Dr. Don Spenard Sr.

Don J. SPENARD, Sr. Don J. Spenard, Sr. was born in Seattle on May 1, 1917 to Tessie (Spenard) Tueschsen and George Spenard, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on October 15, 2004. He spent his early years around the Lake Union waterfront living on houseboats and was a lifetime Seattle resident. Don was one of the first employees of Argen's Safe and Lock Company of Seattle, from which he retired in 1983. He was a self-taught master locksmith and a safe and vault technician, highly respected nationwide for his knowledge of the trade. A sought after professional by Federal, State and Local Authorities for high security lock and safe work, Don was instrumental in the training and certification of many professional locksmiths through the years. A man well known in the Seattle area for his ability to crack a safe. Don was a founding, Life Member of Northwest Locksmith Association, and Tri-Regional Locksmith Association. He was also a charter member of the Associated Locksmith's of America, and a member of Safe and Vault Technicians Association. Don served as a technical consultant to his fellow tradesmen to the end. Don's interests and volunteer activities spanned many areas and years. As a volunteer fireman in King County Fire Protection District #5, he rose to the rank of Captain, serving for 15 years, until the City annexed the area. Don was also a member of the Central Puget Sound Fire Association. An avid boater, Don was a founding member of Puget Sound Outboard Cruising Club, now Puget Sound Yacht Club, of which he is a Life Member. He was very active in boating activities, and a trustee and past president of the Inter-Club of Washington and a member of the Blue Gavel. One of Don's accomplishments while president of Inter-Club, was the acquisition of Sucia Island and other islands in the San Juan's, as permanent recreation areas for boating. Don was a permanent member of the Coast Guard Auxilary, with retired status, where he used to teach navigation and safe boating practices. Don was also very active in Boy Scout Programs with his children. In later life, Don enjoyed his motor home and traveled extensively. He was a member of Ballard Elks Lodge #827, Rambling Antlers RV Club. He was also a Life Member of Eagles Aerie #1, since 1940. Preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jessie (Koncan) Spenard and a great granddaughter, Don was a loving mentor and father to his four children, John Spenard of Seattle, Donna Watters (Roy) of Eatonville, Donald J. Spenard, Jr. (Cheryl) of Shoreline, and Betty Conklin (Ron) of Sitka, Alaska, seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. In addition, he will also be missed by two nieces, a nephew, and a host of extended family members and friends who loved him. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Don's life will be on Friday, October 22, 2004 at 9 a.m. at St. Catherine Catholic Church, 8610 8th Avenue N.E. Seattle, WA.