I first knew Don in the 8th grade when my family moved to Woodinville, but I didn't really get to know him until we were seniors. We were in the same roll room - remember it was alphabetical, so we were all "M's". I think the teacher (Miss Swan, I believe) was in her first year, and she was having a pretty hard time with us. One day she became extra frustrated with the group of boys sitting all together, and she proceeded to split them up. Don Martin, as punishment, got sent to the back corner to sit next to me - and the rest, as they say, is history! After a couple of months I decided he was pretty nice (it didn't hurt that he took my chair down for me every morning), but he didn't seem to notice. We never dated in high school, but we both ended up at Western and got together there. It took me until we were 30 to get him to the altar, but we had 27 years, and 3 children together, before we lost him in a tragic accident at his workplace.
Don kept in really excellent physical shape; he was a dedicated runner and cyclist. He was also very talented in the arts. He was constantly drawing, and he could play a number of instruments, starting with the harmonica in college and playing in local bands. A couple of years before we were married, he bought 5 acres in the Alger area (south of Bellingham) and proceeded to build a yurt and then our house. We miss him.
Thank you for telling us about your time together Nina. I have a hard time remembering things that happened in school, but for some reason I do remember going over to Don’s house with him one day. I can’t even remember the reason why, I just remembered that he was a nice guy. I was very sorry to hear that he had passed away. I pray that you and your family are doing well.
Don was always a real nice guy all through school. I was not aware that he and Nina ended up together but I am not real surprised, they were both real nice. I am so glad that you (Nina) posted something about his life. I always wonder what happened to take our classmates from us way to soon. He sounds like he continued to be a great guy. Shirley
Nina thank you so much for sharing you story I always wondered what happen to Don he was a nice fellow and lived by my friend Carol Updike in Woodinville. I would see him when I went to Carol house. I am so sorry for you loss he sounded like a great husband and father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Nina, I am so sorry. I had no idea you and Don had gotten married. Don and I were good friends and when we were kids, we used to go trout fishing together at Bear Creek, which was close to our homes. Parl was with us too, and he caught the biggest fish. I know where Don got his artistry talent from; it was from his Dad. His Dad was a pretty famous artist, and he too died at such an early age. His Dad was the one who told us where the best fishing hole was on Bear Creek. Thank you for letting us know about Don. There was no representation as to what had happened and we didnt know. He will be sorely missed by all of us, and I am so sorry for your and your family's personal loss. God bless.
Nina.... I read this in the car to my husband and we both just cried. Losing one's soul-mate must be incredibly painful and we can't begin to imagine your loss. The longer we live (Arlyn and I will celebrate our 49th next month), the harder it is to think of life without the other. You do become 'one', don't you? We hope you will be attending the reunion ... would love to talk with you. All my best, Sharon Simonsen Nelson
So sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort as you grieve. May you find joy in your family and friends, to carry you through this difficult time. With every thought of sadness that comes your way, may you instantly feel the gentle moving of God's hand upon you. He loves you so much. Our prayers are with you. Tanya Kaasa Ryner
Nina Miner (Martin)
I first knew Don in the 8th grade when my family moved to Woodinville, but I didn't really get to know him until we were seniors. We were in the same roll room - remember it was alphabetical, so we were all "M's". I think the teacher (Miss Swan, I believe) was in her first year, and she was having a pretty hard time with us. One day she became extra frustrated with the group of boys sitting all together, and she proceeded to split them up. Don Martin, as punishment, got sent to the back corner to sit next to me - and the rest, as they say, is history! After a couple of months I decided he was pretty nice (it didn't hurt that he took my chair down for me every morning), but he didn't seem to notice. We never dated in high school, but we both ended up at Western and got together there. It took me until we were 30 to get him to the altar, but we had 27 years, and 3 children together, before we lost him in a tragic accident at his workplace.
Don kept in really excellent physical shape; he was a dedicated runner and cyclist. He was also very talented in the arts. He was constantly drawing, and he could play a number of instruments, starting with the harmonica in college and playing in local bands. A couple of years before we were married, he bought 5 acres in the Alger area (south of Bellingham) and proceeded to build a yurt and then our house. We miss him.
Nina Miner Martin
Parl Guthrie
Thank you for telling us about your time together Nina. I have a hard time remembering things that happened in school, but for some reason I do remember going over to Don’s house with him one day. I can’t even remember the reason why, I just remembered that he was a nice guy. I was very sorry to hear that he had passed away. I pray that you and your family are doing well.
Parl Guthrie
Brooke Doyle (Frances)
Nina,what a touching and loving tribute. Thank you for sharing your story with us. He was amazing. You lost him way too soon.Shirley La Born (Smith)
Don was always a real nice guy all through school. I was not aware that he and Nina ended up together but I am not real surprised, they were both real nice. I am so glad that you (Nina) posted something about his life. I always wonder what happened to take our classmates from us way to soon. He sounds like he continued to be a great guy. Shirley
Pam Festa (Nye)
Nina thank you so much for sharing you story I always wondered what happen to Don he was a nice fellow and lived by my friend Carol Updike in Woodinville. I would see him when I went to Carol house. I am so sorry for you loss he sounded like a great husband and father. My prayers are with you and your family.
Skip Crist
Nina, I am so sorry. I had no idea you and Don had gotten married. Don and I were good friends and when we were kids, we used to go trout fishing together at Bear Creek, which was close to our homes. Parl was with us too, and he caught the biggest fish. I know where Don got his artistry talent from; it was from his Dad. His Dad was a pretty famous artist, and he too died at such an early age. His Dad was the one who told us where the best fishing hole was on Bear Creek. Thank you for letting us know about Don. There was no representation as to what had happened and we didnt know. He will be sorely missed by all of us, and I am so sorry for your and your family's personal loss. God bless.
Sharon Simonsen (Nelson)
Nina.... I read this in the car to my husband and we both just cried. Losing one's soul-mate must be incredibly painful and we can't begin to imagine your loss. The longer we live (Arlyn and I will celebrate our 49th next month), the harder it is to think of life without the other. You do become 'one', don't you? We hope you will be attending the reunion ... would love to talk with you. All my best, Sharon Simonsen Nelson
Tanya Kaasa (Ryner)
So sorry for your loss. May God give you peace and comfort as you grieve. May you find joy in your family and friends, to carry you through this difficult time. With every thought of sadness that comes your way, may you instantly feel the gentle moving of God's hand upon you. He loves you so much. Our prayers are with you. Tanya Kaasa Ryner
Pat Holcomb (Dempsey)
My heart goes out to you, Nina, and your family. I am fortunate to still have my hubby of 38 years and we both think of you in your loss.