OBITUARY Donald J. Covey October 3, 1928 – October 22, 2018 Donald J. Covey was born in Seattle October 3, 1928, and died October 22, 2018. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader. He spent 39 years of his career in property development and management with UNICO Properties.
He graduated from Franklin High School in Seattle and from the University of Washington. His college years were interrupted by the Korean conflict where he served as a staff sergeant with the First Marine Division. He participated in the Chosin Reservoir campaign in North Korea during the winter of 1950.
In the community, Don served as chairman or president of the boards of BOMA, the Downtown Seattle Association, the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Alliance for Education, the University of Washington Alumni Association, the 5th Avenue Theater Association, Delta Upsilon fraternity, Horizon House Retirement Community, the Washington Athletic Club, the Rainier Club, the 101 Club and UNICO, among others. He was the recipient of the A.K. Guy award from the YMCA, the Distinguished Service award from the University of Washington Alumni Association, the History Makers award from the Museum of History and Industry, and the 101 Club Torchy Torrance award. His corporate involvement included board membership with University Federal Savings Bank, Farmers Life Insurance Company, Washington Natural Gas, Puget Sound Energy and King County Medical Blue Shield.
Other civic involvement included board membership on Leadership Tomorrow, Municipal League of Seattle-King County, Seattle Foundation, United Way of King County, Red Cross, University of Washington Development Board, Nellie Goodhue Group Homes, Chief Seattle Council (Boy Scouts) Advisory Board, and the Northwest chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. President of the Downtown Kiwanis Club. Additional honors: Seattle Center Legion of Honor award, Institute of Human Relations Award from the American Jewish community, Honorary member American Institute of Architects, and Seafair’s King Neptune.
He was an active member of the Sand Point Community United Methodist Church for over 58 years. Don and his wife Marilyn took pride and pleasure in raising their three children. Whether serving as leader of Cub Pack 144, coaching sports, or rooting from the sidelines for their many other activities, Don was always encouraging and involved.
He very much enjoyed making memories at their longtime summer home, fishing and boating with the kids, picking berries, making milkshakes, and sharing the sunshine, rain and campfires with the people he loved most. He was married for 65 years to Marilyn Bradford Covey. Along with his spouse, he is survived by son Duane Covey (Debbie), daughter Linda Atkinson (Peter), son Brad Covey (Gretchen) and by grandchildren – Dana Jordan (Chad), Lauren Carson (Gary), Jon DeGooyer (Nico), Ashley Lund (Matt), Alyssa Gay, Alana Atkinson, Bryce Covey, Ford Covey (Kristin), and Teresa Covey – and great-grandchildren – Olive, Gus, Sofia, James, Radley, Ella and Chase.
He was preceded in death by mother Margaret, sister Marilyn, and grandson Ryan Covey. Seattle is a better place since Don came along. Two of his legacies are reflected in keeping the downtown trees lit with sparkling lights beyond the holidays and the placement of the American flag atop the Two Union Square building.
The family thanks the entire staff at Horizon House for their kindness and care. Thanks also to Providence Hospice and Kan-Doo Unlimited. Donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association – Northwest Chapter or to the charity of your choice.
No public service will be held.
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