Obituary of Donald Bentley Ullfers

Donald Bentley Ullfers, 84, a resident of Eatonville WA, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 31, 2011 surrounded by family and friends. Don was born in Astoria Oregon June of 1927 to Roy Rader Ullfers and Pearl (Campbell) Ullfers and had resided on Puget Island Washington with his Mother, Father, two Brothers- Beverly Ullfers and Richard Ullfers, all preceding him in death. Don joined the Navy when he was 16. He was one of the thousands who in the early 1940’s lied about his age, saying he was 18, so the Navy would take him. He served in WWII, for two years, as a“frogman” for the Navy until injuries he received forced him out. He then returned to Puget Island and worked the fishing boats until the family matriarch, Aunt Vy (Bowman), challenged him to get an education. He immediately departed “The Island” and went to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon. In the early 1960’s Don resided on Fox Island, WA. He joined the Fox Island Yacht Club in which he rose to be Commodore. His greatest pleasure during this time was piloting his boat to Canada and going to the Princess Louisa Inlet to catch Albino bass under the falls. While residing on Fox Island he also coached 2 rural youth basketball teams to state finals. Don then moved over to the Parkland, WA area. He became involved in banking and land development. During the late 1960’s his company was responsible for the land development and the construction of over 70% of the home buildings in the Parkland/Spanaway area at that time. During the 1960’s he was actively involved in Optimist International, coaching 3 JV football teams to state finals for the Optimists and was elected Governor for the Optimist Northwest Region in 1969. In the early 70’s he piloted charter fishing boats in Astoria Oregon, under Tiki Charters, and was the top boat for 3 years running. Two of his boats at that time were named “MY WAY”. This was very fitting of Don’s character. He attracted international clients from as far away as Japan and even hosted the performers from Hee Haw, Everly brothers and Roy Clark. His son Kim was the bait boy during this time and this became a fond memory between Father and Son. Don met his loving wife, Pamela (Douglass), and in 1984 they married. Don and Pam went on to own General Marine Maintenance Corp, GMMC, from 1985-1990 in which he had two Alaskan Fishing Tenders, KONA and Pacific Clipper. Don’s Son in Law Jeff and Step Sons, Joe and Doug, all shared in the joy of working for the family business. GMMC also had one vessel called the Crystal Star which was a survey boat. Don enjoyed his Alaskan Fishing Vessels until the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. His vessel the Crystal Star then became a main command vessel for the Exxon Valdez cleanup. Don never lived life by the rules, which would have been boring to him. However, Don did expect everyone around him to live by the rules. He had an uncanny way of persuading people to see things differently and would push people to reach their full potential. Many people accomplished things in life they never would have if it were not for Don’s urging and pushing to get you there. Don loved his long talks with friends and family. His weekly coffee time with friends was very dear to him, as were all of his talks with his loved ones. Long talks with “Dad”, “Pops”, “Grandpa” or “Cap” were a must. You could talk to Don for hours and not even realize how much time had passed. Don is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Pamela Ullfers. Loving Children, Kim (Myra) Ullfers, Terri (Cliff) Stansell, and Cindy (fiancé Steve Dunn) Irving. Loving Step Children of 27 years; Joe (Susan) Webb, Tracy (Jeff) Marshall, and Doug Webb. His Grandchildren that he adored; Melanie, Ray, Josh, Rachel, Daniel, Sara, Ashley W., Julie, Ashley M., Justin, Jordan, and Ayden. Along with several nieces and nephews. A special thanks to his wonderful Oncologist Dr. Oliveira, Franciscan Hospice, and his Hospice Nurse- Jennifer. Graveside placement service with honors will be held on January 20th 2012 at 1pm. Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 Southeast 240th Street, Kent WA 98042- 4868. In the weeks leading up to Don’s passing he was announcing he was having a party, although no party had been planned, perhaps Don knew something none of us knew, he was intuitive like that. A celebration of life will be held for his birthday at the Baptist Puyallup Community Church on Saturday June 9th 2012, from 1-3pm.