Donald Gene Cobbett

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DONALD GENE COBBETT, age 69, passed away at Boulder Creek Post Acute Care in Poway, California, on April 22, 2026, well loved by his family.

Born on June 1st, 1956 in Moscow, Idaho, Don was the son of Delores and LaVerne Cobbett, who taught him to work hard, love those around him, and trust in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He was the youngest of his three siblings, with the eldest being, John, followed by Jim and Joan.

Don’s early years were spent in western Washington with idyllic summers in Bothell and on Lake Washington with numerous cousins. In 1963 his family moved to Whittier, California.

As a teenager Don was especially close to his mother and sister as they, together, shouldered the responsibility and grief of Verne’s illness and passing. After graduating from a Christian high school, Don visited his brother John in North Pole, Alaska, where he began to gain an interest in building houses and managing property. He also attended Biola University for one semester, where most memorably, he excelled in a pottery class. He then lovingly took care of his brother Jim, in his final days of fighting cancer, and he was with him at his death. Don moved to Seattle, Washington, in his twenties and began fixing up properties, managing rentals, subdividing and improving property, and working in personal finance and investing.

On April 21, 1984, Don married his love, Kay Annette Cressey in Bellevue, Washington. Together, they built a life guided by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Kay remembers Don as a caring husband who loved her unconditionally and who never held grudges. They loved hosting family and friends at their home in Seattle and then in Oceanside. Don was tender and helpful to both Kay’s mother and toward his own mom, Delores, and her second husband, Angelo. Don was always eager to spend time with Del and Angelo and help them in whatever way he could.

Don’s favorite places to be were in the yard and garage working on projects, at the BBQ cooking for family gatherings, and hitting a croquet ball around the course with friends and family. He delighted in spending time with his cousins' children, hiring them to work on his projects, and playing Rook with them. He enjoyed water skiing, boogie boarding, taking his dog Checkers for walks along the beach, shopping at Costco, and eating steak and drinking Fresca! One of Don’s happy places was his Yakima River cabin, where he also gained great satisfaction out of developing several nearby subdivision lots.

Don’s favorite Bible verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” He believed that salvation was by grace alone, through faith in Christ’s work on the cross.

Don is survived by his wife, Kay, his sister Joan, his brother John, his only niece, Wendy, and by her children, Hudson and John. Numerous extended family members grieve Don’s illness and his passing.

Don will be remembered for his loving, tender care of others, his fun-loving and hospitable personality, and his kindness and generosity. Though a devastating disease wreaked havoc with his body, mind, and marriage for nearly the last 20 years of his life, still God’s grace enabled him to be remarkably positive and loving in his interactions during his final years. He spoke words of love to his family and to his best friend and advocate Doug, expressed concern for others, and communicated thankfulness for the care he was receiving. Don will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.