Donald Charles Kaiser Obituary (2025)

Donald "Don/Donnie" Charles Kaiser, age 90, of Yakima, Washington, peacefully exchanged worlds on February 13, 2025. He was born on October 22, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan. Donnie's childhood took him to Phoenix, Arizona in 1943 where he joined his extended family. He attended Saint Frances Xavier grade school and St. Mary's High School. Donnie went on to attend Santa Clara University in California before earning degrees in History and Economics from Arizona State University. Some of his fondest memories were made at Lake Pleasant where his grandparents operated a small fishing resort. It was there that Donnie learned to perfect his bass cast, hunt doves and rattlesnakes, and even participate in bivouac with an Army platoon. In 1956 he met Ardith on a blind date. Their love blossomed as they both worked as lifeguards at a local pool, and they married on June 8, 1957. Their first child, Jeff, arrived while Donnie was serving in the Army National Guard, and within five years, their family grew to include five more children; including a set of twins. In his early years, Don juggled various roles, including teaching history, selling insurance, and even working as a salesman for The Great Books of the Western World. Eventually, he joined his mother and stepfather at the Rillito Horse Racetrack in Tucson, where he managed the family's Tack Shop, later expanding the business to Prescott Downs and Turf Paradise. In 1965 Don settled his family in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he began a successful career as a salesman for Lederle Pharmaceuticals. Don was active in golf, tennis, bass fishing, hunting, snow skiing, and baseball coaching. In 1970, the family moved to a new home in Scottsdale where Don promptly transformed their backyard into a lively space, planting fruit trees, installing a pool, and hosting numerous family events. His famous Halloween costume parties became a beloved tradition. Don's career took another turn in the second half of his life as he became a successful real estate broker, expanding much of Arizona's East Valley, and receiving multiple awards, including the prestigious "Mame" Home Builder award for several years. Later, he embraced the tech world, recruiting for Novell and Midak Universities before retiring. Don's love of fly fishing and tying his own flies bloomed in retirement. He cherished fishing trips to Lees Ferry, Arizona, Alaska, Canada, Colorado, New Mexico, and Washington, with his children, son-in-laws, and other family. In June 2001, Don and Ardith moved to Yakima, Washington, where they built a straw bale house near world-class fly fishing along the Yakima River. There, they cultivated a home surrounded by gardens, fruit trees, and breathtaking views. It became a beloved haven for family, friends, and their growing number of grandchildren (12) and great-grandchildren (18). Don's joy was always found in the company of loved ones. He worked tirelessly, played with abandon, and shared his infectious sense of humor with all who knew him. He was happiest surrounded by family, especially babies, and his laughter and love will be missed by all. He lived life to its fullest, loved deeply, and will always be remembered as a remarkable man. He leaves behind his devoted soulmate of 70 years, Ardith, as well as five of their six children, Jeff (Karen), Nancy (Dr. John Johnston), Holly (Phil Mahre), Mary Lee (Eric Frudden), and Charles "Chuck" (Kellie). Don was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Heather (Robert "Bob" Scanlon). Donnie's final wishes were to support the Selah Food Bank, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to them. Contributions may be made payable to this organization, and can be sent in care of Brookside Funeral Home (PO Box 1267, Moxee, WA, 98936) who is caring for the family. Memories of Donnie and condolences to the family may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.