Donald James Oliver

May 5, 1929 ~ May 20, 2012

Donald James Oliver passed away at Swedish Cherry Hill after complications from leg by-pass surgery, with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife Dolores (Dee) of 60 years, “the love of his life” and his 4 children, Lindy, Carrie (Terry) Lisa (Buzz) Mike (Janet), 10 grandchildren he called his “regulars” Arienne, Reanna, Abigail, Rebecca, Madelyn, Lydia, Walker, Lillie, Michael, Maggie and his 10  great grandchildren his “greats” Ricky, Evan, Will, Seth, Noah, Silas, Grace, Ryder, Emmalie and Clara his sister Jerrie Schmidt (John) of Huntington Beach, CA and many nieces and nephews, friends and relatives.

Don spent age 5-12 in the Seattle Children’s Home with his siblings Jerrie and Ted. At age 12 his mother bought the Liberty Lunch Café in Seattle where he spent many hours helping out. He was very proud of his stint in the US Marine Corp which he joined at the age of 17. He also coached Pee Wee baseball for the Olympic Heights Clubhouse.

Don was a self made man. He built a business as an independent distributor owning his own milk route for Vitamilk Dairy throughout the Seattle area for over 40 years. He was without a doubt everyone’s favorite milkman.

Don and Dee retired to Vashon Island from West Seattle where for 21 years he loved the beach, making walking sticks, gardening and making magnificent meals for Dee. He loved golf and made many friends in the pursuit of perfecting his game.

Don has been described as a force, a presence, a straight shooter, and larger than life character, he lit up the room when he walked in and made everyone feel a bit more comfortable. But most of all he loved his family, and we so loved him back. He will be dearly missed.

We will celebrate his life on Sat. June 16, 1:00 at Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Avenue SW, West Seattle 98126.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Medic One Foundation.

Paid Obituary.