Dr. Donald (Don) Harold Mott died peacefully at his home in Puyallup, WA on February 16, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Don was born on September 5, 1940 in Chewelah, WA. In preparation for his career, Don earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from The College of Idaho. He then began the pursuit of his medical degree at the University of Washington Medical School in 1962. As a sophomore in medical school, Don met his ‘lady in red’—Barrie. After a brief courtship, they were married in Seattle on September 5, 1964. They were married for 52 years until Barrie’s death in 2017.

After graduating from medical school in 1966, Don and Barrie traveled to various parts of the United States to finish his medical training. While helping to raise 4 children, Don began his private practice of orthopedic surgery in 1973 in Puyallup, WA and retired as the chief medical officer of Good Samaritan Hospital. Don was also the Medical Director for the Children’s Therapy Unit (CTU) where his passion for helping children was evident daily. The Donald and Beret Mott Children’s Center, ‘The Ark’, houses the internationally renowned CTU and is an example of how Don and Barrie served and supported the community where they lived. Don was also instrumental in founding China Partners Network (CPN) where he led groups of CTU therapists to China to train health care professionals, revolutionizing how China cares for special needs children. His legacy that began in CPN continues in other countries with a similar mission.

Don was awarded the Greater Tacoma Peace Prize for his work with CPN. He was also nominated for the Noble Peace Prize because of his work with CPN. Don had a great impact as a surgeon, advocate for children, and a servant leader in the community. He was a leader with every organization he was associated with. From Rotary to PLU to Mt. View Community Center to China Partners; he made a mark, not only on his community but in the world. He was kind, hardworking, well-known, and respected. Don was an active member at his church. His Christ-centered life reflected servanthood to others, love of family and community, and a deep desire to help others. Don is survived by his four children, Darren, Erik, Colleen, and Nicole, 10 grandchildren, his brother, James Mott, sister Sherry Luehrs, and his cousin, Billie Ruark.

Memorial Service will be held at Mountain Lutheran Church in Edgewood, WA at 3pm on March 25, 2023.

Service will be live-streamed at https://www.facebook.com/mtviewlutheran?mibextid=LQQJ4d.

Please direct memorial gifts to Mary Bridge Good Samaritan Children’s Therapy Unit (CTU). Support Health and Healing - MultiCare Foundations https://support.multicare.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2281&mfc_pref=T&2281.donation=form1