Obituary of Willard Donald Elmquist

Willard Donald Elmquist 85, passed away peacefully at home joining our Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 23, 2014 with his family at his side. Don was born on December 22, 1928 in Los Angeles, California. He lived in California until moving to Portland Oregon in 1969. There he met his wife of 45 years, Donna. He also leaves behind his two wonderful children and granddaughter. His son Todd and 11 year old- granddaughter Dillan, live in Leawood, Kansas. Dillan always loved Grandpa's pancakes! His daughter Sarah lives in Tucson, AZ. His family has always been the most important part of his life. Don's career was always in the Restaurant business. He has designed restaurants, and sold equipment and other necessities to dealers. His sales territory required him to move his family to the state of Washington in 1973. He also traveled to Canada, Idaho and Montana. After retirement in 1991, he moved with his wife and daughter to Tucson AZ. He loved the desert and never regretted moving to the sun and "dry heat". He loved to fish any place! Rivers, lakes, the Puget Sound in Washington, and surf fish the Oregon and California beaches. There was always lots of salmon, crab, cod, trout and bass on the table. He learned the game of golf after moving to Arizona and was always ready for a game of bridge! He loved to cook and was the head chief at home after he retired. He loved grilling fish and making raviolis at Christmas with the family. He was especially known for his ability to make a great tasting Lutefisk in cream sauce! No services are planned. The family will gather together to celebrate Don's life at a small lake in Republic, Washington next summer. Curlew Lake was a favorite summer vacation spot each summer to fish, swim and play together since the children were very small. The family wishes to thanks the entire staff at TMC Hospice! They took wonderful and respectful care of not only Don, but they supported the entire family with the same care. Please consider a remembrance to either TMC Hospice or Tanque Verde Lutheran Church Preschool/Kindergarten. Arrangements by Adair Funeral Home, Dodge Chapel.