Obituary of Donald Grate

Donald William Grate passed away November 17, 2019, in Olympia, Washington, where he was born March 1, 1942, to William and Gertrude Grate.  He was 77.  For the past few years, he wintered in Yuma, Arizona.

 

Don graduated from Olympia High School in 1960 and was a logger his whole adult life.  He married Gail Slade Leaming on September 9, 1989, on horseback at the Flying M Stables picnic area in Olympia.

 

Don was a lifetime member of and rode with the Thurston County Posse.  He raised cattle and grew and processed hay for many years.  He more recently became involved in gold prospecting and panning, and was a member of Southwest Prospectors and Mining Association in Arizona/California.  He was also a member of Southwest Treasure Hunters Club in Arizona.  In addition, he also enjoyed wood working and carving, and loved making wooden bowls. 

 

He is survived by his wife, Gail Grate of Olympia; sons, Charles Grate and Matthew Grate of Olympia; stepchildren, Jerald Leaming of Olympia, and Beatrice Lupardus of Rochester; grandchildren, Amanda (Alexander) Jorgensen, Zachary Grate, Ian Lupardus, and Kyle Lupardus; and brothers, Robert Grate of Citrus Heights, California, and Michael Grate of Olympia; and sister, Karen (Don) Grate-Price of Olympia.  He was predeceased by his parents, and a sister, Shirley Owen of New York.

 

No services planned.

 

NO FLOWERS, PLEASE.

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