"2 months since you have moved on. I think of you every day and know you are in such a better place. You would hate all the development and traffic going on around here. See you in the garden. Love you"
In loving memory of
Donald Aylen
March 9, 1926 - May 22, 2016
Our beloved dad, Donny (aka CW Eddie) has moved on to a new beginning. No longer in pain and riddled with complications, due to years of hard play, work, and the unfortunate 'comedy of errors' ever more common in our current medical system, he is at peace and joined with his family and friends before him.
Born March 9, 1926 to Dr. Charles and Beatrice Aylen, Donald Andrews was raised in Puyallup in a simpler time. Dad graduated PHS in 1944 then shipped out with the Merchant Marines to the Pacific Theater as a coal passer and oiler. He also became very clever at lifting cakes, Coca Cola and beer from the ships officers quarters, making him lots of friends down in the engine rooms. After life onboard he returned home and convinced our mother, Gloria (Thornton PHS 48) to stay away from those rowdy sailor boys and hitch up with him. They were married June 18, 1949 and in July, 1952 had their 1st bundle of joy, Jeffrey Charles (PHS 70). In February, 1955 another bundle added to their bliss, Heidi Jan (PHS 73).
Dad settled into the 'big oil business', owning and operating the 76 Union station on Pioneer Avenue, and ending up with the Richfield (Arco) station, across the street. You may remember the slogan on his pencils and pens; "If your car is failin' bring it to Aylen" It truly was a family business giving relatives and friends their first jobs, as long as you didn't mind getting greasy!
At the start of the gas wars in early 70's, Dad bought and resurrected a carwash on 4th Street NW. Named QuickWay Carwash, it was one of the first and most successful self operated car washes in the Puyallup valley bringing in dirty cars and trucks from as far away as Seattle. Another family business we all ran until Dads retirement in the early 80's. Hence the nickname he gave himself, 'Car Wash Eddie'.
Retirement suited him with continued skiing trips, boating, travels abroad and throughout the US, cruises and whatever fun filled adventure's he, Mom and their wonderful friends and family would set their sights on. Years of laughter and timeless memories were constant in our household. All were welcome.
Over the last few years Dad was slowing down due to those ailments from years of play, hard work and other complications out of his control. His light and energy was fading but he continued to welcome his family, friends and always good with a story and wit.
When Dad passed on May 22 he was not alone. Mom along with my brother and myself were at his bedside letting him know it was okay to move on , how much he is loved and how great a person he is and forever will be.
We Love You Dad..... happy trails buckaroo
Tributes
"Hey Dad, you are with me everyday. Can't believe it's been a month since you left us. Mom is doing good and staying busy. She keeps seeing you in your Hummingbird form. Fly on Poppa Don. I love you"
"I loved seeing you, Heidi and Don and Glo when you were on the cruise in Hawaii. Heidi and Jeff: You were so lucky to have a dad you could relate to. I know where you guys got your sense of humor! Gloria- my heart goes out to you. Happy trails to you Don ! See you on the other side. Aloha and best wishes to Gloria, Jeff and Heidi."
"I will always remember Don and Gloria from our first breakfast at Heidi's little chalet in San Diego many many years ago. Don was always full of laughter and warmth. My deepest sympathies and love to Gloria, Heidi and Jeff. Pattie Taylor"
"So sorry for your loss. Nothing but great memories from pool in the garage to badminton in the backyard the Aylens were a big part of my childhood that will never be forgotten Don was a special man who will be missed by all! May he rest in peace. Much love to my second family Uncle Barry"
"Dearest family, As I write this I am filled with sadness but also a bundle of memories of the amazing Don Aylen. Living next door to the Aylen family always meant you had a place to go when you needed to be with family and when you wanted to have a good time. Don treated me like a second daughter and made me feel special. He was so fun to be around, had a great sense of humor and loved to have a good time. As a child I looked up to him, even when he was bitching about my dog Fritz pooping in his driveway, as an adult I felt his pride for what I have accomplished. That is just the way he was. It is a rare privilege to grow up with fathers like Don, I am great full for having had him in my life. Love and peace Donnie see you on the flip side, Debbie Houser"
"So sorry. Our prayers are with you and your family. "
"Thinking of you everyday Dad. "
"I'll never forget Uncle Don...His personality was something special, something that hopefully all of us will remember and carry on, that way Uncle Don lives forever. I remember at my sister Stacey's wedding, Uncle Don came up to my brother and I with a pocketful of mints that he was stealing from the mint bowl. He convinced us both to fill our pockets and we ransacked the place! This type of humor is what I remember most about him, a funny guy with a unique charm and twinkle. Take care Uncle Don, see you on the other side with a pocket full of mints ;) "
"Will always remember great neighbors in Puyallup! Donny was a fun guy we will miss him. Viv & Mark Braegelmann"
""Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, story tellers, and singers of songs". (Pam Brown~poet). Thank you for telling Donny's story. It musters up so many good memories of knowing him and being around the ever-welcoming Aylen clan. We are going to miss him but we won't have to look far to find a reason to smile. Keeting & Mike Lambert"
"My favorite uncle and loved him like a father . Big influence in my life ."
"Miss you Dad...Your Orbie"