Donald Northey passed away after a long and well-fought battle with prostate cancer on June 27, 2014 in Seattle. He was 82 years old.
Born on November 11, 1931 to Grace and George Northey in Peterborough, Ontario, Don graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC). After graduating from RMC, Don went on to attend and receive his degree in civil engineering from the University of Toronto. One of his early engineering accomplishments was the design of the Boeing Freeway Bridge, which was completed just in time for the first 747 to cross from Boeing's Everett factory to Paine Field. Every 747 in production since has crossed Don’s bridge. While stationed with the Royal Corps of Engineers (RCE) in British Columbia, he did some early surveying in the Squamish/Whistler area. He also spent considerable time above the Arctic Circle as an RCE station engineer for the Distant Early Warning system (DEW) line, a Cold War-era defense system. One of his last engineering accomplishments was the design of the award-winning Meydenbauer Park Bridge in Bellevue. He took great pride in his profession which he felt helped make the world a better place.
Don had many pastimes that he loved to share with his friends and family: opera, running, and mountaineering. He ran around Green Lake almost daily and was a long-time member of the Mountaineers. He enjoyed backpacking through the Cascades in the summers with his family. Later in life, he discovered the world of oenology and explored Washington State wineries and their products with enthusiasm and zeal.
He is survived by his sons Scott (Lisa) and Steve (Margo) and grandchildren Emma, Nichola and Ben. He will be missed very much by all of his family and friends.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at the Lower Woodland Park picnic area. Call 206-335-1902 for more information.