Donald Joseph Sullivan, 93, passed away peacefully in his home on May 2, 2023. He was born on May 26, 1929, to Robert and Nettie Sullivan. Don grew up on the hill in Anacortes, where he had the luxury to explore the outdoors and the countryside. He attended Nelson Grade School and graduated from Anacortes High School in 1947. He was president of his class and was a proud member of the Anacortes Basketball Team of 1947, who took third in the state tournament.

Don was an excellent athlete and earned a baseball scholarship to Pacific Lutheran University in 1947, but he suffered a head injury which ended his baseball career. After that he went to Alaska to purse seine for salmon on several boats: Little Lady, The Fleet, and the Sierra Madre. He was drafted into the army while fishing on the west coast of Southeast Alaska. He received reconnaissance training during the Korean War at Fort Carson, Colorado, and then was sent to Fort Richardson, Alaska where he made the Army Regents basketball and football team. He was honorably discharged in 1951.

In 1953, he married Janet Eklund of Mt. Vernon. The way the story has it, he jaywalked in front of her car so he could meet her. It was love at first sight. They raised their three children, Mark, Connie, and Glenn, in Anacortes. They enjoyed a tight-knit neighborhood of friends and family that had lasted a lifetime. In 1955, they became members of the Anacortes Lutheran Church and were a part of that wonderful church community for many years. Don and Janet were married for 37 years before her passing in 1990.

While raising his family, Don worked at Anacortes Veneer, a worker-owned cooperative plywood mill from 1953-1980. He ended his work career working for the Washington State Ferries from 1982-1994, working in the San Juan Islands. In 2002, Don married Luella Holm who brought back a spark into his life. They enjoyed some happy years together and were able to travel some. He was married until her death in 2008.

Don loved the outdoors, and especially loved fishing and pheasant hunting. He took his family on many fishing and camping trips, and he spent many hours steelhead fishing on the Skagit River. He enjoyed building projects, gardening, and taking care of his yard. He followed his favorite sports teams: Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies. In his retirement, he was an avid golfer and went to many golf tournaments. He also enjoyed warm weather and took many trips to Hawaii and Lake Chelan.

He was a kind, caring, generous, easy-going person. He loved apple pie and clam chowder. He treasured having family around and was always there for them. He taught the importance of community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Janet Sullivan; second wife, Luella Sullivan; and is survived by his sister, Roberta Berg; sister-in-law, Jeannine Hite; children, Mark (Marsha) Sullivan, Connie (Kevin Epps), Glenn (Juli) Sullivan; 7 grandchildren, Nathan Sullivan, Michael Sullivan, Ashley Sullivan Smith, Laura Granger, Mallory DeBari, Spencer Epps, Hayley Epps; 7 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Don was laid to rest at Grandview Cemetery on May 8, 2023.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held 11:00 a.m. on June 3rd at the Anacortes Lutheran Church. Memorial gifts are suggested to Anacortes Lutheran Church and or American Cancer Society.

To share memories of Don sign the online guestbook at www.evanschapel.com/obituary/don-sullivan