Don Eugene Ney

January 3, 1948 – July 6, 2026

Don Eugene Ney, 78, from Mount Vernon, WA, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved more than anything in the world. He was born on January 3, 1948, in Sunnyside, WA, to Don Sr. and Edna Ney. Growing up in Richland, WA, Don enjoyed varied activities. He loved fishing in local rivers, family camping trips, and spending time with his cherished cousins, aunts, and uncles. He had fond memories of spending most of his summers helping on his grandparents’ farm.

As an adult, Don dedicated much of his life to serving others. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1966. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Central Washington University, he began a distinguished career with the Washington State Patrol in 1971. During his 35 years of service, retiring in 2006, Don served in a variety of roles, including providing security for Governor Daniel J. Evans, working as a breathalyzer technician, Safety Education Officer, Technical Accident Investigator, and Sergeant. His career was a reflection of the qualities that defined him throughout his life: integrity, dependability, intelligence, and a genuine commitment to helping others. Following his retirement from the State Patrol, Don continued serving the citizens of Washington through the Washington State Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2016. He also served in the Army National Guard Reserves.

As meaningful as his career and service were, Don’s greatest joy was his family: his beloved wife and three daughters.

Don met his wife, Suzanne McCutcheon, in Ellensburg, WA at the State Patrol where Sue was a Dispatcher. They were united in marriage in 1986 and created a beautiful life built on love, partnership, and family. Their life together was filled with treasured memories — time spent with family and friends, attending Seattle Mariners games, exploring the mountains and beaches of the Pacific Northwest, volunteering, gardening, traveling, camping, fishing, and star gazing.

Don and Sue raised their three cherished daughters together: Sarah, Carly, and Emily. As a father, Don always gave his daughters his time, patience, guidance, and unwavering love. He was a father who showed his love through the things he did. He taught by example, fixed what was broken, engaged in thoughtful conversation, offered advice, and was there whenever his daughters needed him. Some of their favorite memories with their dad were made doing the things he taught them — bicycling, fishing, and building things. They found joy not just in the activities themselves, but in doing them with their dad. His daughters will remember a father who could always figure out a way to make something work and who never minded being asked for help. They will remember his humor, his stories, his practical wisdom, and the unmistakable way he made them feel cared for.

Don’s greatest joy continued with his beloved grandson, Christopher. He loved watching Christopher grow, learn about the world around him, and being a part of his life.

Outside of work, Don found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved fishing, camping, woodworking, traveling with his family, and getting lost in a good book. He was exceptionally handy and could fix just about anything. If something was broken, Don would figure it out, no matter how long it took. If there was a project to be done, he was the person you wanted around. Don was also a member of Salem Lutheran Church, where his faith and community were an integral part of his life.

Don leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by his years of service or the positions he held, but by the people whose lives he touched. He leaves behind a wife who shared a lifetime of memories with him, daughters who carry his lessons and love with them, and a grandson who will grow up knowing the stories and love of the grandfather who absolutely adored him.

Don is survived by his wife, Suzanne Ney; his daughter, Sarah Zavaleta (son-in-law Juan Zavaleta); daughters, Carly Ney and Emily Ney; and grandson, Christopher Zavaleta. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Marc Miller; brother- and sister-in-law, Dan and Debbie McCutcheon; aunt, Otti Ney; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his children and grandchildren from a previous marriage. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Don Sr. and Edna Ney; his sister, Barbara Miller; his mother- and father-in-law, Ruth and Robert McCutcheon; and his sister-in-law, Rachel McCutcheon.

Don will be dearly missed in all the places he visited, in all the things he fixed, and in the quiet moments when his family will forever instinctively feel his presence. His family and loved ones will carry Don with them — not only in memory, but in the values he lived by: serve others, fix what you can, find something to laugh about, and cherish your family.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 North LaVenture Road, Mount Vernon, Washington 98273.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory can be made to the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation, PO Box 901, Prosser, Washington 99350 or the Salem Lutheran Memorial Fund.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and family who surrounded Don and his family with unwavering love, friendship, and support throughout the years. They are also deeply grateful to the medical professionals who provided Don with exceptional care, compassion, and dignity over the years.