As the several hundred people who were there for his Celebration of Life on Nov. 7 heard, Don Custer was eulogized by a city council member as Renton's Elder Statesman. His years of leadership and service to the city he loved certainly deserve to be remembered in a special way. 

I hope all of those who have commented here will join me in supporting a suitable memorial in Don's memory. I'll be sending a Letter to the Editor of the Renton Reporter, suggesting that City Hall, the Library, the Carco Theater and the Community Center be designated as the Donald Custer Civic Complex, since all were part of the master plan that was developed during his tenure as Renton's youngest-ever mayor. At the very least, the unique Library over the Cedar River, which he championed, should be renamed in his honor.

Those who would like to add their voices to this effort can contact me at larrycoffman@frontier.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

With sincere condolence to the Custer family my heart goes out to your loss. Being in Don's presents was a pleasure with his knowledge in construction and know-how, soft voice and funny comments. Seeing him support his children and being a welcomed guest in his home. Blowing up Easter peeps in his microwave is a moment I will never be forget.

Loraine and family . My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of Don . Don and I go all the way back to the 5th grade at Henry Ford school after I was transferred from Campbell Hill grade school . Don became an instant friend . Our friendship endured through grade school , junior high , senior high and the U of W ! In 1964 I had the privilege to help Don become the youngest mayor of a major city in the USA ! You might be interested to know that when we were seniors at Renton High they had student city government day . Yes , Don was elected the mayor for a day ! Don appointed me as chief of police . I promptly arrested two of our teachers and put them in the city jail ! We caught a lot of serious flack over that maneuver !! I went to say good by to my friend and wish him good luck , as I was leaving the Pacific North West for California .  Don said that he was sorry to hear I was leaving and that he had some plans for me . I said you weren't thinking of the police chief gig again were you ? He blurted out "oh God no " ! Don was our class of 1953 leader through all of these years . Other Renton high classes envied our classes unity . Don was the catalyst for our unity. You have lost a great man in your family and I , along with a multitude  of others , have lost a great friend . Gene Pedersen (class of 1953) Esparto, California

Lia and Gina...I am so sad to hear of brother Don's passing.  He was such a special presence at the Barbershop performances and in the community.  I have fond memories of being in the office of 'The Boy Mayor' as a a young girl, too.  Your family was so special.  Blessings and prayers to you and your families.
Love, Danita

We have lost a great friend and he will be missed.
     Dick Geissler

I'm very saddened for the family and friends that have lost Donald. May your hearts and minds be at peace knowing he is in a better place one day you'll be able to be with him again.

Custer Family,
My heart grieves with yours at the loss of an amazing man.  He was so kind, and my mentor in recent years.  Thank you for sharing Mayor Custer with the Renton Community!  He was our Heart!

Marcie Palmer, Council Member

Loraine: I can'r tell you how often I thought about Don and wanted to get in touch, but sadly just never did, these past 10 or more years. He was responsible for redirecting my life when he passed up being the first employee of the new Metro transit division and instead recommended me to Jim Ellis and Dorm Braman, who proceeded to hire me and set me on a path as a public servant for the next 16 years. Don, of course, had a good job as The Boy Mayor (my favorite title for him back then). He was a gifted man and a wonderful speaker, who certainly did have a unique presence. My heart is heavy today and will be for some time. I just lost someone who was very important in my lifeas a friend and as someone who I looked up to for his many outstanding attributes. I would like to get in touch with you, Loraine. Could you please call me at 425-487-9111 at the office or 425-885-9734 at home so that I may tell you more directly how much the loss of my dear friend has affected me. All the best to you and the family. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

John and I wish to send our sincere sense of loss with Don's passing.  As a longtime family friend, Don has been in my life since I was a little girl. He was a kind and gentle soul, with such a wonderful sense of humor. Don and I had a mutual love of the violin; when he came to some of our family parties, we would play duets together.  This is a cherished memory I will carry always.

With love and remembrance,
Marilyn and John Thompson

OBITUARY

Donald Ward Custer

November 5, 1935 – October 29, 2015

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