DONALD D. CASAD ~ Class of 1948
December 3, 1929 - May 3, 2006





Don was born December 3, 1929 and died during surgery at Tacoma, WA on May 3, 2006.

He was born to Frank and Alice Pohlman Casad in Natoma, KS and moved to Steamboat Springs, CO when he was seven. While there, he spent eight years developing a joy for the outdoors. His junior and senior high years were spent with his family after moving to Richland, WA. Upon graduation from high school in 1948 he entered the Navy for one year and trained as an electronic technician. In 1951 he married his sweetheart, Barbara, after meeting at Washington State University, and had three sons in the next five years.

Employment occurred at McNary Dam and then on to the Washington State Highway Department. During this time he spent thirteen years of night school and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, graduating in 1963. The family moved to Lake Geneva in Federal Way, WA and Don began his engineering career with ABAM Engineers in Federal Way. Don retired from ABAM as a principal partner in 1985. He was then a sole practitioner as a forensic engineer for the next ten years.

Don was a talented man in many areas. Hunting, tanning hides, making leather clothes, knife sheathes, tooled belts and purses was a fond pastime for him. Bringing his boys through the Boy Scout ranks afforded him the opportunity to teach them numerous skills, which included primitive camping and fire-making. As a member of the Boy Scout's "Order of the Arrow" what he learned he loved to teach to others. Wood carving and upholstery work were other areas he enjoyed. If some skills interested him, he would study and master the techniques. In retirement Don and Barb enjoyed several years living and traveling the Pacific Northwest waterways in their 38 foot boat. Other interests moved them on to motor homing around the country. Travel with granddaughters and many friends on these trips brought great enjoyment to Don and Barb.

Three years ago they bought a condo in Palm Desert, which was purchased after giving up motor homing to be snowbirds.

Surviving him are wife Barbara, and sons Daniel & wife Nita; granddaughters Kaitlyn, and Adrianna; Donald and wife Michole, granddaughters Alicia and Christie; David; and brother Darryl and wife Maria. All the children and granddaughters loved spending many fun times with "Mimi and Papa" and are missing him enormously. His cheerful manner, helpful nature and loving hugs gave him many friends that admired his character.

Barbara and family wish to thank Dr. Vitikainen and his wonderful staff at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma for their loving care.

Memorial donations may be sent to the American Heart Association at 708 Broadway, Suite 330, Tacoma, WA 98402.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00P.M. on Tuesday, May 9th, 2006 at Powers Funeral Home, 320 W. Pioneer Avenue, Puyallup, WA. Pub Date: 5/7/2006