Donald W. Pattsner

passed away on Thursday, May 4, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was bornand was 68 years of age.Don was born on May 20, 1948 and raised in Seattle, Washington. He was the eldest of four children, the first son to Andy and Dorothy Pattsner.Don graduated from Eastern Washington University and was quickly drafted into the US Army to fight in Vietnam. Don excelled in math so he was placed in the position of Artillery Fire Direction Control. He often joked that he was one of the first computers. The Vietnam War ended but its memory was never far from Don. He was a politically liberal man with strong convictions. After Dan Quayle was elected as Vice President, Don decided to wear all black in protest. He wore black all his remaining days.Don lived for over 20 years on a boat in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island. He spent his boat-dwelling days without a TV, telephone or computer but enjoyed reading and had an encyclopedic knowledge of many things, among them geography and history.He had various jobs over the years, including taxi driver and reprographer. He met weekly with a group of friends of a certain age, which he affectionately called "the geezer group," and played bridge several times a week.Twelve years ago, while playing bridge in Pegasus, Don met the love of his life, Cathy Gori. Don quickly became a part of her life and her family, and will be missed greatly. He projected a gruff image, but the real Don was a caring person who was thoughtful, kind and loyal. Don was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by Cathy, her children and grandchildren, and his siblings Michael, Mark and Connie. At his request there will be no service. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.