Donald Byron Rohde Sr.

Born March 24, 1926 in Seattle to Louise & Bill Rohde, Don spent his childhood running around the Beacon Hill neighborhood and visiting many of his relatives in Canada.

November 12, 1943, Don boarded the LST 221 for naval duty in Los Angeles. Don spent most of WWII on the LST 221 in the South Pacific & Hawaii. Though a serious experience, Don still managed to have fun. In his journal he writes about standing watch over a fellow sailor that his superiors referred to as a “nut”. He writes “I was told that he is crazy, but I have seen guys on the outside that were crazier than this guy is.” Don’s journal is also filled with stories of how he and his friends spent their time on liberty. He was always the life of the party.

Don spent many years working as a mechanic and eventually as a Service Manager at Seattle Cadillac Dealerships (Ryan, Sparling, and Fredrick Cadillac). Don and his wife Marilyn would put on Christmas luncheons every year at the dealership and formed many long lasting friendships with the staff. Don & Marilyn considered them their extended family.

An avid gardener, fisherman and hunter, Don was always sharing his bounty with others. He could grow just about anything. From his enormous collection of tomato plants to his spectacular artichokes his yard was the envy of all. Each spring, neighbors looked forward to the eruption of color and beauty that would begin and extend throughout the summer. He was always leaving homemade canned goodies on the doorsteps of family, friends and neighbors. When he saw or heard of a need he would fill it

Don’s generosity extended beyond his friends and family. He volunteered his time with Northwest Harvest and his desk was always littered with the various charities he donated to.

Don is survived by his two sisters, Barbara Mair & Sandra Rohde as well as his five children Tom (Donna) Rohde, Don (Michelle) Rohde, Bill (Liz) Rohde, John (Barb) Rohde and Marylee (Joe) Avila. He will be deeply missed by all as well as his six grandchildren and nine Great-Grandchildren and one Great-Great Grandchild.

No services will be held but a celebration of his life will be held March 23rd, the day before what would have been his 87th birthday. In lieu of flowers, donations to Providence Hospice are requested in his memory. Hospice of Seattle (206) 320-4000 – 425 Pontius Ave. N. Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109 or http://washington.providence.org/in-home-services/hospice-of-seattle