Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donald Flye Obituary
Donald Guy Flye, 80, of Federal Way, died Wednesday July 17, 2013 at his home. He was born on February 17, 1933 in Tacoma, Washington to Guy M. and Cleo B. Flye.
Don is survived by his daughters, Dana Robison, Kelly Applegate, his son in laws, Gunn Robison, Derek Applegate, his grandchildren, Ashlan, Connor, Ty, Grady, Cassidy, Raegan, and his partner and friend of 16 years, Kathy Thatcher.
Don was a long time resident of Tacoma until attending college at the University of Washington. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and was a loyal member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Don was an accomplished competitive tennis player representing the UW in 1952, 1953 and 1957, winning four Pacific Coast Conference division championships. Some of Don's many tennis accomplishments include winning the title of National Junior Men's doubles champion in 1951 and playing at Wimbledon in 1955. In 2005, Don was inducted into the Tacoma Pierce County Sports Hall of Fame and continued playing competitive tennis through 2012.
Don had a lengthy career at Boeing, retiring in 1988. He will long be remembered for his twinkling blue eyes, witty sense of humor, passionate point of view and competitive nature.
Family service will be held Thursday, July 25, 2013 at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial details for friends can be obtained on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/404011273051884/ under the events and file tab. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made St. Judes Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Flye
5 Entries
Fred dela Cruz
August 1, 2013
He was an icon to the Federal Way tennis community. It was my pleasure knowing and hitting with him for over twenty-years. He'll be missed.
Fred Whitfield
July 23, 2013
Don was a tennis legend. I'll always be greatful for the times we hit tennis balls together. And of course, to hear him tell the stories about playing on the Pro Tennis Tour. I loved hearing those stories and to think I was actually hitting with someone who played Ken Rosewall at the French Open. Don you will be missed.
July 23, 2013
Don was a tennis legend. I am grateful for all the times Don and I hit tennis balls together. And..to hear him tell the stories of playing on the professional tennis tour. Every time I hit with Don I would always think "This guy played Ken Rosewall at the French Open!"
Jim Dykes
July 23, 2013
I am a fraternity brother and a friend of Don's. We lost track after he went into the Military, but saw him at a number of times after that at reunions. He was a hell of a guy, and you can tell how much he loved his kids, and Grandkids - Bless Him
Bill Brough
July 23, 2013
I will miss seeing Don and friends hitting tennis balls at Adelaide Park.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Flye's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Flye
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Flye's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
