Donald Wayne Mills

 Donald Wayne Mills, born February 27, 1935, died peacefully at his fifth-generation family home June 4, 2019. He was the grandson of Helen and Dominic Mills, a pioneer family of the Key Peninsula, and son of Bertha and Theodore Mills. 

Don never met a stranger in his life. Gregarious, fun-loving and witty, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather who gave generously of himself to the community that was so important to him.

He was proud of his eight years of U.S. Navy service after graduating from Peninsula High School in 1953. His first job was logging in the Olympic Mountains and Alaska, and his career as a journeyman master electrician spanned more than 50 years, including ownership of Penelco, Inc. He influenced the lives of many through Boy Scouts of America, the Peninsula Athletic Association, and by development of Volunteer Park as a charter Key Pen Parks Commissioner. He served the Key Peninsula Civic Center for many years as a volunteer and past president. A volunteer firefighter for over 20 years, Don retired as the last volunteer fire chief for Key Peninsula Fire District 16. He was a 50-plus year member of the Elks, the KP Historical Society, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and National Rifle Association. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, boating, hiking in his beloved Olympic Mountains, and crafting beautiful carpentry pieces. He completed all projects with great skill, and his gentle kindness and patience will be remembered.

Don is survived by his wife Judy of 57 years. Together they raised sons Matthew (Lisa), Michael (Kris) and Martin (Robin), and had seven grandchildren, Kelson, Mackenzie, Gabriel, Zachary, Ruby, Bailey and Sawyer. His son Michael was waiting to greet Don as he left this life. Don is also survived by his sister Lynn; sister-in-law Jane Glundberg; nephew Blake Glundberg (Janna and children Loki, William and Smith); and niece Melissa Dixon (Brian).

Special thanks for the loving care of friend Nadine and the Franciscan hospice team of Rachel, Sandy, Amy, Chris, Eileen and Karen.

The family will gather for a private farewell. Please leave memories at www.funeralalternatives.org.

Memorial donations may be made to the Key Peninsula Historical Society in support of the Vaughn Library Hall restoration project: KPHS, 17010 South Vaughn Road NW, Vaughn, WA 98394 or www.keypeninsulamuseum.org.