Donald Hubbard McWhirter

Don Hubbard McWhirter died on July 14, 2019, after living a good life for 100 years. He resided in the family home until his last month, tenaciously managing many aspects of his life with assistance from his children and caregivers. He was born on October 27, 1918, in Wenatchee, WA, and was a resident of this valley for most of his life. His grandparents were homesteaders in Central WA, and the family has deep roots here. He graduated from Wenatchee High School and attended Washington State University. Don served in WWII as an Army Air Corps pilot, primarily stationed in Townsville, Australia, during the Pacific Theater. He flew D-C 3's over the "Hump", which was New Guinea. Then back to the States, ferrying P-39's around and even to Alaska. He had some good stories, like his "dead stick" landing in Montana, or handing over the P-39's in Alaska to Russian Pilots. In 1944, he met Doris Koskinen, the daughter of Finnish immigrants, while in Detroit, MI. In letters to his parents, he stated that 'She was the one for him'. He must have been right, as they were married until her death, in 2004. Four children resulted from this union, with the good fortune of being raised in traditional fashion by fair and loving parents. After WWII, he returned to Wenatchee to work for The McWhirter Motor Company, located on South Wenatchee Ave., as his father was ill. The company serviced and sold Chryslers, Pontiacs, and DeSotos. He then worked as an accountant for the Mayor of Wenatchee for several years. Following this, he had the opportunity to work as the Administrator of Cascade Hospital & Clinic, in Leavenworth, WA. The family moved up the valley in 1959, where they thrived in this small community. He did it all as administrator and was replaced by two persons when he retired, in 1988. Don was active in the community, serving as a member of Lions, Masons, and the Methodist Church. He and Doris played bridge, liked sing-a-longs to piano music, and gardening. He loved golfing until he was in his early 90's. In his latter years, he enjoyed reading and watching birds. He was preceded in death by his son, Keith, in 1994; and Doris, in 2004. He will be fondly remembered by his sons: Frank and Bruce; daughter, Lynne Lewis, their spouses, Paula and Kip Lewis; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at the Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church, 418 Evans, Leavenworth, WA, on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements assisted by Chapel of the Valley, Wenatchee, WA.

Donald Hubbard McWhirter

October 27, 1918 - July 14, 2019