Donald J. Westerlund

July 16, 1933 – February 12, 2012

      Donald J. Westerlund, age 78, a resident of Montesano, died on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Grays Harbor Community Hospital in Aberdeen. He was born on July 16, 1933 in the Ballard area of Seattle to Axel and Lillian (Gronley) Westerlund. Don was raised on Bainbridge Island.

      After graduating from Bainbridge High School in 1951, he proudly served in the United States Marines. Upon his discharge, he returned to Bainbridge where he began logging. He later moved to Forks where he retired in 1982. D.J. slowed down after that, fishing 80 hours a week for most of the next 30 years with his good buddies.

      Don married Sharon Robinson in 1955 with whom he had three sons, Thomas, David and Jon. In 1971, he married Barbara Miller.

      Don loved his family, especially his seven grandchildren and seven and two thirds great grandchildren (due in May). He was very proud of his Scandinavian heritage. His other loves were hunting in Wyoming and Oregon, halibut and salmon fishing off of Port Angeles and La Push. He also had a life long love affair with all things mechanical, building his first car from scratch beginning when he was thirteen and completing his last project – the restoration of a totaled out 1999 Ford pickup at age 77.

      In addition to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, Don is survived by his wife Barbara of the family home in Montesano; four sons, Butch Miller of Forks, Tom Westerlund of Astoria, OR; Dave Westerlund of Astoria, OR, and Jon Westerlund of Polsbo, WA.

      The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Childrens Hospital in Seattle.

      A private urn committal service will be held at the Port Blakely Cemetery on Bainbridge Island. A celebration will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at The Roundhouse at 110 Business Park, 100 La Push Road, Forks, WA.

      The family extends their thanks to John McNulty, Jim Mason and Dr. Clara Shin.

      Cremation arrangements are by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

      Please take a few moments to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at www.colemanmortuary.net.

TRIBUTE Paid Notice