Don was born in Priest River, Idaho on May 21, 1933. He passed peacefully into his heavenly home on March 16, 2024, at Lighthouse Memory Care in Anacortes, WA.

Don was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents Earlene and Roy Green, his sister Joanne Wood, and his nephew Mike Wood.

He is survived by his wife Joyce of 57 years, his children: Rick Green, Patti Kriseman, and Wendy Champagne Frisbe, two grandsons: Taylor Scott Champagne and Jakob Kriseman, niece Kelly Osterberger and grandnieces Kendra and Kiara Etzel.

Don was raised in Spokane, WA and graduated from Rogers High School. He enlisted in the Army in June, 1952 and served his country honorably in the Korean War, earning the Bronze Star with Valor. After his return home from combat in 1954, Don attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA for one year. During his years in Spokane, he worked in the family businesses, Spokane Tent and Awning and F.O. Berg Co.

He married his wife Joyce in 1967 and they resided in Spokane, building a home on Lake Spokane where they happily enjoyed the surrounding woods. In 1980 Don took on the building business and became a contractor and developer.

Don led an adventurous life centered around the outdoors, and in 1986 his enthusiasm for life led him and Joyce to take up a new adventure and set off to see the world on Windy Thoughts, a Lord Nelson double-ender sailboat. They spent 12 years on a circumnavigation of the globe that took them to faraway countries and cultures with amazing and welcoming people. Our beloved Orcas Island became their haven at the end of their cruising days.

Don’s last 15 months were spent under the loving care of Lighthouse Memory Care. He left all who knew and loved him with his gift of mischievousness and friendliness. He will always be remembered for his love of life and all that it had to offer.

A Celebration of Don’s life will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Orcas Community Church, followed by a reception.