Obituary of Donald Roy Goldsby

Donald Roy Goldsby, 73, passed away December 6, 2020, in Olympia, Washington, where he was born June 26, 1947, to Elmer and Madeline Goldsby.

 

Don graduated from North Thurston High School in 1965, and attended Centralia College.  He married Stephanie Marie Christenson on December 3, 1966; she passed away in June 1983.

 

Don joined the U.S. Air Force, serving two tours of duty during the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Sergeant and received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.  Professionally, he worked 30 years for the State of Washington in the Department of Transportation, Department of Printing, and Department of Social and Human Services.

 

Don was heavily involved in the creation and success of adult softball in the greater Olympia area.  He joined TCSA (Thurston County Softball Association) in 1980, and quickly assumed the role as president of the association in 1982.  TCSA merged with the national softball association (USSSA) in 1984, and Olympia began hosting large multi-state competitive tournaments shortly thereafter.  Don continued to operate in this role and others (player, tournament director, and umpire) until he retired from softball in 2012.  His 30 years of loyal commitment and dedication was key to growing the Olympia softball community to what it is today.

 

Don’s other passion was fishing.  He loved the Northwest rivers, lakes, and oceans, and what they had to offer.  He spent his entire life fishing and mentoring others to fish.  He was an assistant fishing guide in his later years until his health didn’t allow him to do so anymore.  Highlights of his fishing were being able to share his skills with his friends and family, and going on his dream fishing adventure in Alaska.

 

Don was always known to be very social, fun loving, and easy to get along with.  He was very loyal to his friends and family.  He always believed in giving everyone a second chance.  He loved spending time with his granddaughters, and bragged about his kids whenever he could.

 

He is survived by his son, Grant Goldsby, and his daughter, Jamie Goldsby; his granddaughters, Delaney, Sophia, and Lilly; and his step-sons, Collin Cassman, Joey Grantham, and Ben Grantham, from his second marriage.  He is also survived by brothers, Tom (Terry) Goldsby and Denny (Margaret) Goldsby; and sisters, Carol (Don) Imes, and Peggy Giffin.  He was predeceased by his wife, Stephanie Christenson Goldsby; and parents, Elmer and Madeline Goldsby.

 

A celebration of life will be held in the spring/summer of 2021.

 

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