Donald Randall Wilson of Kennewick, Washington, passed away on November 1, 2007, after battling pancreas cancer for six months. He was 71. Don was born on July 18, 1936 in Galva, Kansas. He was the youngest of nine children born to Lucy and Joseph Wilson. In 1943, the Wilson?s moved to Kennewick to start a hardwood flooring business. The family venture thrived as they installed flooring in the masses of homes constructed for the Manhattan Project workers. Don graduated from Kennewick High School in 1954. An outstanding baseball player, he was named All Valley Shortstop upon graduation. Don then moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he worked for a year before signing up for a hitch in the Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician. While in the Navy he found a great love of music. He taught himself to play the ukulele and joined the onboard band. This group of musicians entertained seamen by the hundreds, as well as hundreds of others at numerous foreign ports. His love for music continued throughout his life. In 1960, Don returned to Kennewick and accepted a job as postman. A co-worker introduced him to his younger sister, Barbara Rau. Barbara was the love of his life and they were married in February 1962. They had two daughters, Tracy Lynne and Michelle Kristine Micki. In 1967, Don made a career change and went to work for Westinghouse. He applied himself to gathering credentials in computer applications, becoming invaluable in fuel pin performance calculations. His success continued with numerous job advancements and merit awards for excellence. His contributions to advanced reactor designs continued in the 80?s and 90?s, culminating with calculations for the SP100 Project office. These calculations brought Don the honor of Hanford Engineering Employee of the Month. Even though work was important to him, Don?s family always came first. He purchased a motor home and took the family on many memorable ski trips throughout the northwest. They traveled from Southern California to Oklahoma for vacations and family reunions. Reno was often the destination. Some of Don?s favorite memories were of family reunions where he would lead everyone in singing God Bless America while playing his ukulele. Other memories included parties on Christmas Eve, softball games Don?s Yankees vs. Den?s Dodgers, going to the horse races to watch the horse he owned through a family corporation, and many home poker games and pinochle tournaments. Uncle Don was always the life of the party and a favorite of all his nieces and nephews. Don will be remembered by many as the best poker player in the area. He spent years honing his skills. Mr. Wilson was a gentleman?s gentleman to the game. Over the years he built many special friendships through the game. Don loved dogs. Throughout his life there was always a very spoiled dog his side. He leaves Hank to guard the house, and joins Susie, Max and Charlie. They will probably fight for his attention just like the nurses at KGH did while taking such wonderful care of him. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Joe Wilson; brothers Joe Jr. & Jack Wilson; sisters Jackie Clary & Louise May. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Tracy & Micki; grandchildren, Melissa & Michelle Eggers, and Laura & Matt Wyer; great-grandchild, Jayza Williams; brothers, Lonnie & Gene Wilson; sisters, Gwen Baze & Billie Clement and numerous other members of the family. Not a day will pass that he won?t be missed by his family. We love him so much. Services will be held on Monday, November 5, 2007 at 1:00p.m. at Mueller?s Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S. Union in Kennewick. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Franklin Humane Society, 8620 W. Gage Blvd, Kennewick, WA 99336.