Remembering ‘Don’ Greengo, 1928-2015, who ‘set a wonderful example for humanity’

The family of retired science teacher “Don” Greengo is sharing this remembrance with the community:

H. Donald “Don” Greengo, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, died of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones, on June 4, 2015. Born October 15, 1928, in Waconia, MN, to Royal E. and Blanche I. (Downs) Greengo, he was the youngest of four boys. At the age of two, Don contracted polio, which affected the growth of his legs. He underwent several surgeries at Shriner’s Hospital throughout his childhood. Always having a positive outlook on life, he never complained.

As a teenager during the summer of 1945 he met his future wife and the love of his life, Gretchen Harvey. But life would first take them in different directions.

After graduating from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, with a Bachelors in Science, and further studies at Case Institute in Cleveland and the University of Washington in Seattle, he began teaching science (chemistry, physics, earth sciences, and math) in Anoka, MN. Despite using a cane to help with walking, Don traveled to Japan, the Middle East, India, and Europe, exploring different cultures. In the mid-1950s, Don took a job with the U.S. State Department to teach overseas, first in Japan at the Itazuke U.S. Air Force Base, and then at Habibia College in Kabul, Afghanistan. While still overseas, he learned through his sister-in-law that Gretchen was living in Seattle and was a widow with two small children. After returning to the U.S. in late 1958, he came to Seattle and a date was arranged for Don and Gretchen to meet. Don proposed to Gretchen after that first date and they married on July 17th, 1959.

Don began a career with the Seattle School District in 1959, teaching at Sealth, Nathan Hale, and finally, 18 years at West Seattle High School, where he was head of the Science Department, retiring in 1984. He was a favorite teacher of many students over the years. He garnered respect from his students because he treated them with respect, as he did with all people.

Don will be remembered by family and friends as a man of quiet strength, integrity, patience, and compassion. Don enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting relatives and the annual summer trips with Gretchen, their children and grandchildren. He loved to play games, tell corny jokes, and tell of his adventures overseas. He loved the Arts, going to many plays, ballets, and concerts, and he loved the outdoors. He had a great love for his family and they for him.

Don is survived by his wife Gretchen, of nearly 56 years; his children, Denise (Bugnon) (husband Ken) Reed, Paul Bugnon, Kevin Greengo, and Laurie Greengo; his grandchildren, Jennifer Reed, Stephanie (Reed) Olson, Owen Greengo; and great-grandchildren, Brennen and Peyton Olson; his brother Irving Greengo; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank close family friend and nurse extraordinaire Keiko Hume for the compassionate and loving care she gave Don.

Don, we will miss you, your great sense of humor and love of life, your selflessness. and your love of family. You set a wonderful example for humanity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you give a donation to a charity of your choice in Don’s honor. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a future date; information for family and friends will be forthcoming.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

5 Replies to "Remembering 'Don' Greengo, 1928-2015, who 'set a wonderful example for humanity'"

  • Jim Moore September 5, 2015 (12:30 pm)

    I’m sorry to hear Mr. Greengo passed away – I remember him as a very good and nice Chemistry teacher at Sealth in the early 60’s

    God Bless,

    Jim

  • Jennifer Moore September 5, 2015 (9:25 pm)

    I am sad to hear of Mr. Greengo’s passing. I remember him as a great and nice teacher at WSHS. I send my thoughts and prayers to his family.

  • Tim Winston September 5, 2015 (10:57 pm)

    Mr. Greengo’s Chemistry class was one of the first to really capture my interest & imagination. He had a memorable & effective approach to teaching a challenging subject. He introduced us to the circular slide rule (which I still have) & I was in his room when I saw my first handheld electronic calculator in 1973.

    We may or not have honked at his house driving the “route” on a few Friday & Saturday nights.

    Blessed to be recipient of his gifts.

    Condolences to his family.

  • Louise Penberthy September 7, 2015 (2:51 pm)

    Oh, no! I’m so sorry to hear this. I took chemistry from him at West Seattle. I remember he had a big slide rule hung over the blackboard, to use for calculations during class.

    He used to say, when he was handing back our tests, “If this wasn’t a good testing experience, let it be a good learning experience.”

  • Darius September 11, 2015 (6:26 pm)

    BEST TEACHER EVERY

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