We mourn the passing of Donald T. Smith. Even though he made it clear to us all that he was ready, his positivity, humor, and the way he generally made us feel will be sorely missed. He was 83 and suffered many ailments—but he lived his upbeat life, up to the very end.

Don was born in Seattle on March 25, 1940, to Helen Graham Smith and Horace Smith. He attended Roosevelt High School, where his mother taught, graduating in 1958. He attended the University of Washington for two years, then transferred to Western Washington University, where in 1963 he earned a degree in Business Education. “Magna Cum Lucky,” he would say. (Self-deprecating humor was a lifelong trait of Don’s).

In 1963, Don was hired by Concrete High School in Concrete, Washington, to teach Business Education and manage the school newspaper and annual yearbook. He always took on additional roles; at Concrete he also served as sophomore class advisor and advisor to the parking and ticket squads. Don moved back to Seattle in 1966, starting his teaching position at Nathan Hale—which would last 26 years and from which he would retire. He taught Retail Selling, Business Education, and yes, Typing. He also served as advisor to the ticket squad as well as to several senior classes. He lived in the Hawthorne Hills neighborhood, a couple of doors down from his brother David Smith’s family home, then Don moved to a house in the Lake City area of Seattle. Don enjoyed road trips to Reno, camping, fishing, tennis, family dinners, watching sports, and playing card games.

On April 4, 1989, Don married Patricia Hagestad, whom he adored. The two settled in a beautiful Edmonds home with views of the Puget Sound. He retired from teaching in 1992, but thereafter volunteered weekly at what is now Swedish Edmonds hospital. He and Pat took road trips, traveled to Central Europe, and took many a cruise to Alaska as well as to Norway and other faraway places. They were a neat couple and got along famously, listening to country music and hosting friends and family for dinners and games. Don had undergone a liver transplant in 1996 which was to add several more years to his life. It gave him 27 more. He impressed us all with his ability to bounce back from just about everything, with his positivity intact.

In 2009, Don and Patty moved to Mirabella, a nice retirement home near Downtown Seattle. They were looking for community, and thrived at Mirabella. When Patty passed away suddenly in 2015, Don was comforted by the support from his neighbors as well as from family and other friends. When things took a turn last October, Don moved out of his apartment to the Skilled Nursing floor. He began living his best life there—with his door open and a constant flood of friendly visitors, playing bridge multiple times weekly, and even taking his walker up to the main Dining Room on Wednesdays.

In addition to his many lifelong friends, Don leaves behind his two nieces, Lauri Jordana (Alan Scott) and Tara Filipich (Kevin Filipich), his stepdaughter Jeanne Hagestad, his grandnephews Andrew Filipich and Aaron Filipich, and his former sister-in-law Nancy Mickel (Barry Mickel). In addition to his beloved wife, Don was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother, and stepson Erik Hagestad.

Don really cherished his friendships with staff and residents at Mirabella. We thank you all for the love and care you showed him these past years and give a shout-out to Social Services Director David Martin, who became an especially great advocate and friend once Don entered Skilled Nursing. The family also thanks the Mirabella Re-Store staff for their incredible help.

In his honor, we simply ask that you lift others up and show the caring and positivity for which Don was well known.

www.dignitymemorial.com/donaldsmith