Donald J. Wolcott

Donald Jay Wolcott of Cathlamet, Washington, passed away in the loving arms of his son on September 24, 2014 as the result of injuries incurred while falling timber in Columbia County, Oregon near Vernonia.

He was born June 18th, 1953 on the Wolcott ranch on Lyons Creek south of White Bird in Idaho County, Idaho to Calvin W. Wolcott and Bernace L. Gillett Wolcott. He moved with his parents from the ranch to Lucille then to Riggins, Idaho where he attended grade school and began high school, excelling in track and football. He and his parents moved to Wahkiakum County, Washington, where Don finished High School and held many school and state titles in football and track. Following graduation from high school he went to work in the forest industry following in the footsteps of his father and father-in-law. First for Crownzellerback Corp., and then for various independent timber cutting contractors. He and his son, Donald James Wolcott II, owned their own timber falling company for a time. He worked as a falling supervisor and timber faller in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California and in the hardwood forests in numerous states on the east coast. Don was dedicated to the safety of his fellow workers and the quality of the work they did. He strived hard to also embed these values in the many young men he mentored and taught to fall timber. Don and Rebecca Ann (Beckie) Olsen, were married in Cathlamet, Washington on June 24, 1972. They made their home in Cathlamet, where Don made many friends as he never knew a stranger and always needed someone new to tell his stories to. As Don’s own family started to grow, he took great pride in being a father, grandfather, and great grandfather. In these roles he always demonstrated and instilled the true value of family, friends and hard work. He delighted in hunting, fishing and sports with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Calvin W. Wolcott, his brother-in-law Bob Olsen and his father-in-law H. Robert Olsen. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife Beckie, cutting partner and son Donald James Wolcott II and his wife Jennifer, his mother Bernace L. Wolcott, his mother-in-law Vivian Olsen, brothers John (AdaAnne), Jim (Marilyn) and Jerry (JoAnne), and in-laws Donna Olsen and Bill and Shelley Olsen. In addition he is survived by his grandsons Brian (Marisa), Ben and Robert and great grandsons Malachi and Zachariah who were the little loves of his life, and numerous Wolcott and Olsen aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and cousins. Don’s passing will leave a great void in the lives and hearts of his family and friends.

Services have been held. A donation account has been set up in his name at Bank of Pacific, P.O. Box 337, Cathlamet, WA 98612. Dowling Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

- Paid Obituary -