Published in News Tribune on July 20, 2014
Tacoma, WA


Donald Albert Lake
Born 7/26/1933 and died of cancer 7/13/2014. He was born at Ft. Lewis,
Washington to Albert and Frances (Kopp) Lake. He lived in the Tacoma area
most of his life, leaving for periods of time to live in Los Angeles, Las
Vegas and Boston but always returning home to Tacoma. Don went to Visitation
Catholic grade school and then Lincoln and Fife high schools, where he
excelled at baseball. He helped Fife win a couple of state championships,
and was scouted by the Boston Red Sox, but a career in baseball was not
to be. He did remain a lifelong Mariner's fan. Don owned and operated a
commercial window cleaning company for many years. He also spent several
years working for various sheltered workshops, helping to train the less
advantaged for meaningful jobs. He looked forward every year to hunting
season when he spent quality time with his sons and grandsons.  Don was a
member of Visitation Catholic Church. His Catholic faith was important to him
and sustained him through to the end. He is survived by his wife of 31 years
Mary Judith (Ford Corey) Lake, sons Scott and Don R. Lake, daughter Christine
Lake Jewell, stepson Gordon Corey, stepdaughter Joy Corey Greene and all
of their families including 14 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He
is also survived by his sister Elaine Huml, brother Jerry Lake and numerous
nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents his oldest son
Terry Lake, grandson Brian Lake and sister Carol Wepsula. At his request,
there will be no funeral service. A private memorial will be held by the
family. If desired, remembrances may be made to Catholic Community Services.