Don Shaner was born on March 14th, 1957 in Tacoma Washington to parents Ruth Mae (Kazeck) Shaner and Vernon Shaner. He passed away on July 13, 2024, in Forks Washington at Forks Community Hospital after a very sudden decline in his health with his loving wife, Tami by his side.
Don is survived and missed by his wife of 41 years, Tami (Bagby) Shaner, their children, Corey, Travis (Shawna), Brandon (David), Kelly and Cameron (Jerad). He has two bonus children Billy Palmer and Robbie Wheeler (Jennifer, Macie, Livi). His grandchildren Billy (Goose) and Michael (Monkey), Lovita, Walter, Danny and expecting baby Oliver, due in August. His sister Rose (Kyle) and nephew, Jason. His mother-in-law Jan Bagby (the old one). His brother-in-law Ron (Marie), April, Ashley (Alex) and their daughter Mia, Michael and his son Brayden, Jason (Ashley) and their son Cooper. His sister-in-law Teri, Ron (Monica), Dustin (Gwen) and their children Tannon, Taydem and Traycen, Tabetha (David) and her daughter Chloe. His brothers at heart Rick Atkins and Rick Gooding. and many loyal friends. Teri, Ron and Marie played a bigger role in his life, although they were his in laws Don considered them brother and sisters. Preceded in death by his Mom and Dad and his Father-in-Law, favorite fishing partner, and the person he considered his “Father”, Norman Bagby.
Don had been battling esophageal cancer since November 2023. A diagnosis of E-coli was too much for his immune system and he passed away suddenly. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take pride in knowing he fought to the very end and did so with a positive outlook and his head held high. We are grateful for the attentive care and comfort he received at Forks Community Hospital. This exceptional care from the staff (Sarah Fletcher, LeeAnna Ness, Carlyn Beebe, Shauna Rondeau, Jen, Lisa, Elli and Amanda) allowed him to be comfortable until he passed peacefully.
Don had a rough and tough exterior but everyone who knew him felt his big soft heart. He will be remembered for his sailor mouth, his middle finger, heart of gold and the devotion to his family. Don enjoyed fishing, racing of any kind including NASCAR, NHRA and the intimidator Dale Earnhardt. He loved his annual hunting trips with his brothers and nephews, camping trips with the family, watching bull riding and caring for his many farm animals. He loved his Seattle sports teams including Seahawks, Mariners and the Kraken. He loved spending time with his family (but not when it got too loud). He was a baby whisperer, nicknamed “Uncle Duck” If any of the young kids in his family needed a nap, they would go to him for a snuggle.
Don and Tami met at Ron’s Food Mart in Forks, WA in 1982, and married in January of 1983. Together they built a life to be proud of with their 7 boys. In recent years they could be found having a date night on Taco Tuesday, or a Friday night at the Bar and Grill or Tip and Sip. They loved their side-by-side rides and taking off for the weekend in their camper (with or without their kids). They were rarely apart, and their love could be felt by anyone in their presence as they were best friends in every sense of the term. A celebration of life will be held for Don on Labor Day weekend. Details will be announced at a later date.
