DONALD G. BLETH
August 10, 1932 ~ August 31, 2013
Donald G. Bleth, 81, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2013 in Vancouver, WA. A native of Vancouver, Don was the son of John "Barney" and Mildred Bleth and was born August 10, 1932. After graduating from Vancouver High, he enlisted in the Navy and played clarinet and saxophone in a Navy band while stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Upon discharge, he returned to Vancouver, attended Clark College and the University of Portland, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He met his wife, Jody Buono, while they were performing in the orchestra for the musical "Kiss Me Kate." They were married at St. James Catholic Church in Vancouver on June 11, 1955.
Don's first careers were as a big band saxophone and clarinet player, and public school music teacher and choir director. He taught in Gervais, Vancouver, Lake Oswego, and Evergreen schools. After his teaching career, he joined Jody in her family's business, Vancouver Travel. They retired in 1996. He was a past president of his Lions club and of the greater Portland chapter of SKAL, an international organization of travel professionals.
Family and dogs were a big part of Don's life. His remaining adopted Greyhound dog predeceased him by 6 days and his last living dog is now being cared for by his children. He was well-loved by family, friends, neighbors, former colleagues and students, and of course all of his dogs and his children's dogs. As people who knew him have said, he was a true gentleman, and such a good guy. He volunteered many hours over the years helping charitable organizations in fundraising and community events.
Don enjoyed classic British sports cars, participating in rallyes and showing his MGA and Jaguar cars. As a professional musician, Don performed for many years with numerous big bands and other ensembles. He and his wife supported the arts and also attended many classical music concerts including ones their children performed in. Another pastime was taking care of his beautiful yard. He picked up and recycled countless bags of leaves every autumn. He was fortunate to have traveled to many interesting destinations, including many trips with his wife. Places which he often shared memories of included Petra, Jordan, Israel, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, China, Japan, New England, and New York.
Don is greatly missed and survived by his children, Chris (Jacquie) of Burbank, CA, Jennifer (Celeste) of Murrieta, CA, Michelle (Jesse) of Battle Ground, WA and Lynelle (Jim) of Vancouver; his grandson, Justin of Seattle, WA; brother-in-law, Michael Buono (Heather) of Maui, HI; nieces and nephews; and his dog and granddogs.
His wife, Jody, his parents, and his sister, Marjorie Bisenius, predeceased him.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date in his honor.
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I just learned of your folks passing, and just wanted to say how much I appreciated the friendship and employment they provided me over the years. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful family to have become an unofficial member of. I miss you all and think of each of you often. My best regards.
Jack Summerfield (Hunzeker)
[email protected]
Jack Summerfield
June 22, 2014
Thanks everyone for your kind words and memories. The Bleth family
December 24, 2013
With caring thoughts, Don and Jody will be truly missed. Don was so proud of all his children and wife, he would tell enjoyable stories weekly. What a pleasure to have known this kind gentleman. My sincere sympathy to the family, Larry Grover
October 17, 2013
My family and I are so saddened that we won't see Don pop into the music store every once in awhile..We played a lot of music together over the years and always enjoyed catching up about what trips he and Jodi were taking, our children's latest news and our dogs. Don had a soft quiet demeanor that drew everyone to him and a great sense of humor. Our thoughts are with his family. From my family and,
Sue Beacock
October 15, 2013
I went to school for years with Jen,Shelly and Lynn. So sorry for your loss. We are never ready to lose our dads.
Penny Taylor-Southard
October 14, 2013
Mr Bleth allowed me to be his assistant in choir several times. We all new I couldn't sing but loved his classes..May you RIP and know how much you were loved. Favorite teacher at EHS in the early 70's. God Bless his family with comfort.
Linda "Dyer" Lindsuer.
October 14, 2013
Mr. Bleth was my choir teacher at Evergreen High. He was professional, and inspirational, bringing out the best from his students. I had a great time in swing choir back in the 70's
lori spriggs-markowski
October 14, 2013
I am saddened for the loss of Mr. Bleth. I knew him in highschool and always thought what an incredibly nice and kind man he was. My condolences to the family!!
Alexa (Dianna Rhodes) Stevens
October 14, 2013
The Bleth's were great neighbors and wonderful people. Our deepest sympathy to the Bleth family.
Salvato family
October 12, 2013
Again my condolences to the whole family. I'm glad I had the chance to know Don Bleth when I, too, was teaching at Evergreen schools. And of course taught his children also. Love you all. May God comfort you at his very sad time. Ron Ziegler
October 11, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are for my friends surviving relatives.
What a great guy he was!
Keith & Carolyn Neubauer
October 11, 2013
My condolences to Don's family. I had the privilege of knowing Don while a member of the Lions Club. He always had a smile and kind word for each of us!
Marie Kern Feenan
October 11, 2013
We are very sorry to learn of Don's passing. He was a real gentleman and we will miss him. We enjoyed working with him on the reunions. Jim & Georgia George VHS Class 1950
October 11, 2013
My husband, Ron, and I enjoyed both a short and long range friendship with Don and Jody since the early 1970s. We were happy to reconnect with Don on our return to the area three years ago. Don truly was a gentleman and a good friend. My thoughts are with his family.
Colleen Hoss
October 11, 2013
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