Donald Erick Nordstrom

On July 3, 2026, Donald Erick Nordstrom of Olympia, WA slipped away peacefully without fanfare or drama, just as he lived his life. Don was born to Ethel Davis Nordstrom and Gustav Nordstrom on December 4, 1943. Don spent nearly all of his 82 years living and working in Port Angeles and Forks, where he loved spending his time fishing and hunting as often as he could.

Don met the love of his life 59 years before his death when he approached Susan Garbrick on July 4, 1967 and said “You must be Susan. Would you like to come to the dance with me tonight?” They were married 4 months later.

In 1969, Don and Susan welcomed their son Daniel, through whom he gained his beloved daughter-in-law Kimloan and her children, Tai, Thinh, Thanh, and Tricia. Don shared his love of the outdoors with all of his kids, but especially with his son. Many rivers have been fished and many fields and forests have been hunted by the two of them together. Don loved his little “Frog” so dearly.

When 1971 rolled around, Don and Susan expanded their family by adding Amy to the mix. Don and Amy were bonded by similar temperaments and humor, and the family knew that if Don ever needed to be talked into anything, Amy was the one to be sent in to do the job. Don would move mountains for her. Amy married Jeff Morgan and together they had Derik, who was the absolute apple of Don’s eye, and vice versa. There was never a bond more special than the one shared between Derik and his “Grampal”.

1977 bought one more child into Don and Susan’s life, their daughter Jillian. His “Jilly Bean” always surprised and amazed him, and she and Don had a mutual respect for each other. Don was always so proud of her wit, determination, and tenacity. They banded together with Susan and formed a team of 3 after the older kids left the home. Jill was truly a balm to his heart and a sparkle to his day. Jill, especially, did so much for him as he aged, and along with her husband Justin Perry, took on way more than their fair share of helping him through life activities after he and Susan moved to Olympia in 2023. When we close our eyes and listen, we can still hear the echoes of him asking “Where’s Justin?” because very little made Don happier than spending time with him.

Don worked as a logger in his early years, and later worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation. He was involved in the Masonic Lodge and the Salmon Coalition.

He is survived by his sisters Linda, Tyra (Dale), Ruth, and Susan (Jerry), and by brother Hilding. His brothers Nils, Thore, and Karl passed before him, as did his parents. He is also survived by his pets Poppy and Remi, and his many sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends that became family by choice.

A special friend of Don’s that should be recognized is his honorary grandchild Laney Noble, who he loved with all his heart. She amused him and he took special pride in his ability to exasperate her.

No services will be held, as he desired. If anyone wishes to remember him through his favorite causes, please donate to the Quillayute Valley School District Scholarship Fund or the Olympic Peninsula Humane Society in his name.