Don Stearns, of Montesano, who was more affectionately known to his students as “Señor,”
passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022, following a brief (6-week) battle with a glioblastoma
brain tumor. Don was born to James and Lena (Morrison) Stearns August 3, 1949, in South
Bend, WA.
Don lived in Bay Center, WA, and began his education there. His family later moved to
Humptulips, WA, where he attended Quinault schools through his sophomore year, and
graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1967. In school, Don participated in basketball and
track.
Don enlisted in the US Army (Airborne) and was a paratrooper. He then attended Central
Washington University, where he obtained both his Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Education,
majoring in history and Spanish. His first teaching position was in Ellensburg, WA, where he
taught history and coached basketball. Don left teaching and spent the next 18 years as a diesel
mechanic. After that, he decided to get back into education and was hired as a Spanish language
teacher at Montesano High School. He taught there for 19 years and retired in 2019. For three
summers, Señor attended the University of Guadalajara to deepen his knowledge of the Spanish
language.
Don found much joy and satisfaction in fixing things and helping others, so he jumped out of
retirement and went back to work at Montesano Health and Rehabilitation Center, where he
worked in maintenance. For the past several years, Don has volunteered (anonymously for quite
some time) at the DNR’s Preacher's Slough Trail/Park. He kept the trail free of debris at all
times, picked up garbage, replaced boards in benches, trimmed brush, raked gravel, etc.
He liked riding his bike all over different trails and logging roads in the area. He was a hiker and
enjoyed SCUBA diving and traveling to Mexico, where he loved experiencing the food, culture,
and people. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. His greatest love, however, was his
sweet canine companion, Lola, who accompanied Don pretty much everywhere he went. Don
loved the Lord, and his Christian faith was important to him. He spent many hours reading and
studying scripture, always taking detailed notes on what he read.
Don is survived by a brother, Ken (Vicki) Stearns of Hoquiam, WA; a sister, Marilyn Brenneis
of Grand Prairie, TX and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his
parents and a niece, Nikki.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Montesano Church of God on Saturday, October 1,
2022, at 11:00 AM.

Memorial donations may be made to the Montesano Volunteer Fire Department, 310 E. Pioneer
Avenue, Montesano, WA 98563 or the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen, WA.