Donald Frederick Lake's Obituary
In loving memory of Capt. Don Lake, who peacefully passed away on August 7, 2023 over morning coffee with his wife of 47 years, Beverly Lake. Born in Vancouver B.C., Canada, the only son of Fred & Anastasia (Nellie) Lake. Don emigrated to the United States in 1964 to start his career of 35 years with United Airlines. He was a devoted husband, father of three and Grandfather of six.
Don always knew he would become a Pilot from an early and as he watched airplanes fly over the Lyons Gate Bridge in Vancouver. From age 7 he worked in his fathers Butcher shop, saved all his money , and at age 16 (while other guys were buying cars), Don skipped school to take flying lessons. A self-made man, he received his pilots license in 1957. After graduation he went to work for Canadian Pacific Airlines as a Certified Aircraft Mechanic and followed that dream to fly as a Pilot for United Airlines in 1964.
Don enjoyed boating & fishing and spent many years in the San Juan Island, Canadian Gulf Island and Alaska with his wife Beverly. They were past members of The Seattle Yacht Club their boat "Jet Stream" - He was either in it or on it! Don was an avid reader, sports fan, liked to cook, travel, hang out at car shows, boat shows & air shows & museums, snow and water ski and after retirement fly his own airplanes. A member of RUPA, PNW flyers and Skagit Hanger Assoc.; Family & flying were his life.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Fred & Nellie Lake, Vancouver, B.C. his only sibling, Dianne Mae Hepting, Burnaby, B.C. and Nephew Donald R. Hepting. He is survived by wife Beverly M. Lake (Anacortes, WA), daughter Kim L. Johnson (Joe), sons Kevin D. Lake (Katrina), Son-in-Law Robert E. Nali (Kathleen) and W. Michael Lee (Beth), nephews Gary and David Hepting Six grandchildren; Ashley, Brandon, McKenzie, Alexandra (Alex), Colton and Landon.
Don was a kind, humble, gentle man with a beautiful smile. Rest in Eternal Peace.
Entombment at Mountain View Cemetery; Rainer Mausoleum, Tacoma WA.
on line memorial can be view at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?