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Don G. Fitzjarrald ( North Cascades 1962 )

posted: Oct 16, 2008

Don,73, died September 24, 2008, of a stroke. He was born March 8, 1935, in Mackay, Idaho.

He graduated from high school in Twisp and served in the Navy 1956-59 and was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Independence.

After leaving the Navy, Don worked for the Okanogan Forest road crew until 1962 when he took his rookie training at NCSB. During his career as a smokejumper (1962-75), Don made 262 jumps.

In 1975, he transferred to the Cle Elum District of the Wenatchee Forest as Fire Management Officer. He later transferred to the Crescent District of the Deschutes Forest and retired in 1989