Donald M. Blackwell
Donald M. Blackwell, 83, lost his battle with congestive heart failure on September 24, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family. Don was born in Sacramento, California on May 6, 1931. He was raised in Sacramento and after serving 3 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, he graduated from Sacramento State College in 1958, with a degree in business management.
Don married Neysa Bailey in 1958 and together they had 3 children.
After several years in the food and beverage industry, he was hired by Servomation (which later became Service America). In 1973, he moved his family to Seattle, Washington where he became the regional general manager. He retired from Service America in 1997.
Don had a “big heart” for dogs. He loved his dog “Pip,” who was by his side until the very end. There was always a dog in his life! He also loved boating and taking his kids water skiing in their younger years and always had a passion for “fine dining.”
In 1991, Don married Bina Carlson. He spent many happy years with “Bina B.” and her family.
In 2005, after Bina’s passing, he met Vi Blackbourn. They spent several happy years together. Don had resided at Regency Newcastle Retirement Community near his family for the past 2 years until his passing.
He is survived by his children and grandchildren, Donna Blackwell Gates (Bailey and Tanner), Julz Blackwell, John Blackwell and his wife, Kelly (Garret and Dylan), and his special pup, Pip.
Don’s family would like to thank Dr. Weiss and the Heart Institute at Virginia Mason, Regency Newcastle, and Evergreen Hospice for their care and concern over the years.
In his spirit, memorials can be made to:
Heart Institute at Virginia Mason, P.O. Box 1930 #D1-MF, Seattle, WA 98111
Hospice @ Evergreen Health Foundation, 12040 N.E. 128th St. MS #5, Kirkland, WA 98034
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I will miss Don dearly. We always talked at family gatherings (holidays, birthdays, etc.). Don always expressed interest in my work and family. It was a true pleasure, each and every time. I know Don had a real affection for dogs. When we showed up one year with a bichon friese named Molly, Don instantly asked “So who’s dog is it?” and “Where does she sleep?” He knew it was our family pet but that wasn’t what he was asking. He knew that dogs, especially Bichon’s, tend to attach to one person. He knew who that was but wanted to hear it said. I know he had that special bond with Pip too. Rest in peace, Don, you left us with some great memories.
-Brian Arthur