Don Stoneman

1931 - 2025

With quiet strength, deep curiosity, and a lifelong love of the outdoors, Don Stoneman lived a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and connection to wilderness. Don was born at home in Colbert, Washington, near the Little Spokane River. In his early years his father farmed with draft horses, providing for the family and raising potatoes for market. By the time Don graduated high school, he was working alongside his father on a dairy farm - an experience that convinced him he wanted to get away from milking, manure, and the daily grind of farming.
At age 19, Don followed his older brother's example and joined the Coast Guard. At the end of his three years of service, his crew was stationed in Port Angeles, where he got his first look at the Olympic Mountains. From that moment, he knew he had found his new home. Although he had the time of his life on the 83-foot rescue boat, Don left the Coast Guard after his required tour of duty to set down roots and start a family.
He worked a variety of jobs around Port Angeles before saving enough money to buy shares in PenPly in 1960. The company recognized Don's skills and independence and created a special position that made the most of his talents and satisfied his drive to be useful and productive.
He was a devoted father, a gifted artist, a founding member of Wapiti Bowman archery club, a harmonica player and master bread maker.
In his retirement years Don turned his energy toward volunteer trail work in Olympic National Forest and the National Park. The Forest Service asked Don to form a group for regular work parties, and in 2007 he started the Gray Wolf Trail Crew. The crew continues to thrive today, a testament of Don's teaching, enthusiasm and joy in working outdoors. Last year volunteer Gray Wolf Trail Crew worked over 100 miles of trail, putting in an incredible 366 person-days to keep the trails safe and enjoyable.
With quiet strength, deep curiosity, and a lifelong love of the outdoors, Don Stoneman lived a life defined by hard work, craftsmanship, and connection to wilderness. Don was born at home in Colbert, Washington, near the Little Spokane River. In his early years his father farmed with draft horses, providing for the family and raising potatoes for market. By the time Don graduated high school, he was working alongside his father on a dairy farm - an experience that convinced him he wanted to get away from milking, manure, and the daily grind of farming.
At age 19, Don followed his older brother's example and joined the Coast Guard. At the end of his three years of service, his crew was stationed in Port Angeles, where he got his first look at the Olympic Mountains. From that moment, he knew he had found his new home. Although he had the time of his life on the 83-foot rescue boat, Don left the Coast Guard after his required tour of duty to set down roots and start a family.
He worked a variety of jobs around Port Angeles before saving enough money to buy shares in PenPly in 1960. The company recognized Don's skills and independence and created a special position that made the most of his talents and satisfied his drive to be useful and productive.
He was a devoted father, a gifted artist, a founding member of Wapiti Bowman archery club, a harmonica player and master bread maker.
In his retirement years Don turned his energy toward volunteer trail work in Olympic National Forest and the National Park. The Forest Service asked Don to form a group for regular work parties, and in 2007 he started the Gray Wolf Trail Crew. The crew continues to thrive today, a testament of Don's teaching, enthusiasm and joy in working outdoors. Last year volunteer Gray Wolf Trail Crew worked over 100 miles of trail, putting in an incredible 366 person-days to keep the trails safe and enjoyable.
For a man as strong and productive as Don, it was difficult to slow down in his later years. But when he left this earth, his affairs were in order, the lawn was mowed, the woodshed full, and as he often said, he was ready to fold his tent.
Don is survived by wife Bobbie Skerbeck Baldwin Stoneman, daughters Carol Adams (Lee), Sue Stoneman (Erich Berghoff) and Dana King (Tom Gillotti); his grandchildren and great grandchildren; and by his many friends, dear Herrick Road neighbors, and fellow trail stewards who will carry on his work.
An event to honor Don will take place on his 95th birthday, February 11th, 2026. Details will be announced later.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Gray Wolf Trail Crew via their website at www.graywolftrailcrew.org.