Donald Wayne “Don” Shay, 86, a resident of the Harbor since 1950, died at his home in South Aberdeen, Monday, September 22, 2015. He was born in Tacoma, WA on February 11, 1929, the son of Edward and Inez (Allison) Shay. He attended school in Tacoma, WA, moving to Aberdeen in 1950 with his family.
It was here that he met, and fell in love with, Joanne Strom. They were married in the Baptist Church in Hoquiam in 1952.
Don had worked for Blagen Saw Mill for several years and then drove truck and was a mechanic for Womer Bros. Logging in Quinault. He then was a dump truck driver for Friend & Rikalo, Quigg Brothers, Hagara’s and finally Brumfield’s construction companies, retiring in 1994.
He was an avid automotive enthusiast from his youth to passing. In 1952 he was a founding member of the Pushrods Car Club of Hoquiam. In retirement he enjoyed building and driving his ’36 Ford pickup, but most of all he enjoyed time with his family and friends.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanne, of the family home in Aberdeen; a son: David and wife Connie, Cosmopolis; four daughters: Mary and husband Roger Burton, Hoquiam, Pam McGivron, Aberdeen, Diane and husband Lonnie Waterbury, Montesano and Donna Shay, Aberdeen; a brother: Bob Shay, Montesano; two sisters: Patsy Grimes, Aberdeen and Jean and husband Lee Everson, Montesano; Ted Rich, Pearce, AZ, who was like a son to Don and a brother the girls never wanted. He had 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren including Allyssa Gustufson with whom he shared a birthday. Don was preceded in death by two brothers: Harry and Chet Shay, and a sister: Gloria Krueger.
A family graveside service will be held followed by a celebration of his life at 2 PM Tuesday, September 29th at the Cosmopolis Lions Club. Please bring your stories and hotrods. We’ll see if we can “lay a little rubber” one more time.
A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home, 2208 Roosevelt St., Aberdeen.

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