1935 - 2023
Donald Lewis Finch, known affectionately as Don, passed away on April 28, 2023, at the age of 88, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 19, 1935, in Everett, WA, he was the son of Harold and Alberta Finch. His early life was spent in West Seattle until World War II took his family to New Mexico. A graduate of Albuquerque High School, Don enlisted in the army during the Korean War before commencing his college education.
During this period, Don met and fell in love with Betsey Ann Banta. They married on October 1, 1960, and over the ensuing six years, their family expanded and moved several times until Don's work as a Meteorologist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) took them to Alaska. The couple embraced life in Alaska, raising their four children there while immersing themselves in the state's natural beauty. An avid outdoorsman, Don mastered downhill skiing and fly fishing. Together with Betsey, they built a cabin in the secluded Indian River valley.
After losing his beloved wife Betsey in 1997, Don found love again with Linda whom he met through a niece in Seattle. They married in 1999, settling in a home on the beach in West Seattle. Passionate supporters of UW Husky and Seattle Seahawks football teams, they enjoyed season ticket memberships. With Linda, Don discovered a new hobby in golf and they enjoyed many road trips across the USA, golfing with friends Ginny and Ron Fairbairn. They also greatly enjoyed many trips to Maui, Hawaii.
Don had a distinguished career at the National Weather Service, spanning nearly 41 years. One of the highlights of his professional life was the honor of serving as a meteorologist for the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988. He was a devoted member of the Episcopal church in Anchorage. Beyond his professional accomplishments and spiritual commitments, Don valued physical activities including basketball, tennis, racquetball, backpacking, skiing, and running. His encyclopedic knowledge of old movies and deep passion for intellectual pursuits in literature, philosophy, and religion were shared generously with family and friends. Don remained active, skiing until the age of 82 and walking 3 to 4 times per week until his final days. Upon relocating to Seattle/Renton, Don joined the Highlands Community Church in Renton where he became an influential member and devoted his life to serving Jesus Christ through the Kent Men's Bible Study Fellowship, leading bible studies and facilitating group sessions.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Alberta, his sister Susan, and daughter Bonnie Lynn. He is survived by his wife Linda, sister Nancy, and children Beth (Scott), Ray (Mei), Randy (Stacy); grandchildren Sarah, Laura (David), Gracie (Tova), Yina (Josh), Michael, Anna, Dannie Mei, Christopher, Andrew, Carter; and his great-grandchildren Weston, Cillian, Asher, Viggo, and Raphael. His extended family includes sister-in-law Ginny (Ron) and their children Michael (Susan), Alicia (Eric) and their children Micky, Veronica, and George.