Donald H. "Don" Briggs, 79, passed away on January 20, 2010, at his home in Bridgeport, after a long and courageous battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Born on April 22, 1930, in Snoqualmie, WA to Edward H. and Pearl V. Briggs, Don lived the majority of his life in Central Washington. He was a man who took pride in his work, enjoyed being busy and was usually involved in several projects at a time. Respected as a man of his word, Don often did business on a handshake. Don touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Don grew up in Wenatchee, WA and began his working career delivering The Wenatchee World on a bicycle route. He saved his money and bought his first acre of land at age 16. Graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1949, Don took pride in being part of the undefeated 1948 Panther Football team and attended many reunions over the years. He attended Wenatchee Valley College in 1950, lettering in baseball. In December, 1951, he entered the Navy, serving until August of 1954. The family often laughed and wondered why a man who hated the water, would join the Navy, especially when he swam like a rock. Don finally let on that he would make sure to get radio tower duty when the ship "swims" occurred. Don married Mary J. Monesmith on June 25, 1955, at Coeur d'Alene, ID. They made their home in Ephrata, where they managed duplex rentals and had a small farm, while Don worked for Boeing in Moses Lake. Don and Mary started their family while in Ephrata with two daughters, Kerry and Cathy, before Don was transferred to the Seattle Boeing plant in 1963. Don left Boeing after 13 years, moving to Bridgeport and taking a position at Comsat in Brewster, in May of 1967. The family made their home in Downing Townsite, where Don's son, Richard, was born. Don worked for Comsat until they closed in 1987, and he took an early retirement. During this same time, Don operated a TV repair business for several years and owned Nell's Drive-In in Bridgeport for a few years. In 1988, Don was asked by Jim Veeder to help start a business venture in the old Comsat Station. Don and Jim established a satellite communication business, Brewster International Gateway, which eventually became U.S. Electrodynamics, Inc. In 2000, at the age of 70, Don retired, saying he was going to start his new "career" to become a professional golfer. He avidly took to the greens and fairways and served as President of Lake Woods Golf Course in Bridgeport. In his spare time, Don was often found tinkering with various projects in the yard or garage, remodeling the house, or working on a wood project in his shop. He also became a Certified Water Works Operator and served as a President for the Downing Townsite Water District, until his death.

Don was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary; his parents, Edward and Pearl Briggs; and two brothers, William and Wallace Briggs. He is survived by his loving children, Kerry Housden and her husband, John of Brewster, Cathy Thompson and her husband, Patrick of Naches and his son, Richard Briggs of Bridgeport. Don also has seven loving grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2010, at Barnes Chapel in Brewster, WA. Kerry, Cathy and Richard would like to extend an invitation to all friends and family to gather at Don's house after the services, to Celebrate his Life and enjoy food and friendship. Memorial donations may be made to the "University of Washington Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research." To find out more, please visit www.merkelcell.org. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Chapel, Brewster.