Name: Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home
Address: Seattle, WA

My memories of Uncle Don are a wonderful smile and easy laugh.  We did not see him or our Aunt Shirley often enough through these past years but they were thought of often.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

My dad gave Larry, Cherie and I many gifts; wisdom, values, knowledge, confidence, and most of all love.  He was an excellent role model for me for parenting.  For example, he helped coach some of my sports teams when I was young, and was active in cub scouts, and I tried to do the same.  I remember one time when I was about 10 we were out in the wilderness and got charged by a bull elk, it got dark, and we were lost and trying to find our way back to the car.  He made a learning experience out of it, teaching us to navigate by the stars, compass and map.  We weren't afraid, because Dad was there, even though we didn't get back until dawn.  He didn't always agree with our opinions, but taught us to listen respectfully and to keep an open mind.  He and Mom were on opposite sides of the political spectrum, yet never argued politics, he practiced what he preached.  There are so many stories I could relate about how my parents were great parents, which I realize now that I am a parent and grandparent myself.  I wish I realized that more when I was young.  My dad was also a very active grandparent, and I am trying to emulate that myself.  He was also very generous with his time and money for his family.  In short, he was just about the perfect Dad.

As a child, I saw Uncle Don as a Family Man. I remember going to visit my cousins, Gary, Larry and Cherie.  Don was there cooking dinner or tending to the daily chores while Shirley was at work.  Their Family was never without love and attention. They were a TEAM. I agree with Cherie, I could go on and on, most important is that he was a Stellar Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, and most important Person.  I want to give my true condolences to the Family.  I know you miss him and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.  Joan

Grandpa, Thank you for everything you have taught me over the years, thank you for your patience and understanding.  A favorite memory I have is a electrical lesson I recieved while wiring my garage, I'll never forget the calm voice of Grandpa explaining which part of the outlet to hold as I grab the wrong thing and shock myself.  His laughter after the fact will be a treasured memory forever!  He had a gentle laugh and smile that those who knew him knew well.  We will miss you Grandpa!

Don was a good friend, a good man and a fine Firefighter.  He also was a good poker player and he used to say "I live for this" about the poker games with his fellow retired firefighter friends. They all enjoyed these games, even though they didn't play for much money, just dimes and quarters.  It was just about being with your friends.  Sincerely, Ken and Audrey Sharp

It would take pages and pages to describe what a wonderful person my Dad was so I will just say that I will miss him a bunch and think of him and my Mom each and every day. They were both such devoted parents. Gary and I were so lucky to have them in our lives.

I feel so blessed to have gotten to know Don. My family and I met Don about three years ago when he be friended my mother (Harriet) at Merrill Gardens. They soon became good friends and you could often see them holding hands in the hallway or going on many “joy rides”.  
At first, I wasn't sure about someone becoming so close to my mom, but it didn't take long for him to make a great impression and become an honorary member of our family.  In just this short time of knowing my mom, I can say that Don became a very important person in her life.(and ours)  Shortly after they met, my mother's Alzheimer's started to accelerate and Don became a familiar face of trust. Soon she was unable to live on her own and was moved to my aunt's house.  This did not stop Don from being the incredible friend we knew he was.  He would come over to my aunt's house for visits and take my mom on more ”Joy rides”.  
Then my mom was moved to a memory care facility that Don had a hand in locating.  He did not want to see her in a place that didn't treat her like a queen.  Don continued to visit her twice a week and still took her out for rides. My mom doesn't recognize too many people, but she always knew Don was someone she could trust.
The visits stopped about two weeks ago when Don went to the hospital.  It took us a few days to realize he hadn't been there to see my mom, so my aunt called Merrill Gardens and we were informed he was admitted to the hospital.  I knew Don was in a fragile state, but I wasn't ready for the news I just heard this week.  
My mother, my family and the world has lost a truly wonderful person. Our hearts go out to the family and thank you for sharing Don with us.
Jarrett Dahl and Family

Our deepest sympathy goes to your family>  We were so blessed to have known Don and feel so grateful for his friendship to my sister, Harriet.  He brighten up her life, taking her for rides and just being such a special friend.  I felt he was part of our family and he will be greatly missed.       Carla and Charlie Peterson

I have wonderful childhood memories of my Uncle Don. We always looked forward to going to Uncle Don and Aunt Shirley's fun house: dance floor in the basement, huge rope swing out back, and a bowl full of candy with our cousins on Sunday nights for "Disney's Wonderful World of Disney". I couldn't wait to go on camping trips with Uncle Don and family. He made sure there was alot of activity and fun. He taught me to water ski. In my adult years, I knew my Uncle as a compassion and caring man.  He made our family reunions memorable. I am grateful to have known him.  Suzie Duvall Bowman

Donald R. Duvall   March 23, 1929 – May 7, 2013.  
Donald Raymond Duvall was born in Wapato, Washington, the son of the late Walter S. and Irene A. Albert.  He went to Seattle Prep H.S. and one year at Seattle U, where he starred in a school play.  He met his wife, the late Shirley J. Duvall in Seattle, WA.  He is survived by his brother Lewis Duvall.  He was preceded in death by his brother Leo, his sister Muriel (Basel), and son Larry. 
Don was a devoted husband and extraordinary father and grandfather.  He is survived by: two children, Gary (Gay) and Cherie; six grandchildren, Sean Fields (Kelli), Jamie Fields, Catherine Duvall (Peter), Marc Duvall (Kim), Luke Duvall, Matthew Duvall; and three great-grand children, Taylor, Tyler and Kaylee.
Don worked as fire fighter with Seattle, and retired as a Lieutenant.  He was known for his kindness and devotion to family.  His interests included off-street motorcycle riding with his children and friends, camping and boating with family, attending children's and grandchildren's sporting events, building two homes that he lived in, traveling to Arizona with his wife and friends in the winter, and poker with other retired firemen and friends.  He will be missed by all who knew him.   At his request a private family service will be held, and he hoped that his “family will gather together to remember the good and happy times.”   

Remembrance may be made to the CCFA via his son's fundraising site www.garyduvall.blogspot.com.

OBITUARY

Donald Raymond Duvall

March 23, 1929 – May 7, 2013

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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