Don George Abel

Don George ABEL Passed away peacefully December 13, 2008 at age 88. His wisdom, generosity, and integrity will be missed by all who knew him. Don was born in Chehalis, Washington in 1920 to a distinguished family of lawyers from Grays Harbor County. The son of Marion Ross and Don Abel, he attended Chehalis schools and, after his family moved to Seattle, he graduated from Garfield High School in 1938. Don attended the University of Washington where he was president of Delta Chi fraternity and graduated in 1941. Don and Jane Markham were married in March 1942. He had begun Law School at the UW, but his studies were interrupted by WWII. He served three years in the Quartermaster Corps of the Army on Saipan. Returning to Seattle, he graduated from law school in 1948 and was a member of Phi Delta Phi, the Legal Fraternity. They moved to Aberdeen where Don was elected Prosecuting Attorney and served for four years. In 1954, they returned to Seattle where Don began the practice of law which was to last for 40 years. Don's civic contributions were broad and deep. He was a leader in numerous civic affairs including President of the Metropolitan Democratic Club, President of the Municipal League, President of the World Affairs Council, President of the English Speaking Union and Scout Master in Cub Scouts. In his later years, he served on the board of the Arboretum Foundation and the Puget Sound Blood Bank. For many decades, he was an active member of the Seattle Tennis Club and the Broadmoor Golf Club. Don was a fifty-year member of the University Presbyterian Church. Don's greatest commitment was to his family. He traveled with his wife in Washington and abroad, enjoyed time and adventures with his children, and spent many hours loving his four grandchildren. Don unconditionally supported each of his children and grandchildren in their chosen life paths with generosity and love. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and training the family dogs. He read voraciously, lovingly tended his garden, collected Northwest Art, and enjoyed playing cards with friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Jane Markham Abel, by their two children, Steve Abel (Marie Stanislaw) of Vashon Island and Shelley McIntyre(Dr. Scott McIntyre) of Seattle, and by his four grandchildren, Cassie and Natalie Abel, currently of California and Colorado, and by Mark and Kayla McIntyre of Seattle. He was predeceased by another son, Bruce Markham Abel, in 1972. A private family memorial service will be held in January. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arboretum Foundation, 2300 Arboretum Drive East, Seattle, Washington, 98112.