Don Deen, a long time Colfax resident, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane on November 4, 2023. He was 92 years old.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church in Colfax, WA. A family burial will precede the service at the Colfax Cemetery.

Don was born in Emmett, Idaho to Thomas and Maggie Deen.  He was the fifth of thirteen children.

After graduating from High School in 1949, Don enlisted in the United States Air Force where he worked as a radar mechanic, serving in the Korean War.  Upon returning from the war, he settled in Spokane, WA and attended Kinman Business School.  It was there he met his future wife, Esther Enzi, whom he married on June 6, 1959.  Don began his career as a CPA at LeMaster and Daniels in Spokane and later became a partner.

Don and Esther moved to Colfax in 1960 where Don managed the Colfax branch of LeMaster and Daniels until he retired.  He was very active in the community, serving on the city council and later as mayor.  Involvement with the Colfax Jaycees, Colfax Elks, and Rotary clubs were all important to him as well as membership at Peace Lutheran Church and later Selbu Lutheran Church.

Don enjoyed gardening and was very proud of his garden and yard.  He spent many hours nurturing his garden and many more figuring out how to keep the deer out of it.  Fishing along the Washington Coast, Alaska, and the Snake River were favorite pastimes.  He also spent many weekends on Lake CDA with his family, enjoying activities such as boating and fishing.

Don travelled to the Oregon Coast on an annual basis during post-tax season with friends and family.  He was very fond of his local coffee group and woke up early many mornings to join them downtown.

Don and Esther enjoyed playing card games with friends from card groups in their younger years.  After Don retired, Yahtzee became a favorite and he and Esther often played games most nights before dinner.

His daughters and grandchildren were a source of immense pride.  He often told medical professionals that all his daughters were in the medical field and they were going to take care of him in his old age.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Maggie Deen as well as siblings, Thomas, LeRoy, Betty, Mary Jo, Robert, David and Doug.  Don is survived by his wife Esther; siblings Katherine (Jim) Betzold of Emmett Idaho, Rachel (Kay) Kahus of Scottsdale Arizona, Daniel (Judy) Deen of Boise Idaho, LaDonna (Ron) Miner of Toledo Oregon, and Sandra (Bob) Schaut of Caldwell Idaho.  He is also survived by his three daughters:

Janice (Arlo) Clark of Kettle Falls, WA, Carrie Lynn (Tim) Gillam of Kent WA, and Susan (Rod) Nemitz of Colfax WA.  Grandchildren:  Lauren (Bryant) Wong, Katelyn (Kyle) Ingham, Cole Clark, Jenna Gillam, Alexis Gillam, and Nathan Gillam.  Great grandson: Henry Wong.  Arriving in January 2024 a great-granddaughter to Kyle and Katelyn Ingham.  He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family suggest memorials be given to Selbu Lutheran Church. On-line guest book is at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com  Corbeill Funeral Home in Colfax is caring for the family.