A celebration of life for Donald Stephen Gerard will be held on Saturday, July 12 at 2 p.m. at Orcas Island Community Church.

Donald, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong Orcas Islander, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born on Orcas Island in 1933, Don was the youngest of three children of May and Charles Gerard. A graduate of Orcas Island High School’s class of 1950, he went on to attend Western Washington University and the University of Washington before joining the U.S. Navy.

In 1960, he married Marion, who remained his devoted wife for 65 years. Together they raised their family in Bellevue and later retired to Orcas Island, living in a log cabin they transported by barge to the north shore. Don was active in the American Legion, Orcas Island Historical Society, and Orcas Island Community Church. He was a collector of history and, most of all, a proud father and grandfather who supported his family with love and generosity.

He is survived by his wife, Marion; children, Stephen (with partner Latasha), Donald (with wife Melanie), and Lynette (with husband Peter Butterfield); niece, Stacy; grandchildren, Davis and Sawyer Gerard, Nick and Sophie Butterfield, Isabelle (with husband Thayne); great-granddaughter, Mae; along with extended family and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orcas Island Historical Society, American Legion, Orcas Island Community Church or the Orcas Island Lions Foundation.