Eugene Gary Donion

Obituary Eugene Gary Donion Loving father and grandfather, E. Gary Donion passed away early in the morning of February 18th, 2014. He was 70 years old. Gary was born in Tacoma, WA to Mary Jean (Eastern) and Jerome Jay Donion. He is survived by his children, Joshua (Yuliya) and Gina (Tim); and three grandchildren, Jack, Elise, and Reuben. Gary will be remembered for his raucous infectious laughter, his lifelong commitment to supporting youth, and his friends across many communities. He was class president of Wilson High School in 1961, president of his UW Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity, and attended Law School at the University of Washington where he made Seattle his permanent home. Gary was a champion of the underdog and always worked for equity and justice. As a young lawyer, he was one of the first Public Defenders in King County representing the indigent. He was an activist and served for many years as pro bono counsel for the Central Area Motivation Project. He continued to practice law right up until his recent illness. Gary was a sports enthusiast and connected with youth over basketball, baseball, and other sports. He logged countless hours as the Commissioner of Montlake Madrona Pony Baseball. Graveside services will be held in Tacoma at 1:00 PM at the Home of Peace Cemetery (www.homeofpeacecemetery.org) on Thursday, February 20th with a celebration of his life to immediately follow at Temple Beth El (www.templebethel18.org). The family expresses its deep appreciation to Lisa Mayfield for her support and guidance. Memorial gifts can be made in Gary's name to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation (950 Pacific Avenue Suite 1100, Tacoma, WA 98402). Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.