Donald Keith Wills

Donald Keith Wills (Sr.) passed away October 13, 2010. Born December 28, 1925, Don, the son of Henry Victor Wills and Linnea Maria (Rolin) Wills and older brother to Sharon -Vicki- (Wills) Waters (deceased). Don grew up on San Juan Island graduating from Friday Harbor High School where he lettered in basketball. His two handed 'over the head' long shot being his trademark shot. Winning the heart of Roylea Elizabeth Johnson, they married and had two sons, Donald Keith Wills II ( b. 1950) and Richard John Wills (b. 1952). Both Roylea and Ricky preceded Don's death. Don is survived by his oldest son Donald, granddaughter Jesse Erin (Wills) Harrison, granddaughter Lauren Lisa Wills, grandson Andrew Schuyler Anderson Wills, great granddaughter Abby Elizabeth Harrison, and his two nieces Erica (Waters) Miller and Kerri Waters.

Don had a long military service record beginning when he was 18 when he and his father Henry served on Army transport tugs in Alaska during World War II. Don was discharged in September 1946, returning to Friday Harbor working for the Black Ball Ferry System, Friday Harbor Canning Co, and as a self-employed wood cutter. In 1949 Don enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Texas and then New York for his service. In 1952 he was discharged from the Army, returning to Seattle to enter electrical engineering classes at the University of Washington. Don took a civil engineering job with the city of Seattle in 1954 where his career included surveying, construction engineering, design engineering, and construction inspection work. Don had also joined the Air Force Reserves and was recalled to active duty in October 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the stand down from the Cuban crisis, Don continued in the Air Force Reserves at McCord AF base. Don's Air Force reserve service also included time in Vietnam. Don retired honorably from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant.

After retiring from working for the city Don bought and was the broker for a real estate franchise, Picture Floor Plans, out in Lake City. Don was also active as a TV and radio repairman on the side prior to his real estate brokerage.

A wonderful father, Don introduced his sons to boating, sailing, camping, fishing, and life in general. He was an avid supporter of both sons in their endeavors growing up, Don II in sports and Ricky in music and dance. Don's enthusiasm for the outdoors and boating has taken root in two successive generations now, and shows no signs of slowing down as great granddaughter Abby also has found a place in her heart for boats. Something we will all remember about dad, Gpa, GP, and Great-grandpa is that love of boating and his untiring will to focus on getting a job done and doing it right the first time around.

Don's love for his family and our love for him grew into a deep understanding of what a family truly is, that of loving and unconditionally supportive parents and an understanding and respectful family in return. We will all deeply miss the patriarch of our family, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he has been a grand inspiration to us all.

Don has slipped the surly bonds of life and found his peace upon calm waters. We love you, fair winds and kind seas always.