Donald George Prohaska

Dec. 20, 1926 — Jan. 13, 2013

Donald George Prohaska passed away peacefully at his Clear Lake home on Jan. 13, 2013 surrounded by the love of family and friends.

He was born Dec. 20, 1926 to Charles Joseph and Gertrude Capps Prohaska in Philadelphia, Pa., and had one older brother, the late Charles Anton Prohaska.

Don married the late Marilyn Joy (St. Lawrence) Prohaska on Sept. 10, 1955 in Seattle, Wash. He is survived by his two adult children, David Charles Prohaska and Diane Louise Holyoke, three grandsons and four granddaughters.

After graduating from Maine Maritime Academy in 1948, Don sailed on many seas as a U.S. Merchant Marine officer, later owning and operating his commercial fishing vessel ORION, and sailing as a Master, all oceans. He began work with Washington State Ferries in March 1965, rapidly rising through the ranks to retire in the mid-1990s as a senior captain. While Don sailed on every class of ferry, his favorite assignments were the routes among the San Juan Islands and Sydney B.C., while his favorite ferry was the M/V Hiyu.

Known as “Captain Don”, he faced all situations with integrity and steadfastness. The many people who were part of Captain Don’s legacy frequently said “it was an honor and privilege to know him.”

In lieu of flowers, please donate to one of Don’s favorite charities, in Don’s name: Skagit Valley Humane Society, 18841 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA 98233; Clear Lake Firefighter Association, PO Box 186, Clear Lake, WA 98235

The family would love to receive and enjoy any stories or experiences you desire to share about your time spent with Don. We are quite certain many stories abound.

Please send those, along with cards and letters to the family at P.O. Box 585, Conway, WA 98238. Arrangements under the care of Kern Funeral Home.

— Family of Donald Prohaska