Donnie Ray Naes

The gratitude that I have for being able to be with Dad for his last days is endlessly explosive. He was truly an amazing man. Dad had a heart of gold and was one of the kindest people I knew. Having him as my Dad made me a better person in my life.

I don't have many memories of Uncle Donnie but I do remember one of the last times I saw him. It was winter, mom and I drove over to your house. We picked up Katy and Erin to drive up to Snoqualmie to play in the snow. I remember him with such love for his family especially his daughters. It was palpable, the adoring looks he gave them and hugs goo...more

I have so many memories of Donnie and could not be more grateful to have called him my Uncle. My favorite though is the mornings with him. He was a morning person to say the least. Always super chipper first thing with a huge, "Good morning" as he would be getting breakfast made! You will be missed Pal pal :)

So many memories of Donnie are locked in my heart, it’s hard to sort much less pull them out in coherent fashion at a time such as this. I can’t seem to do it without crying, and my glasses have no windshield wipers, thus I apologize for taking so long to write this typo’d piece. My cousin Donnie was the big-brother I didn’t have; always my PROTECT...more

From Katy: Part 2 He'd want you to remember him differently than his finals days. Think of Dad when you're out fishing. When the summer sun shines. Think of him when you're on the Skagit River, or when you're eating a breakfast of link sausages dipped in over-easy eggs with pancakes. Think of him when you're in Chelan. When you're camping. When yo...more

From Katy: Part 1 On a bright, beautiful summer day at high noon Dad's body took his last breath. He flew right out the window while being transported from the ICU into hospice at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA. He'd spent the last 13 days in the ICU on life support medicines to help his weak heart, and in the end his heart wouldn't go on any ...more