Donovan F. Hill

Donovan "Don" Hill, 88, lifetime Upper County resident, passed away on May 25, 2026 at his Roslyn home. At his request, he will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Laurel Hill Memorial Park in Cle Elum.

Born in Yakima, Washington, on August 7, 1937, Don moved to Easton before his first birthday and remained deeply connected to the communities of Upper Kittitas County throughout his life. He graduated from Cle Elum High School in 1955 and, four years later, married the love of his life, Irene (Plesha).

Don and Irene shared more than six decades of marriage together and raised four daughters: Karin (Dale) Pinney, Suzanne (Bruce) Hedlund, Gretchen (Dan) Pollino, and Meagan (Anthony) Davis. He was blessed with five grandchildren: Lauren, Riley, Logan, Madison and Donovan James (DJ) and two great-granddaughters: Harper and Mila. Don loved spending time with his family and cooking for them.

Don started working in his father's logging company at the age of nine. In the late 1940s, he cut bobbies and timber props that were hauled to the No. 9 Coal Mine. Over the years, he helped build roads into the Cooper River area, Mineral Springs and Salmon La Sac, while logging throughout Kittitas County, including Green Canyon near Ellensburg and west to Fort Lewis in the winters. Don also worked for the state fighting wildfires in the summer and plowing snow in the winters. Even after retirement, Don returned to work helping build the roads and golf courses throughout Suncadia. Don's work reached nearly every corner of the state.

Don enjoyed dirt bike riding, snowmobiling, dancing, and spending time in the mountains he knew so well. Above all, Don was a devout Roman Catholic whose faith guided his life. His quiet strength, humility, kindness, and twinkling eyes will remain a legacy for all who knew him.

A life well lived and loved Dad. Your work here on earth is done. May you rest in peace!

Memorial donations in Dad's name may be made to either the Grotto at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Roslyn or the Roslyn Fire Department, of which he was a member for 25+ years. Please mail to: Don Hill Memorial, 13628 NE 138th Street, Kirkland, WA 98034.