Captain Donald Oldow, sailed away surrounded by loving family at the age of 87, January 12th in Mt. Vernon, Washington. Don was born in Seattle Washington to John and Alta Oldow, Sept. 25, 1925. After the death of his young mother, Alta, his Dad remarried and Freida Oldow who took over the rearing of he & his sister. Don graduated from Anacortes High School; after attending a year at the University of Washington he fulfilled his desire to go to sea, attending Alameda Officers School in California, becoming a Captain at a young age. He was a World War II veteran. Don operated vessels for Black Ball Transport for 18 years, before moving to Alaska to ply the rugged waters of the Gulf of Alaska with the Alaska State Ferry System on their vessel theTustamena. Don was a natural ship handler, coming from a sea faring family. After 9 years with the ferry system; he joined the Southwest Alaska Pilots Assoc., attaining his pilotage from Seattle to Point Barrow. He furthered his education at the super tanker school in Granoble, France. He was born with a love of the sea and ships. He is survived by his loving wife, Pam, he was her soul mate; 5 children John (Lynda) Oldow, Kathleen (KO) Oldow; Bruce (Susie) Clarke, Bryan (Katielynn) Clarke, Linda-Rae Olsen; sister Norine Cross; niece Cynthia Snellman; many grandchildren & great grandchildren. Preceded in death by son Richard Oldow. A celebration of his life will be held at the Shelter Bay Club House, Shelter Bay, LaConner on Sunday January 20th at 2:00 p.m. I've crossed the bar at last Mate, My Longest voyage is done, And I will sit here, peaceful, And watch the setting sun. Don, you will be forever in our hearts, "see you in awhile".