Donald Kenneth Jaques, Sr. (Don) was born September 27, 1938, in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, to Donald Samuel and Annabelle (Hopping) Jaques. He died peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2026.

As a boy, Don loved trout fishing with his siblings and father along the Big Sur and Carmel Valley rivers. He spent summers swimming, catching crawdads, and playing with the family dogs near their cabin.

Don graduated from Monterey Union High School in 1956. In 1958, he joined the United States Naval Reserves and was deployed to the Far East. After his service, he attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, joining the Sigma Pi fraternity. He graduated in June 1962, with a degree in sociology and, later that month, married Elizabeth (Beth) Seidel on June 22, 1962.

In 1963, Don began a long career with the Social Security Administration, eventually transferring to Seattle in 1969. He and Beth raised their three children—Tracy, Suzanne, and Donald Jr.—in Kirkland and later Redmond, Washington.

Don loved music and sang for several years with the Lake Washington Skippers Barbershop Choir, as well as in church choirs. In 1971, he and Beth purchased their first sailboat, eventually upgrading to a 28-foot Catalina named "Glory." Don treasured taking his family on two-week summer cruises through the San Juan and Gulf Islands.

A man of deep faith, Don was devoted to Jesus and to the study of Scripture, often memorizing and reciting passages in church. After retiring from the Department of Health and Human Services in 1994, Don and Beth moved to Anacortes, where they were active members of Anacortes First Baptist Church for nearly three decades. Don helped lead the King's Class and drove the church bus for outings.

In October 2023, Don and Beth moved to Regency Senior Living in Oak Harbor. In June 2024, Don transitioned to memory care, where he was faithfully visited by family.

Don is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Lee Jaques; his children Tracy (Ken) Raymond, Suzanne Martin, and Donald (Ann) Jaques Jr.; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his brother, Robert Jaques. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Morphet.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. "Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright, for the future of that man is peace." Psalm 37:27 (NKJV)

A memorial service for Don is being planned for 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 21st at First Baptist Church in Anacortes, Washington. The service will be livestreamed.  To watch it click on OPEN VIDEO in the Service Section of the homepage.