Don C. Marley

Don C. Marley (age 86) passed away on Apr 25th 2016 in Bellingham Wa where he made his home for the last 26 years. He was born In Potlatch Id. on May 28th 1930 and was raised in Anacortes Wa. In 1947 he graduated from Anacortes High School. In 1948 Don joined the US Army. Later in 1957 he received a BA degree from Central Washington University with a major in Industrial Arts. In 1959 he completed his Master’s in Administration at Western Washington University. Don taught in both Washington and Kansas and retired after 30 years. He remembered all of his students especially those in Brinnon Wa. where he was the Principal and taught 7th and 8th grades for 15 years claiming Brinnon to be where his heart was. Don loved woodworking. He built his own home in Brinnon and remodeled other homes during summer breaks. He carved wood statues and pictures along with making wooden toys for his small business “Wonders of Wood.” Don also traveled around to fairs to sell the toys. He was an avid hunter and fisherman inspiring a love for the outdoors in all of his children. He loved the water having started his working career on a tugboat at age 12 during WWII. Don commercial fished for many years in Alaska and owned a small commercial shrimping business on Hood Canal in Brinnon. Don was a sixth generation army veteran serving with the 320th General Hospital in Landstuhl, Germany during the Korean conflict from 1948 to 1952. He lead the charge for three of his sons to join the military; Craig joined the Air Force, Charles Joined the Navy, Clint joined the Army, Steven became a Merchant Seaman and his daughter married a Marine. (HOORAH) He was a loving and devoted father and will be missed by all whom knew him. Don was preceded in death by his oldest son Craig on Nov. 28th 2001, his wife of 62 years Carla on Apr. 4th 2015, and by his favorite pets Happy, King Tut, Hi-Py, and Misty. He is survived by son Steven Marley of Shelton Wa., son Charles & Luci Marley of Brinnon Wa., daughter Connie & Hank Exoo of New Ulm Minn., and son Clint & Theresa Marley of Bellingham Wa.. 8 grand-children Jamie Marley, Michelle Larson, Sabin Marley, Jered Marley, Luke Marley, Donna Donovan, John Ritter, and Clint Marley Jr.. 6 Great-grand-children Tyler Larson, Rose-lynn Ritter, John Ritter, Vincent Donovan, Connie Ritter, and Roslund Marley.. There will be no services. During a private internment he will be placed beside Carla at Greenacres Memorial Park in Bellingham. In lieu of flowers Dad wishes for all to donate to your local pet shelter to help those with no voice.

Don C. Marley

May 28, 1929 - April 25, 2016