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Donald Washburn Obituary
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Pat West
May 30, 2025
I still miss him and think of him often. What a timeless legacy he gave many.
Chaplain Michael Pacella
May 31, 2020
Doc was a great and passionate man especially when communicating his convictions. We had an open and candid exchange over many topics. I enjoyed teaching with him. He was well liked by the students. A man of faith deeply rooted in humanity. Don Rest In Peace. Father Michael Pacella III (Former US Army Chaplain)
Michael Pacella
May 30, 2019
Doc was a true friend. Due to the fact that I was a chaplain we had many heart-felt conversations although at times they were lighthearted. When my Archbishop visited Doc gave me a high recommendation. I enjoyed so much teaching with him. He was a great guy. DonMay you Rest In Peace.
Chaplain Michael Pacella
United States Army
winston chambers
July 11, 2018
Our deepest condolences are sent to the Wasburn Family.
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Michael Pacella
June 16, 2016
My deep condolences are sent to the Wasburn family. I served with "Doc" as an Instructor at Fort Eustis. We taught some classes together. He was a great encouragement to all. God bless you all as you mourn your loss.
Very Respectfully,
Chaplain Michael Pacella III
Wearing the Regimental Tie in Doc's Honor
George Atkinson
June 12, 2016
"Doc" was the most passionate gifted mentor the Transportation School ever had. Sounds cliche, but there will never be another one like him and this is so true. Among our many great civilian Instructors, Doc was a standout. I think more than anything else it was the lessons within the lesson that stuck with the countless thousands of lieutenants he influenced. I wish I could claim credit for that thought, but I stole it from Patrick, one of his sons. It just fits so well when describing the man that Doc was. Although he retired in 2005, Doc continued to come to the T-School to assist us for five more years. beyond retirement... and not to do the easy stuff; he would turn up at the training sites in the hot sun or rain and serve as an Assistant Instructor or Safety Officer watching over "his" lieutenants. I truly loved this man.
June 10, 2016
" You are going to dance with the death and the devil " Doc Washburn. That was months before 9/11, Boy was he right!
Loye Gau
June 10, 2016
Doc left a lifelong impression on countless young officers, and I am honored to include myself among them. Those of us in the field of education aspire to make a difference; instructors like Doc will live on as our inspiration. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Janet Haney
June 10, 2016
Mr. Washburn was the neighborhood watchdog when it came to making sure all of the neighborhood kids got on and off of the school bus safely every morning. I found relief and encouragement knowing that he was there, sitting in front of his home every morning, looking out for the safety of our students. I will miss seeing him sit outside with his dog, dressed to the "T", with his bolo tie and cowboy hat on. Mr. Washburn, you a one-of-a-kind sort of man, so generous, so friendly, and so kind. We will miss you.
Earl Kennedy, LTC Ret.
June 7, 2016
An iconic presence at the T-school, Don never lost his love of mentoring young leaders. I was blessed to learn from him in TOBC and TOAC, teach beside him as an instructor, then share the road with him one last time when I ran Officer Education. A passionate, gifted man who wove the history of the Au Shau Valley into topics like supply management for generations of young officer in building 705. God Bless you Doc.
Kelly Musick
June 7, 2016
Doc was a great instructor and man. He toughened more than a few young officers.
Michaelle Munger
June 7, 2016
The most impressionable instructor/mentor I've had in the military. Rest in Honor......
Colleen Krepstekies
June 7, 2016
"Doc' Washburn was iconic the the Fort Eustis Transportation School. He was a much beloved and respected instructor who kept us engaged and entertained on our academic material that we as students were able to apply throughout our careers. We salute him as a person, military professional, instructor and friend for caring about every person he came into contact with. May he rest in peace.
Craig Hoffman
June 7, 2016
I had the honor of working with Doc for two years as a TOBC instructor. Even though I was the junior guy in the whole section, he was always quick with a kind word and a helping hand.
Even after I left the schoolhouse, Doc and I would meet every morning to salute the flag at Reveille. He was a good man, a good husband, and a good friend.
Rich Henkle
June 7, 2016
Donald Washburn was one of my great US Army school instructors who helped to mold me into who I am and thus be able to better serve the nation in wartime. Mr. Washburn I love you. You have kept me alert and alive. Your service will always be remembered and cherished.
Travis Foley
June 7, 2016
Doc Washburn was an inspiration to many TC officers and ensured we understood the weight of our responsibilities. I treasure the time spent with him especially the Saturday breakfast mentorship he did on his own time. A truly great person and Soldier.
Kevin Grimm
June 7, 2016
RIP - "Doc" - you were always the consummate gentleman, leader and friend. You taught us well :) God bless you and your family. Kevin J. Grimm (Ramstein, Germany)
Todd Johnston
June 7, 2016
Best instructor I had in 30yrs of uniformed service. Lotsa guys talk - Doc genuinely cared and we all knew it. See you on the high ground Doc!
Marie Maradzika (Gustin)
June 7, 2016
Thank you for your lifetime dedication. You will be missed! Heaven just got an angel!
Curt Stewart
June 6, 2016
In 23 years as an Army Transporter, I can't recall having met a TC brother or sister who didn't have at least one nugget of Doc Washburn acquired wisdom that helped make them better leaders and Soldiers. Never one to mince words, he got right to the point on what was important. He hammered home what we needed to be prepared to do to complete the mission, deliver the goods and care for our troops as if they were our own sons and daughters. Rest easy trooper, your legacy is secured by generations of Transporters and the Soldiers they continue to serve.
LTC(Ret) Lela and COL Wayne Magee
June 6, 2016
There is a saying that some people come into your life and leave footprints on your heart. Doc Washburn left boot prints on the hearts of generations of Transporters. He knew exactly what to say or what story to tell to make his students strive to take care of their soldiers and their equipment to the very best of their abilities. There was no one better. Our thoughts and prayers to his "Lady" and his boys.
Steve Ruggiero
June 6, 2016
Doc was our beloved teacher in TOBC and years later, when I became a TOBC instructor myself, I ended up taking over his classes after he retired. Talk about big shoes to fill! Absolutely irreplaceable... he left his mark on generations of TC officers and the Soldiers they led.
June 6, 2016
Doc you were a true Warrior and will always be remembered.
Major Jerald Gross, USA, Retired
Michelle Ballard
June 6, 2016
Doc was my favorite instructor at Transportation OBC. If it wasn't for some of his wisdom, I might not have made it through my deployments to Iraq. We'll miss you, Doc.
Trina Studer
June 6, 2016
Doc was a sweet gentleman! He will be missed.
Jennifer Mcghee
June 6, 2016
Doc was an inspirational human being. I hope his family can find comfort is the memories of the good times. Rest in peace kind Sir, and thanks.
Stan Stewart
June 6, 2016
Thank you Sir for being a Great American and a faithful Soldier in time of war. We will miss you but just for a short time as God will reunite all of us in His Kingdom.
Ryan Loethen
June 6, 2016
I am so sorry. He was and is a great man. I learned s lot from him. I am so sorry
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord; And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Carol Barkalow
June 6, 2016
Doc was an amazing human being. You couldn't help but be drawn to him. His life touched infinite lives and we are all better for it. Rest in peace my friend and fellow warrior. Ft Eustis should dedicate a building to his memory.
TG
June 6, 2016
Doc was a legend among officers in the Transportation Corps for good reason. He had a rare talent for conveying his own hard-won wisdom to the many young officers he taught. Whether the topic was ethics, leadership, or how to be a good spouse, his teaching was always effective because he was passionate and cared about those around him. To me, he was a larger-than-life American original. His example inspired me as an officer and later as a teacher. You will be missed, Doc, but not forgotten!
June 6, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family .. Doug Boone, US Army retired, Dubai, UAE
David Yarwood
June 6, 2016
Doc's passion shaped generations of Army officers - I heard that when I attended the Transportation Officer Basic Course in 2005, he had taught every Army Transportation Officer up to the Chief of Transportation. He didn't just teach from the book, he taught from his life and his heart, and he gave both to his students as well. No one who he ever taught will ever forget him.
Jerry Hart
June 6, 2016
Doc Washburn had a HUGE impact on so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We still use his expressions to this day even thought we went through TOBC 23 years ago. What a great, loving, dedicated man.
Paul Self
June 6, 2016
Don "Doc" Washburn was a crusty, battle hardened Sergeant First Class when a then young, naive, raw Second Lieutenant Self crossed his path for the first time. I had the privilege of being trained by the good Doctor twice in my military career and then was honored to have him work beside me and for me when I ran officer training at the U.S. Army Transportation School. A veteran of the 1st Cavalry Division's encounter with North Vietnamese Army regulars in the battle of Ia Drang (read LTG Hal Moore's 'We Were Soldiers Once') who had indeed lived it and could 'walk the walk'.
There are three soldier proverbs that he burned into my brain as a 2LT:
"Suck it up 'Cupcake'."
"Anything worth fighting for, is worth fighting dirty for."
"Sleep? You'll have plenty of time to sleep when you're dead, Lieutenant."
Sleep well Doctor. May God grant you the peace & rest you have earned.
Aretha Cash
June 6, 2016
Mr. Washburn was my neighbor for many years. He was a kind and gentle man. He would always look out for us when we had to travel. He and my dad were very good friends. We will miss him dearly.
Convoy planning, Sunni Triangle, 2004.
Alex Galicia
June 6, 2016
Mr. Washburn was not just an instructor, he was a mentor, a motivator and his life and war-time examples even provided good life guidance to a bunch of newly minted 2LTs. During my time at TOBC, I found his war-time lessons interesting and entertaining. 3 years later, during my 15 months of Operation Iraqi Freedom, they became my moral guidance. His impact on me was so strong that on a crossroad decision or scenario not directly "covered in school," I faced during my time in country, it came down to this: "What would Doc Washburn think of this?"
Thank you for your guidance and mentorship, Doc! Rest in Peace!!!
Monica Peterson
June 6, 2016
Doc - you will be missed by many. A true American, right up there w/ the likes of John Wayne. My favorite memory of you was that you always told it like it is; no softening the edges and no sugar coating. You have left a great legacy in all those that you taught, both inside and outside the class room.
Andy Rogers
June 6, 2016
After watching 9/11 happen live on the small TV in the breakroom in the schoolhouse on Ft. Eustis, I and my classmates spent the next hour listening to one of the greatest motivational speeches ever given. Doc was more than an instructor to us after that - he was the reason we were officers.
Ed Flecha
June 6, 2016
A passionate, dedicated, and a true gentleman. Always available to listen and provide mentorship. Will be greatly missed but not forgotten!
Harley Steele, MAJ (RET)
June 6, 2016
Rest in Peace Doc. We will miss you Sir.
Harley Steele
June 6, 2016
My favorite memories of Doc was the way he could do an Irish accent and tell stories. He should have been in the movies. I would visit the T-school from time to time and even years after TOBC he always remembered me. What an awesome fella. Rest in Peace Doc. Love you!
Sam Stornelli
June 6, 2016
Doc was a very important part of my life as a young officer. Every Saturday at Pops for nearly 3 years. His impact on the United States Army is massive and immeasurable. I will miss him. Rest easy Doc.
Greg Beach
June 6, 2016
I learned more from Doc in one of his classes than the rest of the Officer course combined. He wisdom has continued to guide me through my career. He will be missed.
George and Michele Troncoso
June 6, 2016
A man whose love and passion was all for "his Lady." A true gentleman. We shall miss you.
COL Thomas Murphree
June 6, 2016
Doc is a great man that positively influence all he encountered! May he rest in peace!
LK
June 6, 2016
I remember Doc Washburn having us take the things in life we were most burdened with/ashamed of, write them down, then go outside and burn them in a trashcan - I needed that exercise at the time. Doc knew we couldn't lead others when we had too much baggage ourselves. He set a whole generation of young officers up for success in so many ways...I remember him telling us we needed to be prepared for our generation's conflict, that every generation would have one, he was certainly right. I wonder how many officers' PTSD was avoided or lessened from my generation in Iraq and Afganistan b/c of his graves registration class...he wanted us to be prepared for the worst and we were in many ways b/c of his efforts. He knew and shared so much, effected so many lives, professionally and personally. Never heard anyone since '94 quote the regulations like he could. He made us laugh, learn and contemplate. This year, 22 yrs after TOBC, I came out on the COL list. I know Doc would be proud as I'm sure he was of many of his LT's who went on to have long successful careers. He set me and many, many others up for success - he will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mark Wolf
June 6, 2016
"A real man" was my initial thought when hearing of Doc's passing. Like many other officers before and after me, Doc Washburn taught at my Transportation Officer Basic Course. But we had a kindred spirit because I had served with his son in C Co., 2D Ranger BN, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis back in the early 90s. Having found this connection, we spent a lot of time talking about all sorts of things, not only during class, but at that greasy spoon diner on Saturday mornings. Doc was very proud of his son in 2/75, spoke of him often, and knew that being a Ranger was just tough work. To his family, you are blessed to have had Doc in your lives for so many years. Cherish those times you spent together, for I know many of his students, like I, have done the same.
June 6, 2016
Very good man that had an impact on every Transportation Officer. Enjoyed spending time with him and listening to his stories during my time at the school house.
Jason Schulz
June 6, 2016
RIP, Doc. You were a standard bearer and one of the most passionate instructors a young lieutenant could ever have. Your impact on me carried over to how I led my Soldiers and undoubtedly saved many lives in combat because of it. Thank you for your service and mentorship.
L Russell
June 6, 2016
This man touched so many of our lives! Having breakfast early on Saturday mornings was the highlight of my time at Fort Eustis! Thank you for being you cupcake!
COL LaDenna Piper
June 5, 2016
Doc certainly made an impression on this 2LT in 1990.
MAJ Bryan Pitchford
June 5, 2016
Doc graduated us in 2004 as men and women into the Transportation Corps. I am a better Officer and Gentleman because of him and I credit him with much of my initial success in the Army. See you on the other side Doc. I'll meet you for coffee and stories.
June 5, 2016
For any LT of the TC, he is a man not easily forgotten. He is going to square away Heaven.
Shane L
June 5, 2016
You were the best and most influential leader and instructor I've ever known - and I'm so proud to have called you my mentor all these years. I was a lieutenant in the first officer basic course to convene right after September 11th, 2001. You came in the morning of the first day, and spoke with power, emotion, and conviction - and challenged us not to forget "who you are." There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Nearly all of us in that class deployed. Your leadership inspiration led the way as war defined so many of our careers or time in service. I'm forever in your debt - and please RIP, as you've walked your turn - and the Army, Transportation Corps and humanity is better off for your dedication and service...
Jeffrey Skinner
June 5, 2016
It is with a sad heart that Pam and I send our condolences to the Washburn family. The loss of Doc is one that will be felt from the entire Transportation Corps and Army. Doc touched so many of us in a special way that he truly was the standard that we all hoped to achieve. Just one last thought for Doc. I'm sure you are sitting in Pops in heaven and will continue to fill the canteens of knowledge for all your Soldiers.
Robert & Vera Winstead
June 5, 2016
America has lost another great soldier-citizen. May he rest in peace.
Colleen Hefner
June 5, 2016
He was my second father, and modeled tenacity, wisdom, courage, and kindness. Be comforted that Heaven has gained an exceptional Warrior and man, and the next time we see him, there will be no more good-byes.
Stephen Slyfield (SlY)
June 5, 2016
Doc was a Super Great Instructor, friend to all. He was particular kind to my class full of rookie2nd Lt's back in 1977 and in Advanced Course when we became Captains. He was kind and helpful to all!
May you rest in Peace and God shine blessings on your family.
Noel Hudgins
June 5, 2016
I have been friends with you and your family for over 40 years. You will be missed by all who have ever met you. Definitely one of a kind.
We Love You
Noel Hudgins
June 5, 2016
I have been friends with you and your family for over 40 years. You will be missed by all who have ever met you. Definitely one of a kind.
We Love You
Pat West
June 5, 2016
Mr. Washburn was a prince among men. I treasured his friendship over the years. May God give you comfort and peace.
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