Don Mackey passed away on May 14, 2023, in Olympia, Wash. He was born July 23, 1939, to Stanley and Lois Mackey in Port Townsend, Wash., spending his formative years in Quilcene, Wash. He lived significant portions of his adult life in Spokane, Wash., and Chandler, Ariz., before retiring in Olympia 24 years ago.

Don graduated from Olympia High School in 1957, and married Charlene Buchner on June 25, 1960, in Olympia. He worked his whole career for West Coast Airlines, which became Hughes Air West then Republic then Northwest, taking him and his family to Bellingham, Pullman/Moscow, Spokane and Phoenix. And, for adventure, around the world.

Don loved sports, parties, travel, fishing and gardening. He coached the very successful Chico’s Pizza men’s slow-pitch team in Spokane for years, so his daughters grew up around softball diamonds. He was a huge fan of the Red Sox and UW Huskies but he was a good sport when so many loved ones became Cougs. Of course, he had the Apple Cup. Going salmon fishing out of West Port with him was a rite of passage for his daughters, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and grandkids. Some caught fish, some fed fish, and some managed to do both. While he has moved on, Don has left his family and friends with a lifetime of love and unlimited stories to tell. His family is grateful.

Don is survived by daughters, Julie Mackey Aulava (Sam) of Federal Way, Wash., Kathy Mackey Simons (Neil) of Spokane, Wash., and Michelle Mackey Williams (Steve) of Olympia, Wash.; grandchildren, Austin (Paige) Aulava, Olivia Aulava, Madeleine Simons, Megan Williams, Cade (Olivia) Williams, Natalie Williams, and Amira Williams; and great-grandchildren, Halston and Maeve Williams. He was predeceased by his wife, Charlene; his parents; and sister, Jan (Bruce) Mackey Peterson.

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.