Donald Kenneth Anderson

Donald Kenneth Anderson, 85, died March 24, 2024, with family by his side at his home in Shelton, Washington.

Donald was born May 31, 1938 in Seattle, Washington, to Kenneth Adolph and Dorthy Marilla Mays Anderson. He graduated from Edmonds High School 1956. Donald enlisted into the United State Marine Corps in April 1958, where he went to boot camp in San Diego, CA. While in the Marine Corps, Lance Cpl Donald K. Anderson completed a 20-day deployment to Yuma, AZ with the Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 314, from the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, Santa Ana, CA which consisted of air to air rocketry exercises, gunnery and electronics problems in 1960. He served five years, eleven months and was honorably discharged March 20, 1964. While in the service, he was stationed in Japan, this is where Donald figured out his love for travelling.

Throughout his early years, Donald worked as a carpenter and joined the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Union #131 in Seattle, WA. He was a stone mason for many years and built a lot of the bulkheads in the area, and worked on the Pemco Building in Seattle, WA. Doing this hard work is how he earned money to travel.

As he got older, he built and owned his own business doing what he loved; traveling, locating rocks, fossils, crystals making jewelry and doing photography. He loved reading and owned many older books. His main hobby was photography. He had beautiful photos around his home. Donald was a published wildlife photographer.

Donald has traveled to many parts of the world, sometimes taking people in his van to diverse destinations such as Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Asia, Europe, Thailand, New Zealand, Bolivia and Communist Russia. He loved hiking with friends which included hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. Donald loved meeting new people and telling stories of his travels.

He was an active member of the Shelton Senior Center; enjoying their walking group and Tai Chi, until this past year due to health issues.

Donald was preceded in death by his sister Annette Ayerst and her husband, Jack Ayerst.

He is survived by his brother, Richard Anderson of Oregon, nephews, Charles Anderson, of Oregon, Doug Ayerst of Washington, Darrel Ayerst of California; and niece, Debbie Corrigan.

Donations can be made to the Wild Felid Advocacy Center of Washington, 3111 E. Harstine Island Rd. N., Shelton, WA 98584 - or donate to [email protected] or Shelton Senior Activities Center in Shelton, Washington.

At his request, no service will be held.