Donald Lee Harwood

On February 27, 2023, Donald Lee Harwood passed away in his home with Judy Harwood, his wife of 40 years, and other family present. He was 82. Don had battled leukemia for more than three years, living past his prognoses many times over. A Celebration of Life is being held on May 20, 2023, 11 a.m., at the Walla Walla Country Club, 1390 Country Club Road, Walla Walla, Wash. A graveside service for family will precede the Celebration of Life.

On August 12, 1940, Don was the second child born to Lyle and Veeva (Pierson) Harwood on the farm of his grandparents in Lancaster, Wash. A child of the Palouse, Don would grow up working in agriculture and graduating from Saint John High School in 1958. After serving in the US Army with honor and distinction, Don was impacted by the living circumstances of the Vietnamese people, and he felt the obligation to take advantage of the opportunities that were afforded him to change the trajectory of his life. Don used the GI bill to earn his undergraduate degree from Eastern Washington University. He followed that with a master's degree from the UW Pacific Coast Banking School and, later, was certified through the University of Oklahoma School of Bank Investments and Fund Management.

Don then began a successful career in banking, which culminated in his appointment as President of American West Bank. His agricultural background, education in finance and investments, and keen business acumen served the Walla Walla area commercial lending and management well. Throughout his career, Don was well respected and liked by customers, peers, and employees, building relationships that continued throughout his life. He was a recipient of the Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Relationships in Banking. He retired in 2004, but he never stopped helping those with questions about business and finance.

Don married Ann Seifert on August 21, 1965, in Libby, Montana. They had four children and divorced in 1983. He married Judy Beebe in Walla Walla on July 19, 1985, to whom he remained married throughout the rest of his life. Don was a passionate family man, who was eager to set up events for his rapidly growing family! Nano and Papo hosted hundreds of family events at their Division Street home that etched great memories into the hearts and minds of the Harwood-Beebe family members. Don was an enthusiastic airplane pilot, devoted golfer, and he and Judy enjoyed traveling together.

A man of great character who believed in giving to his community, Don was a strong supporter of Pioneer Methodist Church events, the YWCA, The Y, BMAC, Helpline, Hospice, Exchange Club, and the United Way. He served as the Chamber of Commerce president, as well as the president of the board of the Walla Walla Country Club twice. Even through times of difficulty, Don always kept his integrity and did what he believed to be the right thing.

Don is survived by his wife, Judy, his four Harwood children and their spouses; Jennifer and Pat Hills, Joe and Mary Harwood, Pat and Nicky Harwood, and Steve and Rhonda Harwood; his four Beebe children and their partners/spouses; Dan Beebe and Kelly Watson, Dave and Debbie Beebe, Jane and Brian Casey, and Thomas Beebe; and 25 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Don is also survived by his siblings, Bobbie and Bud Jaeger, Dan and Tami Harwood, Dave and Gayle Harwood, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Don is preceded in death by childhood siblings, Kathleen and an infant brother, and by his granddaughter, Abby Keatts.

Blue skies and tailwinds to your next destination, Don. You are loved."