Donald Ross Alyea
Wenatchee, Washington
February 2, 2008

Donald Ross Alyea, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away at his Wenatchee home on February 2, 2008, at the age of 79. He was born to Estella and Archie Alyea on November 15, 1928, in Milwaukie, OR. Don spent his youth living and working in Gresham, OR, where he attended Gresham Grade School and Union High School, graduating in 1946. After graduation, Don worked at Gresham Berry Growers. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 through 1957 and attended basic training at Fort Ord, CA, and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. After serving his country, Don returned to work at Gresham Berry Growers (United Flav-R-Pac), where he was a mechanic, then Assistant Superintendent, until the Gresham plant closed in 1973. He then went to work for Tree Top, Inc. in Cashmere, WA, working as General Superintendent until his retirement in 1994. Don enjoyed his years of work at Tree Top and made many long time friends; he was respected by everyone and earned the nickname "Big Don".

Don was married to Barbara Baker from 1950-1954 and had three children - Steven, Douglas and Rodney. In 1957, while in the Army, he married Mary Louise Lawson on January 26 in Lebanon, MO. They just celebrated their 51st anniversary. The couple had three children - Mary, Diana and Kenneth. Over the years, Don and Louise often opened their home to family and friends who needed a place to live. They dedicated 30 years of their marriage to caring for their granddaughter, Michelle, who was born with Cerebral Palsy. Michelle brought much love and happiness into their home. After retiring, Don took up golf. When asked if he had a good day of golf, he would reply, "Any day I make it to the ninth hole is a good day." Don always made it to the ninth hole. He also enjoyed reading and watching television. During his final days with us, he enjoyed visiting with his family and many friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary "Louise"; son, Steve; son and daughter-in-law, Ken and Karen Alyea; daughter and son-in-law, Diana "Ann" and Clarence Smith; grandchildren, Craig Alyea, Michelle Stevens, Chris Ferrians, Wanda Davis, Sarah Ferrians, Kari Wiedenhoft, Melisa Wiedenhoft and Carrie Alyea; sister and brother-in-law, Edna and Stan Jones; and sister, Estella Baughman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Estella Alyea; one daughter, Mary Stevens; one brother, Vern Alyea; and one step-brother, Ray Taylor.

There will be a celebration of Don's life this spring.