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BORN

1930

DIED

2022

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Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave.

Tacoma, Washington

Don Sundquist Obituary

Don Sundquist
March 12, 1930 - March 4, 2022
Tacoma, Washington - Don, a dear friend of Jesus, passed on to live in His loving presence March 4, 2022. Born in Hoquiam, Don was a high school football and baseball athlete, served in the U.S. Army as a chaplain's assistant in Korea, earned BA and MA degrees from WWU and was a Tacoma teacher and choral director at Mt Tahoma HS. He also directed several church choirs, Orpheus male chorus, taught voice privately and at PLU, soloed at numerous events, and managed state wide and European traveling choirs, and worked as a funeral assistant. Fishing, hunting, and traveling with family were his favorite hobbies. Don married Kathryn Robeck and had two daughters Carol (Ron Hinkson and son Chase) and Julie (Brian Tefft and son Sam) who survive. Also surviving are brother John, (Morley) several nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law Eunice and Carol, and many relatives in Finland and Sweden. Burial in Tahoma National Military Cemetery March 30; and memorial service at Tacoma First Presbyterian Church April 9, at 1:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to Youth for Christ at: https://yfc.net/ or P.O. Box 834, Tacoma, WA 98401. More information at GaffneyCares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Apr. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Dena Ross

July 19, 2025

He was a wonderful teacher. He was funny and made sure you knew the song perfect. He always made singing fun. He will truly be missed.

Brigitte Hazelmyer

April 12, 2025

I first met Mr. Sundquist in the fall of 1975 as a new H.S. sophomore at Mt. Tahoma. Over the next three years I had the wonderful privilege of being both in chorus, as well as Choir. Mr. Sundquist (aka "Uncle Don") became more than just a director, but a dear friend, and mentor as well..... Mr Sundquist touched my life in so many ways that the things I learned from him still guide me even to this day.... It gave me joy to be able to participate with some of the other members of his choirs from his years at Mount Tahoma to sing at his service........

Harry Lee Bulger

April 9, 2022

We are just reading of Don's passing and note that his service is today. Sorry for your loss of a dear man, whom we have known since her married Kathryn. Don sang at our wedding almost 62 years ago, and I (Thora Jean) was in his choir at First Assembly of God, Tacoma.
Have only seen Don and Kathryn, and Eunice a few times in recent years.
We all have a life span, and it seems to come and go too quickly. It was a blessing to know Don Sundquist with his nice personality, and his musical gifts.
Love and blessings for the future for Kathryn, and for our friend Eunice; also for the surviving families.
Harry and Thora Jean Bulger

Judi Chambers (Rollins MT 66)

April 5, 2022

I too had the privilege of being in Choir, Senior Trio, and Studio Choir. Mr. Sundquist was also my homeroom teacher for 3 years. He was always patient and kind and very encouraging. I think he gave me the self confidence to sing with Sweet Adelines for many years. He also sang at my wedding. I loved his voice. My sincere regards to the family. I hope you carry on his musical legacy.

Karen Reynolds (Appelgate)

April 5, 2022

My heartfelt prayers and sympathy for the Sundquist family. I had the privilege of having Don as my Music teacher at Mount Tahoma . I was in Choir, Senior trio and Studio choir. He was a amazing director and teacher with the patience of Job!! His goal was always for us to perform at our very best. I remember getting ready for vocal contests and being invited to his home for a little extra coaching. I was also very blessed to have him sing at our wedding in March of 75. Wonderful memories and the love you have for your Husband and Dad will always be with you. God´s blessings and peace for all .

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Memorial Events
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Apr

9

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Tacoma First Presbyterian Church

WA

Funeral services provided by:

Gaffney Funeral Home

1002 S. Yakima Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405

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