Joe Datin

Joe Maurice Datin (89)long-time resident ofVashon, WA, passed away July 6, 2010, at the VA hospital in Seattle, WA.

Joe was born in Chicago, IL, February

10, 1921, later moving to Seattle where he attended Highline High School. After graduation, he joined the

U.S. Army serving in the South Pacific theatre during WWII. The majority of Joe’s life was spent in the

construction industry and he enjoyed pointing out the many homes and buildings that he helped to build.

Over the years he also spent time as a mechanic, in road construction, as a shepherd, a night watchman,

fighting forest fires and searching for people lost in the mountains. His last position was feeding people at the Vashon Community Care Center, which he

did faithfully twice a day over the past 14 years.

Joe played the trumpet, encouraging his children to enjoy making music. He was honest, had a strong spirit and taught his children to value learning, respect and enjoy nature, hunt for mushrooms and other wild foods and always carry a jack knife. He had a fun sense of humor,

gave most people nicknames and had great strength of character.

Preceding him in death were his parents,

Aaron and Marie Datin, his wife of 52 years Helen Datin and daughter-in-law Ellen Datin. He is survived

by daughters Josephine Araucto and Margaret Datin,sons Jack Datin (Kathy), William Datin (Karen), Joe Datin (Kathy) and John Datin (Stacy), eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A graveside

service was held on July 12th followed by a picnic at Dockton Park. Please visit the online guest book at