Donald Leo Kiive, 81, passed away peacefully at home in Hockinson, Washington, on May 31, 2025.
Born on Nov. 1, 1943, Don grew up in Hockinson, attending Hockinson Schools and later graduating from Battle Ground High School in 1961. He played baseball, picked prunes, bucked hay and caught chickens during the summers. This developed the strong work ethic and love for the outdoors that stayed with him throughout his life.
Don’s happiest moments were spent in nature. He loved camping with family, cutting firewood, and taking countless hikes with his children, friends and family. He was an avid fisherman, clam digger, gardener and deer hunter—but his greatest passion was elk hunting. Each year, he eagerly planned a three-week elk hunting trip, which became a cornerstone of his life. He was a proud member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Don served in the U.S. Navy from October 1961 to October 1964. He was stationed aboard the USS Evans, now recognized as part of the Blue Water Project. During his service, he was exposed to herbicides including Agent Orange, which led to progressive nerve damage and was initially diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. Earlier this year, the diagnosis was updated to Lewy body dementia with parkinsonism.
Following his honorable discharge, Don worked at Lockheed in Seattle, Washington, for three years. He then took a job at Gunderson in Portland, Oregon, which brought him back closer to family. He began a long career at Gunderson, where he rose from draftsman to project engineer over 40 years, retiring in 2008.
Don is survived by his wife of 53 years, Cindy; children, Sandra Logston (Rick), Darwin Kiive, Darin Kiive (Jennelle), and Cynthia Pedersen (Joe); grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley, Autumn, Nick, Jenna, Janelle, Dakota, Kristin, Kara, Austin, Dyllan and Mathilda; and great-grandchildren, Juliette, Nicole, Ryan, Aiden, Avery, Aspen and Daisy Mae.
He is also survived by his siblings, Raymond Kiive (Cindy), Frank Kiive and Cathy Dunning. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Sylvia Kiive.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Don’s memory to your favorite wildlife refuge or organization.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to Visiting Angels for their compassionate care during Don’s final months. Their support brought comfort and peace. Deep appreciation is also extended to the many friends and family who brought food, called, texted, sent cards and visited. You lifted us through this difficult time. A very special thank-you goes to Don’s “hunting buddies” for their unwavering friendship, visits and support.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, at “The Farm,” 34610 NE Kelly Road, Yacolt, WA 98675. For more information, please call or text 360-798-9398.
