Donald Eugene Hendrickson

At 92, he still climbed attic stairs and kept everyone smiling. His humor, warm coffee in hand, and knack for assigning “helpful tasks” made him unforgettable. He loved “Murder, She Wrote” and sincerely worried about Jessica Fletcher every episode.

Dad guided his children with steady support throughout their lives. His love of electronics meant our home was always filled with the latest gadgets. Robbie shared his passion for cars, especially old Volkswagens. Diana shared his talent for money sense and fashion—he was always finding the best bargains, and she became his true protégé. With Vicki, he encouraged her joy in camp and her love of teaching and helping others.

As a live‑in Grandpa to Zachary and Alexander, he inspired a strong love of sports and community. He was the co‑op preschool grandpa, coached Rainier Valley Little League with Larry, managed uniforms for Mt. Baker Lakewood Soccer, and never missed a game—from childhood through high school. He brought hot cocoa on cold nights and endless cheers from the sidelines. He loved Blanchet sports, especially boys’ basketball and girls’ volleyball, and often brought a grandchild along. He also enjoyed a variety of performances by the Northwest Boychoir and VocalPoint! Seattle.

Don lived a full life, playing senior softball and volleyball into his mid-eighties and maintaining lifelong friendships from his days at Ballard High. He was most recently overjoyed to become a Great-Grandpa to Declan Robert, beaming every time they played together. Their joy was contagious. Don is reunited in heaven with his daughter Gretchen, son Robbie, his brothers and sisters, and his step-grandson Ayden.

His legacy lives on through family and friends: Children & Spouses: Diana and Shannon; Vicki and Larry; daughter-in-law Sandy. Grandchildren: Zachary and Sarah; Alexander. Step-Grandchildren: Tara, Tyson, Clark and Jodi; and their children Mikhayla, Ayden, Destiny, Dominic, Drayden. Step-Grandchildren: Tyler and Ari; Travis and Ivy and children Great-Grandson: Declan Robert. His Sister: Florence Wilde, and numerous nieces and nephews. His Adopted Family: Beth, Eric and Ryan, Inez and Taylor, Aloysious and EmbryAnna and our entire neighborhood.

Grandpa was also a beloved figure to his many international students, sharing Oreos and milk and a lifetime of kindness. As Pattharinee shared on behalf of his international family:

“May your soul rest in peace, our coolest and amazing Grandpa Don. Thank you for your kindness and wonderful memories. You are loved and will be greatly missed.”

A Committal Service will be held at Evergreen Washelli Funeral, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133, US, on March 20, 2026, at 1:00 pm.