Donald R. Sweet's Obituary
Donald R. Sweet, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away in Puyallup, Washington on Saturday, April 13th 2024. Don was one week from his 86th birthday. He is survived by his wife, Joyce B. Sweet of Puyallup, WA, daughter, Kristin Sweet Fischer of Tacoma, WA, son-in-law David Fischer(Tacoma, WA), grandson Aidan McGee(Boston, MA), granddaughter Emma McGee(Tacoma), and step-grandson Spencer Fischer(Santa Clara, CA). Preceded by his grandson Patrick McGee, mother Marie Sweet, father Raymond Sweet, brother Jerry Sweet, and sisters Joyce Petit and Lorraine Sweet.
Donald Raymond Sweet was born on April 20, 1938 in Everett, WA. He grew up in Tacoma, WA and attended Holy Rosary School, Bellarmine Preparatory School, and Lincoln High School for his senior year. He served in the US Army reserves from 1957-1962. In 1959 he joined Boeing and retired 38 years later. With Boeing, he continually advanced starting as a sweeper and culminated as a senior Tool and Die Maker. Don loved working for Boeing and felt honored to have contributed to so many aerospace projects, and in particular to the 747. He was a proud member of the Machinist Union.
Donald married the love of his life, Joyce B. Rasmussen, on July 07, 1962. Their reception was at the Top of the Ocean (which Joyce’s dad helped build), and he drove to the reception in his 1957 Pontiac lavender convertible (he loved that car). Joyce and Don lived in Tacoma until 1971 when Don and a few family members built a new home in Puyallup. Don and Joyce continued to live in the family home until his death.
Don loved to fish, hunt, bike, hike, camp, boat in the Puget Sound, golf, racquetball, but by far he loved “puttering” endlessly in his shop, a true man cave. He had every tool a man could want, and more so.
Cars were an important part of Don’s life. As a teenager he belonged to the MoTators and later in life he joined “Just Another” car club. He drag-raced his 57 Pontiac and won many races. He also raced small hydroplane boats on Spanaway Lake. After years of loving racing, he purchased and restored his last car, a 1939 Ford Red Coupe. He proudly spent his days at car shows with Joyce and their friends.
Don was overjoyed to have his daughter Kristin and he especially loved coaching her baseball team for years, going skiing with her and boating. As much as he loved his daughter he loved his grandchildren even more. Kristin and her children lived one mile from Don and he spent endless hours taking them to practices, games, piano lessons, and spending time with them. He was always on the sidelines cheering.The water-gun fights, nerf gun warfare, baseball games and overall tomfoolery that took place at the Sweet home was a joy for all, especially grandpa. He enjoyed the boys and he loved Emma and all her amazing stuffed animals. Don loved watching his grandchildren grow up and felt so blessed to be a part of their lives. His grandsons especially loved the car shows, hanging out with the “old guys” and eating hotdogs. Don also felt blessed to have a new son-in-law and step-grandson join the family in 2018. (He loved Dave’s Manhattans!)
Don lived a full and long life doing the things he loved with friends and family. He explored and loved the Northwest and all it had to offer, from boating on Hood Canal, harvesting shrimp and Dungeness crab. He loved the mountains, especially skiing at Crystal and Paradise and camping throughout the cascades. He had many fishing trips in the Pacific Ocean, Mineral Lake, Spirit Lake (OR) and Commencement Bay. Don loved his annual month-long hunting trip with the “guys” driving his favorite truck from Washington to Montana, and all around the west. He became an expert in providing deer, elk and more meat to the freezer. Don truly loved the outdoors.
The world is a dimmer place without Don. He left his family a lifetime of memories and he reminds us all to get outside and enjoy our beautiful area. Don blessed his family with so much. They miss him and love him so much.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Boy and Girls Club of Pierce County.
There will be a memorial at Our Saviour Lutheran Church, Puyallup WA on May 30th at 1:30pm followed by a reception and telling of Don stories. All are welcome.
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