Longtime Stanwood resident, Donald K. Moa, passed away on Monday, February 1, 2016, at the age of 94. He had lived an active life until recently, but a fall and declining health ultimately led to his passing from pneumonia.
Don was born in the family home on Pleasant Ridge, east of Conway, on January 1, 1922. He was the third son of Arthur and Vera Cornelius Moa. He lived in the Stanwood area over 90 years, graduating from Twin City High School in 1940, then joining the Army in 1941 at Fort Lewis. His World War II years included landing on Omaha Beach where his battalion joined General Patton's forces in France. Soon after returning from the service, Don joined his father in the family bulldozing business, building many Camano Island roads and bulkheads.
During that time, Don served on the East Stanwood city council, then as mayor of East Stanwood and Stanwood, with the consolidation of East and West Stanwood being one of his many projects. Following his time as mayor, Don was elected as a Snohomish County Commissioner. After serving his 4-year term, he retired, spending time developing property and traveling, until he became mayor of Stanwood once again in 1993.
Don was always involved in the community, and a long standing member of Camaloch Men's Golf, American Legion, VFW and Stanwood Lions Club. Every Stanwood Fair you would find Don calling numbers in the Lions Bingo booth! He was the oldest surviving member of the original Stanwood Volunteer Fire Dept.
Don leaves behind his wife, Lenore; stepdaughter Ramona (Ed) Snowden; stepdaughter-in-law Lori Husby; grandchildren Dan Snowden, Steve (Megan) Snowden, Sarah (Jeremy) Darrow, Joshua Husby, Ian (Kristen) Husby and Christopher Husby, along with 5 great-grandchildren. Also, from the Moa family, he leaves nephews Jim (Sharon) Moa, Jerry Moa, Kenneth Moa; nieces Shila (Tom) Anderson, Ardis (Tazie) Andreassen, Vicky (Gene) Potts, Kristeen McCollough, Karen, and Sue; numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and their wives John (Thelma) Moa and Robert (Johana) Moa; first wife Carolyn Hoover Moa; nephew Wally Moa, niece Janet Moa, stepsons Craig Husby and Gary Husby.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Stanwood, 27201-99th Avenue NW, under direction of Gilbertson's Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Stanwood Area Historical Society, 27108-102nd Ave. NW, Stanwood; or a local charity of your choice.