Donald Richard Klein

Don was born in Vancouver, Canada, on November 3, 1944, to Marion (Groat) and Harry Klein, who was serving in the Navy at the time. The small family briefly relocated to San Francisco and then, after Harry's discharge, settled in Los Angeles, where Don's siblings, Susie, Ken, and Kathy, were born.

At school, Don excelled in both academics and sports and ran for Student Body President at Belmont High. With his big smile and infectious laugh, Don charmed everyone—especially the girls. But he chose Barbara Abrams—or Bobbie, as she was known—to be his wife, and they married on December, 16, 1967.

Earlier that year, Don had begun studying medicine at the University of California at Irvine. After his graduation in 1971, he carried out his residency at the Los Angeles County General Hospital. Don had received funding from the army while in school with the understanding that he would serve in the military once he finished his training. In 1976, Don, Bobbie, and their baby daughter, Kristine Gilbertson Klein (Franz), left for Puyallup, where Don worked in the Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis in radiology, his chosen field.

Once his service ended, Don and Bobbie remained in Washington, where they raised their children—Kristine (Franz Gilbertson), Tim Klein (Ben Cook), and Chelsea Klein (Gus Alvarez)—living first in Tacoma and later in Olympia. The family attended the Tacoma First Baptist Church, where Don served as a deacon. In his leisure time, he enjoyed biking—often with Chelsea—and working out. Don also collected objects created by Pacific Northwest indigenous peoples, and he and Bobbie both loved to troll through antique and second-hand stores, looking for hidden gems—a passion they passed along to Tim.

Sadly, Bobbie developed breast cancer in 1999 and succumbed to the disease on February 2, 2006. In time, Don fell in love with Angela Littlepage, and they were married on September 8, 2007. Angel and her daughter, Samantha Hubbard Hardy (Heath), helped fill the house in Olympia. By that time, Don's children were living on their own.

After a few years, Don and Angel bought another house, where they delighted in seeing their grandchildren—Jasper, Echo, Hugo, Gael, Lola, Kourtney, and James. Don was also a caring uncle to Jeanne, Anna, and Aaron, and great-uncle to Abby, Brayden, Madeline, Paige, Sam, Ben, Miles, Alice, and Cora. Quite a legacy. In their spare time, Don and Angel enjoyed traveling, particularly to the island of St. Lucia.

After a number of years, Don began studying the Bible and chose to be baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He and Angel served Jehovah together.

By 2023, Don was showing distressing signs that he was unwell. He was eventually diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Angel, who truly was one to Don, took loving care of him throughout his decline. Don died peacefully at home on October 17, 2026, surrounded by Angel, Kristine, Tim, and Chelsea.