Donald Edward Phipps

Donald Edward Phipps passed away peacefully on April 10, 2012, following a brief battle with cancer. Born in 1929 in Chuquicamata, Chile, he spent his teen years in Indiana where he attended college and met his bride of 63 years, Joanne (Wiltse). Served two proud and honorable tours in the U.S. Navy, earned a Business degree at Indiana University, and moved his young family to the Pacific Northwest where he and Joanne settled. A Financial Analyst by profession, retired from the Department of Commerce in 1991. Most importantly, he was Dad to his family. His six children were treated to many outdoor adventures: camping, road trips, enjoying Washington’s beaches, mountains and forests and ultimately inheriting a love of nature. He dearly loved his wife and kids and many beloved kitties over the years. Other loves included reading, crosswords, Ivar’s and Chace’s restaurants, Boeing airplanes, big ships, and woodworking. He crafted many useful pieces that we still enjoy to this day. Don was a member of the Destroyer Escort Sailor’s Association, and Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society. A friend to all, he will be deeply missed by those lucky enough to know him. He leaves behind wife Joanne; children: Elaine (Jerry), Mike (Peggy), Tom (Beth), Terry (Howard), Jess (Sylvia), Maureen(Brian); 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grand- children, brother Charles (Barbara), sister Kathleen, nieces, nephews, many, many friends, and his beloved black-and-white Kitty Priscilla who stayed by his side throughout his illness.Full military honors planned at Tahoma National Cemetery, followed by a gathering of family and friends to celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved. Remembrances may be made to pancan.org or an organization of your choice.