, and also worked for the Oakland Press newspaper in the circulation department for over ten years.

More important than his career or even sports, is the life he led with his family. He met his beautiful wife, Patricia (Irvine), early in life and was married on July 23, 1952. Together they had four children, Donald Jr., Debra, Diane, and Douglas. While the kids grew up he shared his love for sports with them and coached them and many others in softball, baseball, and hockey. Despite all of their running around, the Vachon’s always had the greenest grass in the subdivision.

Don and Pat left Michigan for the sunny state of Arizona in 1989. They moved to Sun Lakes, where the green grass was abundant and the community opportunities were plentiful. Don became the pitcher for the Sun Lakes Softball team and played until 2007.

It was due to his health that he had to stop playing. Our sweet Donald was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s seven years ago. After his long and courageous battle, his memories will live on with us and he has finally found peace again. He will always be remembered for being funny, gentle and loving. He was a man of few words but, when asked, was happy to offer his sage point of view and advice. You could trust what he had to say was truth the way he saw it, and spoken from the heart to a family he loved.

Don has reunited with his parents, Harvey and Mildred, as well as his brother, Richard. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia; their children, Donald Jr (Chris), Debra (Rick) Alvira, Diane Cain, Douglas; six grandchildren, Tara, Eric, Elizabeth, Emily, Zachary, Jace; brother, Lawrence (Kathy); sister, Carole; and countless other friends and loved ones his life has touched.

A special thank you to the staff at Cedar Care Home whom Don has lived with since December 2011; our family is forever grateful for the wonderful love and care they gave him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30am, Monday, August 10, 2015 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, 16223 S 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85048.