Daily Sitka Sentinel

Don Dayment, Former Sitkan, Dies in Wash.

 

Donald Leland Dayment

Donald Leland Dayment, Shriner, Mason, longtime resident of both Washington and Alaska, passed away on April 20, 2023, at the age of 87. 

Don was a good husband and father, and will be missed by many.

Don graduated from high school in Skykomish, Washington, before joining the U.S. Air Force and serving overseas in Okinawa, Japan, as an MP, and where he became a brown belt in judo.

After his service, Don moved to Darrington, Washington, where he worked as a logger. There, he met and married Beverly Broten. They had four children before moving to Alaska in 1972. They lived in logging camps in Hanus Bay and Corner Bay before moving to Sitka in 1976, where Don worked in the logging and construction industry, eventually owning SE Tree Service.

They lived in Alaska for almost 30 years.

Don especially enjoyed the outdoors. He loved to go hunting, fishing, camping, skiing, horse riding, boating, and music. Skiing was one thing he did up into his 80’s. Don loved sharing the outdoors with his family and friends.

When Don retired and moved to Seattle in 2000, life was good. He was excited to spend down time with Bev and do more traveling – they loved going to NASCAR races with family and friends – and being with his three young grandchildren. In 2001, Bev passed away unexpectedly. 

Don moved back to Darrington, where he met his second wife Zen. They moved to eastern Washington and lived there until he passed. Don and Zen made many memories, camping, traveling, and walking their dogs, among others. 

Don leaves behind his wife Zen, his daughters Dixie (Mark), Krystal, and Cydney (Barry), and son Eric (Camille).

He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Gavin, Gretchen, Hayden, Ethan and Lexie; and stepchildren and grandchildren.

Don led a long and very adventurous life, his family said. He was loved by so many and will be sorely missed.