Don E. Lind

Don E. Lind died in Lakebay March 16 at the age of 96.

Born in Tacoma August 29, 1929, Don grew up in Longbranch where he attended first through seventh grades and graduated as salutatorian from Vaughn Union High School (now the Key Peninsula Civic Center) in 1947. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he played four years of high school basketball and baseball and continued playing on the Longbranch summer team.

After graduating, Don balanced work and education, eventually earning a scholarship from Frederick and Nelson and graduating from the University of Washington in 1953. During his college years, he also attended the Naval Reserve Officers’ Corps in Long Beach, California. It was there in 1952 that he met Mariel “Tomi” Thayer; they married on Valentine’s Day in 1953.

Don served as a commissioned naval officer from 1953 to 1956. His service included flight training in Pensacola, Florida — where he performed formation acrobatics and short field carrier landings — and a stint playing for the Whiting Naval Air Station baseball team. He concluded his active duty in San Diego aboard the U.S.S. Catapult (YV-1), a Navy drone aircraft catapult control ship.

In 1956, Don began a distinguished career with Weyerhaeuser. His roles took the family from San Diego to Aberdeen and Longview, Garden Grove, California, and back to Longbranch. Throughout Don’s six sons’ upbringing, he was a dedicated coach for their baseball teams and prioritized annual family vacations to Longbranch. He retired from Weyerhaeuser in 1990 as the Western Region Sales Manager.

Don and Tomi spent their retirement on his family homestead in Longbranch. He stayed active by rowing, swimming, fishing, and golfing. After Tomi’s passing, Don married his second wife, Linnea. Together, they enjoyed trips to the Dosewallips, traveling, and tending to the Longbranch property. He cherished his life on Filucy Bay, playing cribbage, and being surrounded by friends and family.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Manne and Elsie; sister, Doris Perrine; half-brothers, Roy and Arne Armour; and his first wife, Tomi. He is survived by his second wife, Linnea; sons, Don Jr. (Mary), Dave, Steve (Lesley), Mike, Kurt (Cherrae), and T.R. (Michelle); his “bonus” children Deedee Loux and Dave Lawson; 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

At Don’s request, a private family gathering will be held. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the caregivers and Mustard Seed Village staff for their compassionate care.