There’s a lot of living in 87 years … but here is what we want to share the most.
Donald Bruce Shuker was born on Mothers Day, May 12, 1931, in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was hard for his mom as she was raising four of seven children after his father left. Donald was able to attend Thaddeus Stevens boarding and trade school during his high school years and graduated as a bricklayer. He joined the U.S. Navy and expected to go to Guam at the beginning of the Korean War, but was called out to take care of his mother when she got sick. He became resourceful and resilient, even acquiring a pioneer spirit of adventure.
He asked Patricia Anderton to marry him in 1952 and they traveled to Arizona where the Wild West was being tamed. He plied the bricklaying trade throughout several southern states living in their modern covered wagon, then he and Patricia settled in Casper, Wyoming, where their four children were born. They moved once more to Whatcom County, Washington, in 1966 and in 1969 they started All Masonry Contracting with a pickup truck and a wheelbarrow and began building places of learning, worship, healing and business for 40 years. He and his crew often traveled to Alaska to leave landmarks in several communities.
“Bruce” and Patricia raised their children, six grandchildren and spent lots of time with their six great-grandchildren. As the family patriarch, “Bruce” taught the children how to hunt with hound dogs, golf, train horses, ply the bricklaying trade and put together puzzles … those made of paper and those that make up all their lives. He was generous with his time and talents in the community, an optimist, a risk taker, a builder of buildings and people. He was known for his big smile, blue eyes, quick wit, blue hat, listening ear and honest input.
The prairie was the home of his heart and the high mountains his challenger and mentor. He was able to visit the North Cascade range two days before he passed away on Sept. 7, 2018. He quietly fell asleep at his home having spent time with so many of the family and friends. As he accepted his congestive heart failure, he often said over the past two years, “The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.”
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Shuker; daughter Cheryl Brown (Larry), daughter Sue Shuker, son Jesse Shuker, and daughter Julie Slevin (Mark). Jason, Angie, Levi, Sarah, Chet and Jessie and their children all have special memories with grandpa. He was the last survivor of his siblings, but is the favorite uncle of nieces and nephews.
A memorial open house will be held in the Glen Echo Community Center, 7694 Goodwin Rd., Everson, from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. RSVP 360-393-9352 by text or message. Come share the memories!
A private family service was held for the interment.
