Donald Lee "Don" Osborne

1955 - 2024

Donald Lee "Don" Osborne, age 68, passed away unexpectedly from complication of cancer in Spokane, Washington on April 3, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Don was born in Snoqualmie, Washington to Chester and Joan (Jackson) Osborne Sr. on September 20, 1955.
Don spent many years working in the Seattle shipyards, most recently at Lake Union Drydock as a marine pipefitter, proudly serving as a member of UA Local 32 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for his entire career. In addition to his work as a pipe fitter, he spent several years logging for Littlejohn Logging and later purchased his own logging truck and started K&D NW Hauling. He would meet the love of his life the day after Christmas in 1980. Seeing a woman in need with a small child in a flooding home, Don was coerced by his best friend Greg Paker into helping Kathrin Lenk, and her daughter out of the water into safety. Don and Kathy wed on September 25, 1982, with Kathy's daughter acting as the flower girl. A few years later, he would adopt her as his own.
Longing for the serenity of the Inland Northwest and remembering his childhood years camping in the Stevens County area, Don and Kathy would begin to look at relocating, spending many days driving with their niece, Nicole, looking for the perfect spot. One drive in particular, they would find their happiness on Dry Gulch Rd in Colville, quickly settling in.
A good man who was always sure to tell you how it was, Don enjoyed the peace and quiet Northeast Washington had to offer. There were no more prying eyes from neighbors, and he was able to do what he wanted wherever he wanted to do it. On free days, he and Kathy loved to go fishing on the Columbia, particularly enjoying the shores of Deep Lake, where they could sit on the bank and catch and release all day long.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Sr. and Joan Humphrey, and his brothers, Mike, and Pat Osborne. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Osborne, his children, Cassondra Osborne, and Donald Franco; his grandchildren, Taylor, Elizabeth, and Dylan Shilling; son-in-law Matt Shilling; brothers, Chet, Gene, and Steve; his sister-in-law, Sue Osborne; his brothers-in-law, Richard Lenk, Marty Lenk, and Fred Lenk; and his numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Please visit his memorial page at danekasfuneralchapel.com to sign the guestbook. Danekas Funeral Chapel has the honor of being entrusted with Don's care and cremation. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Dons name to St. Jude. A Celebration of Dons Life will be held at the Sno Valley Moose Lodge at 108 Sydney Ave N, North Bend, WA, June 22nd, 2024, at 1pm.