Donald Smiset

**Celebrating the Life of Donald Vern ("Don") Smiset**

**January 10, 1943 - March 2025**

March 2025 marked the completion of an extraordinary journey for Donald Vern ("Don") Smiset, a journey that began 82 years ago.

When the end comes and nothing can be added or taken away, we gain perspective and see the consistent pattern of a life-a total revelation of all-of-a-piece. In life, changes can come to spoil, but death guards our unchanging treasure.

**Discovering Treasures in Don's Life:**

**Beginnings: 1943**

Don's journey began as an expressive, extremely energetic, and ever-enthusiastic bundle of joy. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, on January 10, 1943, to Jean and Oscar Vern "Bud" Smiset, the family soon moved to Richland, Washington. This move was inspired by Bud's career and a desire for Don to bond with his grandparents in Potlatch, Idaho.

**Family and Heritage**

Don cherished his time with his Grandpa Smiset, who worked in the largest white pine sawmill of its time. Gentle, quiet, and confident, Nels Smiset's laser focus, incredible energy, and perseverance left a lasting impression on Don.

**Richland: A Top-Secret Town**

In 1944, Don's family moved to Richland, a town tied to top-secret World War II projects. Fifty years later, Don helped his father, Bud, understand the significance of his work, allowing him to speak freely about his contributions.

**A Heart Full of Compassion**

In Sunnyside, Washington, Don's heart was touched by the struggles of others. Despite suffering painful earaches and hearing loss, he became an exceptional athlete and a laser-focused listener, developing character, compassion, and perseverance.

**Adventures and Challenges**

Don's adventurous spirit led him to master skiing, mountain climbing, and racing his homemade hydroplane, "Knot-a-girl." His love for exploration and challenge defined his life.

**A Life of Love and Service**

In 1965, Don married Gail Le Beau, and together they faced the challenge of his MS diagnosis. Relocating to a drier climate, they focused on their health and their three cherished children: Brian, Scott, and Kirsten.

Don's career as a national management recruiter and insurance adjustor reflected his dedication to family and community. His involvement with the Albuquerque Mountain Rescue Council showcased his adventurous spirit and desire to help others.

**A New Chapter with Katherine**

Through the mystery of life and love, Don met Katherine, a kindred spirit and adventurer. They were wed on October 2, 2009. Their shared perseverance and compassion led to a loving marriage, surrounded by family at St. Chad's altar. Together, they traveled, hiked, camped, and explored with boundless enthusiasm.

**A Legacy of Love**

Don is survived by his beloved wife Katherine Hilaire Smiset; his sister, Dana Smiset Toomey; his children, Brian E. Smiset, Scott C. Smiset, and Kirsten I. Webster (James D. Webster); his stepchildren, Laura Brazan (Tom Brazan), Paula Dietterich (Adam Dietterich), Michael Andrulis (Angela Past), and John Andrulis; his grandchildren, Devon Juvinall, Chris Smiset (Peggy Azua), Leah Hamner, Hannah Smiset-Ortiz, Mikayla Smiset-Ortiz, Emma Smiset-Ortiz, Tiffany Sue Smiset, Katherine Blankenship, Alex Mandarino, Sarah Sangster, John Loats (Lauren Loats), David Loats; and his great-grandchildren, Addilyn Doreen Ortiz-Zapata, Ziadora Conn, Alora Smiset, Max Gonzales, Athena Brazan, Tommy Brazan, Parker Ponder, Silas Sangster, Journey Loats.

**Celebrating a Life Well-Lived**

May everyone who knew Don celebrate with tears, laughter, and joy for his well-lived life. Let us dance with gratitude for a life that touched so many with love, courage, and an adventurous spirit.