Donald W. Gibson, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away suddenly at his home Sunday, August 3, 2014 at age 71. Don was born on April 20, 1943, in Richmond, California to Philo and Marie Minder Gibson, spending his early years growing up in Idaho. Don's father died during his teenage years. When his mother became ill, he and his two sisters and mother moved back to California.

Don joined the Navy at 17 years old in San Diego, CA and was stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Base, Washington where he met his future wife Zyleen Haefke. Don and Zyleen were married August 14th, 1965 at Stanwood's Our Saviour's Lutheran Church the day after his discharge from the Navy. They lived in Idaho for 6 months before moving back to Stanwood to live until his death. Don worked for Weyerhaeuser for 18 ½ years before going back to school for computer repair and then worked for The Boeing Company as a Computer Analyst until his retirement. Don coached girls soft ball, was very active in Boy Scouts as a Cub Master, Boy Scout leader, as well as training other Scout leaders, while helping raise his children Kimberly, Kip, Kyle, and Korey. He helped start Troup 86 and served as Scout Master for many years. His motto was "never cancel an outing".

He was preceded in death by his parents Philo and Marie Gibson; brothers Johnny Gibson and Jack Fager; sisters Lou Ann Mulbreight Zervas and Patricia Hermens; and nephew Peter Mulbreght. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years Zyleen Haefke Gibson; children and spouses, Kimberly and Dan Shane, Kip and Michelle Gibson, Kyle and Jenelyn Gibson, Korey Gibson; grandchildren Elizabeth Gibson, Chloe Shane, Ezra Gibson, Gabriel Gibson; brother Jess and Carol Gibson; brother-in-laws Norman Hermens, Jack Zervas, Kavin and Kay Haefke; sister-in-law Gerlinda Marlatt; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Don will be forever remembered for his love of his wife and family, his passion for fishing, and his friendly nature to friends and strangers alike.

Memorial services will be held at Gilbertson Funeral Home, Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 10:00am.

Arrangements under direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood, WA.