Donald (Don) Bruce Stinson was born June 22, 1939 in Syracuse, Kansas. He grew up on the Kansas State Experiment station where his father was the Superintendent from 1924 to 1970. Don was active in raising and showing swine and beef cattle. He grew up attending fairs where his parents often judged. He loved travel as a young boy with his parents, older brother, and Boxer dog and would make many trips to Leech Lake, Minnesota and fishing trips to Colorado. His love for travel continued through June of this year when he made one last trip to the Oregon Coast where they once had a vacation home and commercial fishing boat.

Don married the love of his life, Catherine (Kay) Graber in 1960 and they lived in married student housing at Kansas State University while Don worked on completing his Master’s degree in horticulture. While living in Manhattan, they welcomed their first child. After graduating, he began work with Stark Brother’s Nursery in research. While at Stark Brother’s in Louisiana, Missouri, Don was a dedicated employee, orchard manager, and worked to acquire the patent for the Gala apple. Here they welcomed their second child. He began practicing taxidermy, specializing in a wide variety of wildlife mounts, though deer heads remained his specialty.

In 1972, Don was asked to work for an apple and pear rootstock nursery on the west coast. In July, the family moved to Oregon. Shortly after the move, they welcomed their third child and Don purchased the nursery. He owned and operated the nursery until May 1997.

That is when the couple relocated to Higgins, Texas where they lived near their son until he gifted them a trip to Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri where they immediately knew that is where they wanted to retire. In 2000, they moved but didn’t retire; Don enjoyed driving a tram at Dogwood Canyon nature preserve while Kay worked as a hostess at Devil’s Pool restaurant.

Don never did anything halfway, and his dedication brought him great success. Don had a sharp eye for opportunity and the courage to take risks, though he was always a smart, calculated thinker at heart. An avid sportsman and skilled competitor, he took great pride in his unique achievements. Whether he was celebrating a hole-in-one on the golf course, coming just one frame short of a perfect bowling game, or catching his limit of salmon on the Oregon Coast, he loved the thrill of the pursuit. His talents also extended into agriculture, where he dedicated years to raising and breeding swine—a passion that culminated in winning the prestigious Best of Breed award at San Francisco’s historic Cow Palace. Don loved animals. His children remember raising dogs, cats, fish, birds, pigs, rabbits, cows, turkeys, chickens, goats and even the stray racoons that would wander on to the farm. He was the county fair swine superintendent while his children were in 4-H and FFA and he took great pride in showing his own herd at the Oregon State Fair each year.

Throughout his life, Don was an active church member who taught Sunday school and served on the church board.

As a horticulturist, Don always took pride in his yard, his garden, and his nursery. The yard contained fruit and nut trees, grapes, blackberries, rhododendrons and dahlias. He loved everything about the Pacific Northwest, from the mountains and the ocean to the incredible variety of things he grew in the Willamette Valley.

Don enjoyed his grandchildren, gifting them nicknames and teasing them affectionately. He loved taking them out for dinner and showing off local tourist attractions.

In 2018, Don and Kay moved to Colfax, WA where they resided at Hill-Ray and attended Onecho Bible Church with their daughter and her family. At the end of Don’s life, he was the proudest of his family. Don's final days were filled with love as he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was also able to meet his youngest great-grandson and namesake, carrying on the hope of becoming a fifth-generation K-State graduate.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Bruce and Cecil Bell and brother James Stinson (Marilyn). He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, who was the love of his life and his constant companion until the very end. Don and Kay welcomed 3 children between 1961-1972; Lesley Bratcher(Tony) Greenwood, IN, Tom Stinson (Kay), Stilwell, KS, Jennifer Claassen (Wes) LaCrosse, WA. Grandchildren include:Catrina Smith (Alex), Abe Trindle (Kristen), Melody Groothuis(Gerry), Riley Stinson (Katie), Katie Stinson, Bo Claassen(Katelyn), Lauren Eckenrode (Thomas), Hunter Claassen, PaigeClaassen, Ben Claassen, Owen Claassen. Great Grandchildren: Bella/Amos Groothuis, Xavi Smith, Shiloh Trindle, Charlie Stinson and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Don will be held on October 10th at 11:00 at Onecho Bible Church. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to Onecho Bible Church in Colfax, WA. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family. Online condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com.