Donald Matthew Franett, 88, peacefully slipped away at his Greenbank home surrounded by his family on March 5, 2006, following a battle with cancer.

Don Franett was born Dec. 11, 1917, in Seattle to Matthew John Franett and Anna (Berry) Franett. He grew up in Seattle, graduated from Lincoln High School and the University of Washington School of Fisheries. Don and Irene Thompson were married on August 3, 1946. The couple lived in Seattle, Anacortes, Richmond Beach and retired to Lagoon Point in 1988.

After working as a fisheries biologist for the Washington State Department of Fisheries, Don spent many years in the salmon canning industry in Puget Sound and Alaska. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Coupeville. Don enjoyed hockey, salmon fishing, duck hunting, and classical music. Above all, he loved his family.

Don is survived by his wife Irene; five children: Peter Franett and wife Danni of Kelso, Teresa Dubeck and husband Paul of Auburn, John Franett and wife Teresa of Lynnwood, Martha Everett and husband Douglas of Brier, and Joseph Franett and wife Joselyn of Sedro-Woolley; 14 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive. His sister, Jeri Fogard, preceded him in death.

A memorial mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Coupeville at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18 with Rev. Rick Spicer as Celebrant. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Greenbank Community Club. Private inurnment will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Friends of Home Health and Hospice or Whidbey Island Foundation-MAC Unit, both c/o 101 N. Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.