Obituary of Donald Toraason

Donald Gilbert Toraason was born on December 27, 1917, in Blair, Wisconsin to Theresa and Goodwin Toraason. He grew up riding ponies and horses on his uncles’ farms, and playing sports. He loved baseball. He graduated from high school in Blair, and went to several colleges before being admitted to the Northwestern University School of Dentistry in 1939. He graduated in 1943 with a DDS. In becoming a dentist, Donald followed in the footsteps of his father, who also graduated from Northwestern, as well as his grandfather who was both a farrier and a dentist. Prior to becoming a dentist, Donald considered a career in major league baseball. He played for the 1936 Lincoln Red Links, a part of the Cincinnati Reds organization. While his statistics as a fielder were very good, his batting average convinced him that the smart move was to keep going to college. In 1942, he married Ruth Luise Alder, of Chicago, Illinois. They met at the local YMCA where they were both swimming instructors. Donald had previously made the decision to join the Navy while he was in dental school, and the Navy allowed him to finish his degree. In 1943, he was deployed to the U.S.S. Appalachian, a command ship in the Pacific, where he served as a dentist. He was a very popular Navy dentist, as he had a gentle touch, and treated everyone with respect and care. In 1946, he was honorably discharged, and he and Ruth moved to the Seattle area when he started his dental practice. With the exception of a one year move to Madison, Wisconsin, Donald practiced dentistry in Seattle for over 50 years. With Ruth as his office manager, and talented hygienists and office assistants, he enjoyed a great deal with success, serving generations of families, with patients coming from all over the world to see him. He was a lifelong learner and was a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Donald was so excited for major league baseball to come to Seattle that he bought season tickets for the Mariners inaugural season, and many years thereafter. His excellent seats were in the front row by the first base line, the position he played in the farm leagues. Donald was a lifelong resident of Bellevue, Washington, until 2007, when he and his two dogs moved to Thurston County to live with his daughter and her husband. He lived with them until 2013, when he moved to Providence Mother Joseph Care Center, also in Thurston County. Donald was predeceased by his wife of 60 plus years, Ruth Alder Toraason, and siblings Goodwin, Gene, and Arlon, and Goodwin’s son, David. Donald is survived by his daughter, Gail Toraason McGaffick, and son-in-law, Dennis McGaffick; son, Scott Toraason, and daughter-in-law, Tian; and the following nieces and nephews: Ann Bailey, John Toraason; Margene Reno; and Mark, Karen, and Mike Toraason. His beloved dog, Willie, also survives him. The family expresses appreciation to the caregivers at Providence Mother Joseph Care Center and Advanced Health Care, and to Dr. Erin Kershisnik of Vantage Physicians for their compassion, expertise, and caring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Providence Mother Joseph Care Center Resident Council (PMJCC Resident Council) to fund a trip to Seattle for a Mariners game. Please mark any check “For Mariners.” The address is: 3333 Ensign Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506. In the alternative, contributions may be made to your local animal welfare organization. Donald had a great affinity for dogs and horses, and was well loved by them during his lifetime. Please leave memories of Donald or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.