Don Hendricks

January 11, 1959 – December 7, 2017

Family and friends are mourning the recent passing of Donald Clifford Hendricks.

Don was born on Jan. 11, 1959 in Omak, Wash. He was the third child of Gary and Elsie Hendricks.

Don’s family moved from Twisp, Wash. to Ephrata in 1960. After three years in Ephrata, they moved to Moses Lake. Don entered Garden Heights elementary as a kindergartener and completed all 12 years of his schooling in Moses Lake, graduating from MLHS in 1976. He was an outstanding student and athlete. As a teenager, Don also accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized.

After graduating, Don worked as an exercise equipment salesman for a few years, developed a career as a waiter at Semiahmoo resort, then went back to school, attending Western Washington University. He graduated in four years with a degree in education. Don then taught for 14 years in the Central Kitsap school district. His assignment was in special education, a calling that Don did very well, and with great passion.

During those early years, Don created a family, first with wife Tracy and her daughter Sarah, and later when Tracy gave birth to daughter Shai and then daughter Samantha. A second marriage to wife Brittany produced another daughter, Madeline.

Don had other passions over the years, including golf, photography, gardening and political discussion. Above all, however, he loved his girls.

Don was an overcomer in many ways. He accomplished some very important things and developed strong relationships that helped and blessed many people. He did so, in spite of a lifelong battle with bipolar disorder and addiction.

Don passed away on Dec. 7, 2017. He is being mourned by his family and by all the friends he made over his lifetime.

Donald Clifford Hendricks was preceded in death by his mother Elsie Hendricks. He is survived by his father Gary Hendricks; his brother Chris (Lori) Hendricks; sister Janice (Duane) Rooker; daughters Sarah Hendricks, Shai Hendricks, Samantha (Darren) Tubbs and Madeline Hendricks; a grandson Benjamin, born to Samantha and Darren, and numerous nieces and nephews as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service for friends and family has been planned for Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1 p.m., in Kerry Park, Seattle, Wash.