Donald James Finsen went to meet his maker on January 10th 2015 at the Fidalgo Care Center, Anacortes. He was born in Anacortes, Washington February 3rd, 1923. He is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Adaline Finsen, wife Mary of 47 years (5-2-94), brother Duane (5-1-02), sister Joyce (Finsen) 5-4-14 and husband Cecil Dillard (1-10-2010). He is survived by his nieces and nephews Phyllis (Dillard) and Chuck Fletcher, Dave and Becky Dillard, Darrell and Shelly Dillard, Sharon (Finsen) and Kurt Thompson, Danny Finsen and Wally Sharpe, and his constant companion, friend, and love, Rae Allen. Don attended grade school in Sedro Woolley and graduated from Mount Vernon High School, class of 1941. He worked for JC Penney Company, Mount Vernon. Don entered the Army February 6th, 1943. Trained as a Marine Engine Man and became part of Company B of the 594th Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment. After discharge December 31, 1945 Don returned to JC Penney's in Mount Vernon, WA working as a manager. He met his wife Mary during this time, and they were married May 4, 1947. In 1948 Don and Mary opened their first restaurant. The Turkey House at Sharps' Corner, Anacortes, 1952 had to move the Turkey House to Conway, next was The Jet Drive-In at Deception Pass and Anderson Rd, Mount Vernon, next House of Turkey (Cranberry Tree) Mount Vernon and Don's Restaurant in the Mount Vernon Mall and in Marysville, WA. He retired from the restaurant business in 1989, but continued in a supportive role until December 1, 1998 at age 75. Charitable giving was important to Don. He supported Boys and Girls Club of Skagit Valley, scholarship fund for Culinary Arts at Skagit Valley College, Scholarship fund of WSU Veterinary College and the Skagit County Humane Society. He was an avid boater and fisherman. He enjoyed hosting parties for friends, family and employee's on his various boats. Memorial gifts maybe made to a charity of your choice. Private family services will be held. A memorial service for friends and family will be announced at a later time.