In Memory of Donald John Whitman

Donald John Whitman

Donald John (DJ) Whitman – 61 was born March 25, 1948 in Puyallup Washington where he graduated high school in 1966.

He served in the Navy for more than nine years. Six of those years were in Vietnam where he was the recipient of a Purple Heart Medal in 1969 as well as other medals. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, DJ furthered his education and then worked for Texas Instruments, Delta Marine and Duwamish Shipyard all in Washington State. He then moved to Ketchikan Alaska where he was a major force in setting up the Ketchikan Shipyard. DJ moved to Seward, Alaska where on October 1, 1990 he became General Manager and then later General Manager and Vice President of Seward Ship’s Drydock, Inc. until his death on October 2, 2009.

You could find DJ in many places, the American Legion where he served on the Board, at the Derby booth where he would be weighing in fish during the Silver Salmon Derby, or with his wife Teresa and friends at Peterson Lake camping and fishing. He will be remembered by many. A celebration of life was held Saturday October 17th 2009 at the American Legion Post #5 in Seward, Alaska.