Donovan Joseph Eckhardt Obituary (1978

Donovan Joseph Eckhardt, age 37, of Gig Harbor, Washington, died peacefully at home on August 24 after a courageous fight against cancer. Born in Silver Spring, MD, to parents Michael and Karen (Gabruk), Donovan's family moved frequently until settling in Mission Viejo, California. Donovan graduated with honors from Capistrano Valley High School where he proudly rode the bench for the football team, enjoyed show choir and was elected Prom King for the class of 1996. While attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, Donovan discovered backpacking and developed a life-long love of the natural wilderness and outdoor activities. Dilly-Dally Donovan, as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, was a wanderer at heart and liked to joke that he attended seven colleges over ten years before obtaining his Associates Degree in Fire Science from Santa Ana Community College back home in Southern California. After graduating from the 126th Basic Fire Academy in Santa Ana, Donovan worked for the US Forest Service as a Wildland Fire Fighter in the Deschutes National Forest in Bend, OR. A giant of a man, Donovan was as strong as a bull and had an equally generous and giving heart. He loved adventure and pursued it in places all across the Western United States. Whether at the top of a snow-capped mountain or the bottom of a wind-carved canyon, Donovan was most at home under a starry sky. He loved sunrises and harvest moons and marveled at the miraculous beauty found in wild places. Donovan was proud to be a Firefighter for the City of Renton and a member of the IAFF Renton Firefighters Local 864. He was known for his incredible work ethic, sense of humor, and compassion for the citizens he served. He was living his dream by "riding backwards on the engine" and loved going to work at the fire house every shift. Donovan married his true love Jamie (Thomson) in 2010. Together they had taken a blind leap and moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, settling in Gig Harbor. Donovan loved the historic fishing village where they made their home together. Donovan and Jamie had a beautiful marriage and happy life together. They were the best of friends and devoted to each other. They loved to celebrate even the most ordinary occasions and took great pleasure in discovering new places together. Their young son William is a "chip off the old block"; the image of his daddy in both appearance and gentle temperament. Donovan did not survive to meet his newborn daughter, who is expected to be born in early September. Donovan is preceded in death by his father, Michael. He is survived by his wife Jamie, son William, and expected daughter as well as his loving mother Karen and brother Gannon (Brooke) of San Clemente, CA. Donovan loved spending time with his family and cherished many memories of glorious summers in North Carolina and snowy winters in Michigan. He was fortunate to have a strong circle of friends and was loved by all who knew him. The Eckhardt family would like to thank the caring physicians and staff at MultiCare Regional Cancer Center in Gig Harbor, MultiCare Hospice, and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for their tremendous support throughout his treatment. Additionally, we are grateful to fraternal support from Renton Firefighters Local 864 and to the members of Lionhardt, a foundation created in Donovan's honor to support firefighters battling cancer and terminal illness. A traditional Fire Fighter memorial service is planned for September 25th at 1:00 p.m. at New Life Church in Renton, WA. A service for family and friends is planned for September 26th at Cedar Creek Farm, a private residence in Gig Harbor. For details please contact djememorial@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made in honor of Donovan to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. Please sign his guest book with condolences and favorite memories for the family at www.havenrest.com. "Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads..." -Doc Brown