Donald J Sabol's Obituary
Don was born on April 12, 1933 in Tacoma, WA and passed away on July 16th, 2024 at the age of 91. He was the only son of Joseph and Anne (Petrich) Sabol and the brother of his departed sister, June Otterson.
Don graduated from Lincoln HS in Tacoma in 1951 and continued his education at the University of Washington and the College of Puget Sound, graduating in 1956. He was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, holding many elective offices including president (EA). He took great pride in “working his way through college” paying his own way, all the way. Upon graduation he was drafted into the US Army for a 2 yr period. Upon discharge, he completed his 8 yr obligation in the Washington Air National Guard. Don returned to college earning teaching credentials and continued taking graduate courses throughout his life. He began his career in public education at Lincoln HS, and moved to Mt Tahoma HS when it first opened. He was promoted to Supervisor of Secondary Business & Office and Distributive Ed Programs for the Tacoma School District. He was then promoted to Chief Financial Administrator of Bates Technical Institute. Enjoying the course work side of education, he later transferred to The Administrator of all Business, Office and Computer Programs and all the Health and Dental Programs at Bates Technical Institute. He retired after 32 years in public education.
Don had five loves in his life: Love of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, love of his beloved wife, Elaine, love of learning and education, love of his family, and a deep love of his country. These five loves were evident in everything he did throughout his life. His beloved wife of 58 years, Elaine passed away on Sept. 8, 2021. She was not only the love of his life and his sweetheart but also his inseparable companion and best friend. When he lost her, he lost a part of his heart and soul and his zest for life and living. His love of and pride in his beloved nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews and their achievements were always quite evident whenever he was around them or when they were discussed. After his beloved wife Elaine’s passing, Don had to learn to live without her. It was the loving care of his family that made the adjustment bearable. They enjoyed much time together. Don was a lifelong Lutheran, and he and his wife were both active members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Tacoma where he held many elective offices and served on many committees.
Don had a full life. He was an avid skier, loved golf, enjoyed everything connected with airplanes and flying, and had an extensive list of online computer friends. He loved football. He and his wife were Seahawks season ticket holders from its inception. Cooking and everything in the kitchen was his forte. For him a great vacation was a Holland-America luxury cruise ship to Alaska with his loving wife and sweetheart Elaine. His idea of a great warm summer evening was driving with his dearest Elaine, heading for The Harbor Lights on Ruston Way or for Anthony’s in Gig Harbor for halibut and chips. Don will be missed for his love of life and his never ending love of humor and for classical and Big Band music.
Don appreciated the help he received from his sister-in-law Nan Erwin during all of Elaine’s medical problems. She was especially loving and helpful during Elaine’s terminal battle with Parkinson’s disease. Don respected Dr. Steve Stringfellow as his PCP and as an extremely talented Internal Medicine Physician who gave him outstanding care over many years and as a dear friend and confidante. Janelle, Dr. Stringfellow’s nurse, was not only a very special nurse but also a loving, caring human being and a very special friend
over the years to both Don and his dear wife Elaine.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, sister June Otterson, and niece April (David) Otterson. He is survived by nephews Greg (Lisa) Erwin, David Otterson, Carol Otterson, Jr., nieces Gretchen (Whitney) Griffin and Sally Otterson, and grand nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held Aug. 29th at 11am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 140 East 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98404. Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to a charity of personal choice.
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