June 5, 1933 – March 13, 2025

Donald Stephen Gerard, or “Don” as he liked to be addressed, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and generous friend, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at nearly 92 years of age.

Born and raised on Orcas Island, he was the youngest of three children of May and Charles Gerard, preceded in death by his older brother, Charles, and sister, Gayle. Life on the island was not easy and the family worked hard for very little, but this shaped his resilience, work ethic and what he wanted for his own future family. He was one of 8 students in the Orcas Island High School class of 1950 before attending Western Washington University and later the University of Washington. He spent a year in Mexico, where he learned Spanish, and after earning his degree, he joined the U.S. Navy.

Donald built a successful career as an electrician, working alongside his father before founding his own contracting company. His tireless dedication, intelligence and friendly nature made him a very successful yet humble and generous businessman and he expanded his ventures into property development across the Puget Sound purchasing a concrete batch plant, and a rock quarry in Monroe along the way. Always forward-thinking, yet not extravagant, he also was a speculator and purchased land in Eastern Washington, originally for the oil rights, which later became a valuable wind energy asset vital for his family’s future.

A devoted husband, Donald met Marion after her family moved from Edmonton Alberta Canada to Seattle, and they were married in 1960. They were nearly inseparable for the next 65 years. Sharing a love of family, boating, travel, classic cars, antique collecting, conservative politics, and faith, Marion was always by his side thru it all. Together, they raised their children with unwavering love and generosity, later moving from Bellevue to Orcas Island, where they retired to a log cabin they had moved by barge from their property in Bellevue to their north facing beach property on Orcas Island. This was their “home” and they loved their island life and enjoyed connections with numerous friends.

Don was deeply involved in his communities serving as President of the PTA and Classic Car Club of America and was a member of the American Legion, Orcas Island Community Church, and the Orcas Island Historical Society. He coached his children’s basketball and baseball teams while also taking them to early morning skating practices and many many fantastic road trips for competitions. His passion for history, classic cars and antiques filled his family’s life with unique treasures, and his generosity extended to supporting his children’s and grandchildren’s educations and activities with love, funding, and dedication.

Donald was most proud of his family. He is survived by his wife, Marion; children, Stephen, Donald, and Lynette; niece, Stacy, whom he raised as his own; son-in-law, Peter Butterfield; daughter-in-law, Melanie Gerard and her 3 children Max, Anna, and Jilly; grandchildren, Davis & Sawyer Gerard, Nick, & Sophie Butterfield; Isabelle, Thayne and great-granddaughter, Mae Kollmorgen. His legacy of kindness, determination, and love will live on in all who knew him.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Gerard family home on Orcas Island in June (exact date TBD). In lieu of flowers, donations may also be made to the Orcas Island Historical Society, American Legion, or Orcas Island Community Church in his memory.

He was an amazing husband to Marion and a father who gave us a great childhood, a life full of love, and lessons we will carry forever. We love you, we miss you, and we will always hold you closely in our hearts