Donald Raymond Boisen died peacefully on September 22nd after a two month long battle with pneumonia and sepsis.

Don was born in Sentinal Butte, North Dakota on May 6, 1930. He was the second youngest of nine children born to Anton Peter Boisen and Marguerite Lardy Boisen. His father died when he was five, leaving his mother with nine children aged one to nineteen. Before entering the 8th grade, his mom took Don and the three youngest sisters and moved to Spokane. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and then Gonzaga Prep. At Prep, he participated in football–where he was All City–track, and Knights of the Leash. He attended Gonzaga University for a year and a half before he joined the service. At GU he was on the track team where he was a pole vaulter.

It was on the bus that he met Mary, the love of his life and wife of 69 years. In 1951, he joined the military and served in the Korean War until 1953. Three months after returning home, he and Mary married. They raised four children on the South Hill, spending summers at Diamond Lake. In 2000, they retired there full time.

Don worked at the Washington Water Power, now Avista, for 45 years. He was a grounds man, a tree trimmer, and a cable man.

Don loved God, his wife, his family, desserts, and all things outdoors. Hunting, fishing, huckleberry picking, chopping wood, riding his four wheeler, sledding, and skating were all activities he loved. Inside was for eating, napping, and sleeping.

He was rarely idle and was always working on a new list of projects. He was never without his jackknife. Always willing to help, Don showed up with a chainsaw and a pickup. He helped friends gather wood, build decks, shovel snow, and trim and remove trees.

Grandkids couldn't wait to spend time at Diamond Lake. In summer there was fishing, ATV riding, huckleberry picking, and target shooting. In winter, he brought out the box of ice skates. There was also ATV riding across the frozen lake. He took the grandkids to his secret sledding hill. He was never in a hurry, always listening more than talking. Through his actions, he taught them all lessons in humility, hard work, and unconditional love.

His Catholic faith was paramount in his life and never wavered. His dedication to his bride despite her having dementia for 18 years is a true love story. Don was unassuming, humble, kind, and had a wonderful, quiet sense of humor.

Don is survived by his daughters: Annie (Mike) Wineman of Auburn, Washington; Jane (Phillip) of Harrison, Idaho; Mary Ellen Meadows of Port Townsend, Washington. Grandchildren: Valerie Boisen; Sara (Jake) Halvorson and Kristi Wineman; Amira (John), Rachael, Alex, Ava, and Elise Joseph; Emma (James) McCutcheon, Gwen and Owen Meadows; great granddaughter Elana Fisher; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Mary (8/21/22), son Tom (2/8/22), and eight brothers and sisters.