Donald Lee Braidic, 53, seven-year resident of Oak Harbor, died July 30, 2003, at Skagit Valley Hospital following a brief illness.

Mr. Braidic was born Sept. 5, 1949, in Lynwood, Calif., to Arthur Jacob Braidic and Lelia Cleta (Encinas) Braidic. He was raised in San Diego, where he graduated from Helix High School. He attended Grossmont Junior College in El Cajon, Calif., for two years. Jan. 9, 1971, Donald married Angela Galovics in El Cajon. They lived in La Mesa, Calif., until 1996. He was employed as an expediter/dispatcher for the General Dynamics Corp. while in the San Diego area.

In 1996, the couple moved to Oak Harbor, and Donald was employed as a mechanic at the Boeing Everett Plant. In December 2002, he began driving trucks for Gordon Trucking Co. out of Bellingham. He enjoyed woodworking, model trains and stargazing.

Donald is survived by his wife, Angela, at home; his two children, Robert Stephen Braidic of Monroe and Chandra Lee Julander and husband Mike of Oak Harbor; his granddaughter Elizabeth Marie Julander; his brother, Larry John Braidic and wife Barbara of San Diego; his mother-in-law, Anna Elizabeth Angell of Oak Harbor; three brothers-in-law, Mark Steve Angell and wife Peggy of Oak Harbor and Stephen John Galovics and wife Barbara of Chesapeake, Va., and Lewis Edward Angell and wife Lynn of Liberty, Mo.; also, numerous nieces and nephews, including Kevin and John Braidic of San Diego. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lelia Braidic.

A gathering to commemorate his life will be held Saturday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m., at 1376 Crosby Road, Oak Harbor. Memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3300 E. Sunrise Dr., Tucson, AZ 85718. Arrangements by Burley Funeral Chapel.