Donald G. Rose

Rose was raised in Vaughn and graduated from Vaughn Union High School in 1944, where he played football and basketball. He turned 18 in July of that year, joined the Army and fought in World War II. When his enlistment was up, he joined the Coast Guard and spent years stationed at various lighthouses in Alaska. These were some of the best years of his life. He crossed the Arctic Circle in 1953 on the Coast Guard Cutter Storis. He remained a reservist after active duty until 1988. Rose met and married the love of his life Dee in 1960. They moved to California for work, but after a year decided to come back home. After their return to Washington, he started work at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard as a heavy equipment inspector. They bought a house in Home, where they raised their five children and had many family dinners and holidays and welcomed their grandchildren. Rose was never without his two Shar-peis, Bruno and Mai-ling, who were his constant companions. Rose loved to work on cars and made sure all of his children had a basic understanding of them. He loved camping in his motorhome and spent many summers at Lake Curlew with his children and grandchildren and even a few with great grandchildren. He loved his boats and taught all of his children to water ski and operate a boat. Rose was preceded in death by his parents, Rollie and Wanda; his brother, Lloyd Rose; sister, Dixie Peacock; daughter, Dore Lutz; and grandson, Wesley Collins. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Delores; his daughters and sons-in-law, Cheri Fenton (Russ), Cindy Moore (Pat) and Glenda Pestana (Patrick); his son Terry Rose (David Blouse); his grandchildren Dan Lutz (Seana), Asia Cook, Seth Collins, Jennie Geier (Aaron), Whitney Erickson (Eric), Donald Moore, Tanner Lemon (Nicole) and Jessie Lemon; siblings, Margie Summerfelt, Jack Rose, Eva Griffin, Ted Rose and Irene Neumiller; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was a gentle, mellow, loving husband and father. His family always came first and he will be dearly missed by all of us. A special thank you to JoAnn for all your hugs, love and support and to Group Health Hospice. A private celebration will be held in the spring.