Donald H. Tonkin

Donald H. Tonkin was born May 20, 1915 in Ely, Minnesota to Edna and Ray Tonkin. Don passed away January 22, 2010 at the age of 95. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 62 years, Bernice in 1999, daughter Peggy Sue Medley in 1990 and brothers Bill and Martin Tonkin.

Don is survived by his son Jerry and daughter- in-law Judy of Vashon, grandchildren: Marc (Lyndee) of Vashon, Randy Tonkin of Vashon, Ray Medley (Tammy) of Libby, Montana, Roderic Medley (Sheri) of Gig Harbor, Sabrina Peters (Brett) of Duvall, Donald Medley (Nicole) of Scio, Oregon, brother-in-law Earl Cruzen (Adah) of Seattle, and 7 great grandchildren, adopted family, John Hansen (Rosie) with 2 children of Tacoma, special sister-in-law Joanne Tonkin, and many nieces and nephews. Don’s loving companion for the past 11 years was Milly Bettise.

Don was a long time resident of Vashon Island, building his home at Paradise Cove in the early 1970’s. He previously resided in north Seattle for 43 years. He and his brother Bill were ingenious inventors, manufacturers and fixers of anything that needed to be fixed.

In 1932, at 16 years old, he drove his parents and 2 brothers across country from Duluth, Minnesota to Seattle. He was in the US Marines from 1944 to 1946, serving in China. He had various jobs until he and his brother Bill opened Tonkin Brothers Machine Shop & Welding in north Seattle in the early 1950’s. He was a volunteer firefighter in north Seattle for several years. He worked for Heiser Truck & Body Co. for a number of years before his retirement to “the island”. After retirement, he enjoyed traveling in his motor home with the Vashon VagaBums and activities with the Vashon-Maury Island Senior Center.

He loved to travel and enjoy time with his family. His friendliness, quiet manner and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

A celebration of Don’s life is planned for March 12, 1-4pm, at the American Legion Hall, 14521 – 17th Ave. NE, Shoreline, WA.

Paid Obituary.