Don St.John, 89, made his transition from this world December 9, 2009. He was born in Thorpe, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha Parker-St.John (Hansen) and Wilbur St.John; his step-father, Howard Hansen; and his wife, Helen. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; three children, Sharon (Frank), Keith (Gladys) and Pat (Nita); and former daughter-in-law, Beverly St.John. Don leaves seven grandchildren, Norm (Erin) Mooney, Brian (Susan) St.John, Bethany (Hans) Paulson, Bre-Anna (Dustin) Manwaring, Benjamin St.John, Kyle (Danielle) St.John and Cole St.John. Don's two great-granddaughters were his pride and joy, Madison (Norm) Daggett-Mooney and Szor (Ben) St.John. He has two surviving siblings, Norman St.John and OraBelle (Carroll) Lind. Don was a very humble and exceptional person, who was loved by all who crossed his path. His family and friends feel a profound sense of loss. We are all better people for knowing Don and sharing his good humor, love and wisdom. He "left footsteps on our hearts and we will never, ever be the same."

Don joined the Navy after Pearl Harbor and served in the South Pacific as a Radio Operator on a PBY rescue plane. When his plane was shot down, he and his crew spent two days in shark infested waters, before being rescued. He received a Purple Heart upon his honorable discharge in 1945. He earned his BA in Education from Walla Walla College. He received his Master's Degree from Central Washington University. His first teaching position was in South Cle Elum Elementary. In 1954, he began teaching at Grant School in East Wenatchee, where he enjoyed a long career. He loved children and being a teacher was richly satisfying to him. He married Helen Arthur in 1974. They lived three years in American Samoa, where he taught school before retiring in 1977. They returned to Wenatchee and he served as President of Chelan-Douglas County Retired Teacher's Association and was active member of Lions Club. He was a member of the First Methodist Church. Helen died in 1994, and in 1996, he remarried to Eleanor and reunited the St.John family. They lived together on the family farm, until his failing health required they move to an assisted living community in the town of Olds, Alberta, Canada.

Per his request, No Services will be held. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mountainviewfuneralchapel.com.