Captain Donald R. Schwartzman

Captain Don received his orders to report to the bridge the morning of July 14, 2026. Dispatch was provided by Saint Peter in addition the coordinates for his final sailing. The officers on the bridge were the same officers that have sailed and watched over the travels for fifty six years of sailing. At 1240 hours Captain Don sailed for the celestial shores of heaven. The only luggage required was memories of a life well lived.

Donald was born to Richard and Rose Schwartzman of Vashon Island, and grew up on the island with his three sisters; Donna Botten (Stan), Debbie (Bob), Martha (Ron), and his brother Danny (Tony).

Don went to school on Vashon Island, and when he was sixteen went to work on the Washington State Ferries. In 1966 Don volunteered for the Vietnam War and chose the Navy. He served two tours in Vietnam before returning home. During his time in Vietnam he was on the Forestall when there was a fire when several personnel were killed or injured. Don was dispatched over the side to provide aid in retrieving sailors that had been forced overboard.

When Don returned home from his service he returned to Washington State Ferries and worked his way from deck hand, to Mate, Captain, and was selected to fill the position of Port Captain and eventually rose to Superintendent of Washington State Ferries. Don retired from the ferries after twenty eight years, and wanted to pursue off shore sailing outside Puget Sound. He dispatched to tugboats and added additional navigational classes to increase his license. He traveled to the Arctic Circle behind an Ice Breaker to Puerto Rico and the Panama Canal. He spent years working in Alaska and then worked for several years for companies crewing up on the east coast hauling cargo to foreign ports. He went to Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Africa, Strait of Hurmuz, South America, Mexico, and China, Panama Canal. Don’s crews responded to several May Day calls; Tsunami in Indonesia, Tsunami in Japan, Ship broke tow off Oregon coast, and a ship fire where 182 people were saved and the crew received an accommodation.

In 2019 due to health and the time to retire he turned in his papers to find that he wanted to pay it forward. He came home one day and was delighted to find that he had an opportunity to work with the American Legion VA benefits coordinator Leslie O’Bannon. On April 20, 2021 he filled the position of scheduling for the veterans seeking access to benefits for a variety of services. He truly enjoyed the interaction with the different branches of service.

During his medical treatments, he would stay with his father in law in Seattle and for the joy of sharing his sea stories; Bill provided a place to rest and unlimited access to YouTube, Western movies, and mini-series that they both enjoyed. Depending on the season they would cheer on their favorite teams.

Don is survived by his wife Michelle Schwartzman of forty years. They have had a farm that when Don returned he would be mowing the yard or the back fields. This was his time to get back to the land. He had to return to crating the organic eggs, feeding his cats, hauling hay for the horses, and reconnecting with friends at home. Don is preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Jan, his favorite uncle Clyde Miller, father in law Bill Troeppl, brother in law Tim Irwin; Several crew members and others over the years that were good friends.

Don is survived by his nephew Alec Irwin, daughters; Denise Alberthal (Jason), Kim Endlich (Warren), Nicole Gunter (Jason). Grandchildren Justine Saladis, Jared Saladis, Kennedy Endlich, Brice Endlich, Tucker Endlich, Colton Alberthal, Michael Alberthal, Jace Alberthal, Paislee Gunter, Jaxson Gunter, Parker Gunter. With five great grand-children. Friend Jerry Lasko that shared the commitment to sailing and farming and baseball and football. Don’s Aunt Marty Collet that was so proud of his accomplishments.

The Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington was instrumental in providing exceptional care for Don, he was returned home with the care of Gilbertson Funeral Home of Stanwood. He would like to share that you may donate to this charity Evergreen Health Foundation: 12040 NE 128th St, MS #5, Kirkland, WA 98034, and Don’s other charity is the Veteran Service Office in Stanwood, Washington.

There will be a memorial for Don on August 8th, 2026 1:00 pm, at the American Legion Hall, 26921 88th Ave NW, Stanwood, WA 98292

Note: Real Pirates do not say “Arghh”

“Ye be unkind to God’s creatures, ye be walking the plank.