Donald Walter Ness

Donald W. Ness

6/4/1929 – 9/16/2023

Donald Walter Ness, age 94, of Snohomish WA, passed away peacefully September 16, 2023, at Arlington Health and Rehabilitation with family by his side.

Don was born in Everett, WA on June 4, 1929, to Walt and Lois Ness. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and his former wife Arlene.

Growing up in Everett, Don graduated in 1947 from Everett High School and was proud of the fact he worked in the cafeteria all 4 years, never having to pack a lunch. He attended junior college followed by two years in the Navy. He worked all his life primarily as a millworker for Simpson Paper, Nord Door, and Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill all in Everett until they each closed, retiring in 1991 on Norwegian Independence Day.

He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, farming, woodworking, the Tonasket area, and many enjoyable years on Hat Island. Family, people, and friendships were most important to him throughout his life. He was involved with Trinity Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Snohomish Sportsman’s Club, Tillicum Kiwanis, Snohomish Senior Center, and his weekly poker night group. He was a long-time resident of Snohomish for the last 46 years and had many great neighbors. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving Don are his wife of 36 years, Suzanne; his son Bryan (Wendy); grandkids: Jeff (Chascity), Matthew, Melissa, and great granddaughter Emersyn. Stepdaughters: Melody (Ed), Pamela (Robert); grandkids Keri, Tracy, Dennis, Gary, and Julie. Stepsons: Greg (Diane), Tom (Kolby), and Jim; and grandkids: Brynne, Megan, and Kameron, along with many great-great grandkids.

Don was laid to rest at Floral Hills Cemetery in Lynnwood, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Snohomish Senior Center.