Donald Osamu Yamamoto

Donald Osamu Yamamoto was born on June 15, 1959, in Seattle, Washington to Tadashi and Tsuneko Yamamoto. Donald was the middle of three siblings, between his older sister, Grace, and his younger brother, Dick. Donald and his family grew up in the Rainier Valley, where he attended Brighton Elementary, Sharples Junior High, and Franklin High School, where he graduated in 1977. After high school, Donald earned his Associate of Arts degree from Seattle Central Community College.

Donald met his future wife, Jana (Ko) at his high school senior prom in 1977. Donald and Jana dated for 9 years before they married in 1986. The newlywed couple bought their own Rainier Valley home in 1986, where Donald took on remodeling projects in every part of the house throughout the rest of his life. Donald and Jana lost stillborn twins, Derrick and Matthew, in 1990, but were overjoyed to have Dillon in 1997. Dillon was Donald’s pride and joy, and while Donald rarely put his fatherly love into words, he more than showed it in his actions through family vacations, homemade school lunches, filled gas tanks and washed cars, taking Dillon to countless sports practices and games (sorry, refs), and so much more.

Donald worked for 30 years as a skilled and handy carpenter. He worked at Bush Woodcraft and then Ishimitsu & Sons until he retired in 2007. Donald’s attention to detail and high standards were evident in his professional work, projects around the house, and carpentry favors for friends and family. After retiring, Donald’s new jobs were taking care of Dillon, helping care for his father, Tadashi, until his death in 2009, and just recently, helping take care of his mother, Tsuneko, until her death in January 2024.

One of Donald’s many hobbies was enjoying the thrill of hunting for collectibles. Many friends and family members recall his legendary hunts for Beanie Babies and baseball cards, often waiting in long lines for hours to collect these valuable keepsakes. His collector’s attitude extended to collecting Seattle Mariners bobbleheads and patiently waiting for Mariners players’ autographs on trips to preseason Spring Trainings in Arizona.

Donald also loved playing and watching sports over the years. He was an avid bowler in his early years where he participated in the Thursday night men's league at Imperial Lanes. He was a dedicated Mariners fan, attending many games over the years, and made sure to watch Seahawks games every Sunday. He loved golf, highlighted by scoring a hole-in-one at the Gold Mountain Cascade course in 2016. Donald went on many golf trips with Jana and their friends, always making sure everyone followed the rules (even calling a penalty on Jana once!). He later took up pickleball and thoroughly enjoyed learning a new sport, connecting with pickleball friends, and, of course, the weekly lunches the group would enjoy.

Although his exterior was gruff and macho, those who knew Donald, knew that he was a softie at heart. He couldn’t walk past a table of Girl Scouts selling cookies without buying a box (or five). Donald was the most giving, thoughtful, and kind soul, who always knew how to make those around him laugh. Donald was a golden example of doing the little things for others, whether it was helping neighbors with yard work, helping friends move, or picking up your favorite food, just because he was in the area. He rarely sought recognition for his deeds and was always willing to help others without being asked simply because he cared and it was the right thing to do.

Many close to Donald knew of his recently developing health challenges, though not all knew their cause, which was his recently diagnosed Multiple Systems Atrophy (MSA). Despite these challenges, Donald still proudly cared for his mother, Tsuneko, for eight hours on most days and stubbornly completed household projects, yard work, and errands.  At the end of a long day, he thoroughly looked forward to his newfound joy, watching Korean dramas.

On March 29th, 2024, Donald collapsed (fittingly, at a Mariners game) and was taken to the ICU at Swedish Cherry Hill.  One week later, on April 5, 2024, Donald passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Donald’s kind, thoughtful, selfless, goofy spirit will be missed dearly by so many.

Donald is survived by his wife Jana, son Dillon, siblings Grace (Pete) and Dick (Susan), nieces and nephews Trevor (Marisa), Troy (Aimee), Karina (Chad), Malia, Kobe & Kai, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.  Donald is preceded in death by sons Matthew & Derrick, parents Tadashi & Tsuneko, and nephew Tyler.  Special thanks to Dr. Ann Chen and the nurses in the Cardiovascular ICU at Swedish Cherry Hill for their compassionate care and support.

In honoring Donald’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. The family deeply appreciates the thoughts, prayers, and support offered by those who knew Donald. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Mission MSA (https://missionmsa.org/) or the charity of your choice.

Please share memories on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home - Lake View ~ Seattle, Washington