Donald Owen Thayer

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 Donald Owen Thayer, 86, passed away Nov. 22, 2017, in Chehalis, Wash. Don was born March 1, 1931, in Gold Bar, Wash., to his parents, Jess and Edna (Sund) Thayer.

He had one sibling, an older sister, Dorothy. Don and his family lived in Monroe, Wash., until the age of eight, before finally settling in what he would consider his childhood home town, Morton. Don spent his early years working in the woods as a logger. After finishing high school, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and spent four years serving his country. Upon his return from the service, he resumed his passion of working in the woods.

In 1956, Don married his first wife, Shirley Hilton and resided in Kosmos, Wash. They had two children together, Rhonda and Brian.

Don attended Bates Industrial Training School and began working for WIDCO in Centralia, Wash.

In 1975, he married his second wife, Betty Jean. Betty had three children, Carrie, Jason and Dana. Together, Don and Betty raised Jason and Dana in Chehalis.

Don retired in 1988, from WIDCO after working 20 years as a shop supervisor. He kept very busy during his nearly 30 years of retirement; Norwegian Thayer family genealogy, spending time with his children and grandchildren by rafting the rivers of the Northwest, camping, hiking and boating the Puget Sound and Canadian waters. His adventurous spirit will live on in those that loved him dearly.

Don is survived by his wife of 42 years, Betty Thayer. Together, they shared their five children; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; his children, Brian Thayer of San Diego, Calif., Rhonda and Vince Herschell of Washougal, Wash., Dana and Eric Ferrier of Bellingham, Wash., Jason Shuster of Columbus, Ohio and Carrie and Terry Harrell of Dublin, Ohio; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Rebecca and Tony Capperelli (Eliana and Issac), Paul and Julie Herschell (Allison and Parker), Sarah and Brandon Borges-Silva (Bella), Alex, Nolan and Owen Ferrier, Ryan and Crystal Harrell (Penelope) and Steven Harrell. Don also has a nephew, Rick Dale; and two nieces, Dana Terry and Victoria Zyp.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Dorothy.

A memorial service will held Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Brown Mortuary, 299 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA 98532.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Donald Owen Thayer. Light refreshments to follow service.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to an organization of your choice.