Forrest Donald Huiatt

Forrest Donald Huiatt passed away peacefully in his sleep the morning of March 3, 2024. Don was the first and only child born to George and Ruth Huiatt on July 24, 1952, in San Diego, CA. Don spent most of his childhood years in Alaska and later moved to Sequim, WA where he graduated from Port Angeles High School. Sequim was where Don’s lifelong love of flying developed and where he endured the painful death of his mother at the age of 16.

Following high school, Don joined the US Navy where he actively served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and Flight Engineer stationed at Naval Air Station Point Magu, CA from 1971-1975. Following his honorable discharge from Navy service, he married Cynthia (Cyndi) Jenkins in 1977. While Don was courting Cyndi, he worked for the US Forest Service in the wildfire department and as a Certified Flight Instructor at Gillespie Field in San Diego County.

Don and Cyndi relocated to Washington State in 1979. Don worked in the Fire Department at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard and as a Kitsap County Sheriff Reserve Deputy before serving as a full time Pierce County Sheriff Deputy. Don and Cyndi purchased property in Olalla where Don built the family home with his father, George.

In 1981, Don began his career with the City of Tacoma Fire Department where he served for 39 years as a paramedic, firefighter, and fire boat pilot. Throughout his life and time working for the Tacoma Fire Department, Don proudly raised a family of five children, hand-built his own single-engine airplane (a Vans RV-4), became an exceptional chef, helped kickstart the craft brewing craze as a brew master of regionally-awarded beer, coached little league, enjoyed ballroom dancing, played the drums and guitar, dabbled with bagpipes, flew around the country in his airplane, enjoyed Harley trips with friends, competed in pistol sport-shooting, and served countless funerals as a motorcycle escort.

In retirement, Don enjoyed spending time on his property, riding his tractor, fixing up his ‘71 chevy pickup, building a second hobby airplane, taking family trips, helping friends with fixes and repairs, wheeling and dealing, spending time in Bible study, and adoring his growing family. He spent evenings preparing and enjoying nice meals with Cyndi, watching movies, and listening to music.

Don was preceded in death by his and Cyndi’s stillborn son, Brian Donald. Don is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cyndi; four sons: Jerod, Justin (Rachel), Jonathan, Jeffrey (Autumn); one daughter, Jessica (Wayne); and eight grandchildren: Jerod, Dylan, Derek, Jacob, Joel, Garrett, Kailani, and Esther.

Don’s life was marked by service to community and family. His generosity and self-sacrificing service will be truly missed. His sense of humor, depth of knowledge on a variety of subjects, expert culinary skills, and sincere encouragement will be difficult to replace. He united the family and provided protection and love throughout his life.

A celebration of life service for Don will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 pm at Haven of Rest Funeral Home: 8503 State Route 16 NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332. The service will be followed by a reception and viewing at this location.

Open Invitation: burial service with military honors will be held on Monday, March 18 at 12:30 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery: 18600 SE 240th St Kent, WA 98042.  If you wish to join the funeral precession from Gig Harbor to the cemetery, we will be departing Haven of Rest funeral home at 11am escorted by Regional Motorcade, the motorcycle group with which Don most recently rode. Please plan to arrive at the funeral home at 10:30am for an on time departure.

No gifts are necessary or expected. If giving is desired, you are welcome to contribute to a memorial youth aviation scholarship in Don’s honor through the Bremerton Pilots Association. The Bremerton Pilots Association is a group Don enjoyed supporting and is located at the airport where Don hangered his airplane for over 30 years. Don was most passionate about aviation; he received his private pilot’s license at a young age and would be honored to help another youth discover the spirit of aviation.

https://www.bremertonpilotsassociation.org/scholarships.html.

If flowers are sent, they can be received at Haven of Rest for the funeral service on March 16 at Haven of Rest Funeral Home: 8503 State Route 16 NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98332.

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