Donald Washington

Lars and Nemo set quietly on opposite side of the fence. Two dogs that chased each other up and down the yards challenging each other in an unimaginable fight. All of that ended when Donald Washington blew that saxophone. He'd stop. Then blow again. They barked at the moon that night . Every time they barked, he was forced to play again.. Donald laughed. He loved it! We all did.. The dogs became friends that night. Donald Washington was the dog whisperer way before CesarMilan! Lol. When Donald Washington blew that horn everybody listened. It was the best family reunion that was never planned Donald Washington blew more than a horn. He sounded the horns of love, unity and peace. "The creator had a master plan". that night. Thank you, Kevin Washington for singing that rendition . Thank you Sabrina and Andrea for the support that you gave to your brother and our family. The McQuay and Francis family sends our Deepest condolences "We Love You Madly." 🙏🏽♥️

Renowned saxophone player and music educator Donald Washington was born in Mobile Alabama, where he spent most of his childhood before migrating to Chicago with his family. In the windy city Donald took his first serious step towards becoming a musician after his father bought him a clarinet. Upon the completion of two years in the Army he returned to the south to attend college at the University of South Alabama, where he received a degree in music education in 1970. Donald moved to Detroit and worked as auto assembler at a Chrysler plant for five years. It was in Detroit that he met his wife, Faye. She convinced Donald to stay in the motor city, and began working as a music educator for the Detroit public schools. It wasn't long before he organized the internationally known youth big band: Bird Trane Sco Now. Cassias Richmond, Roy Whitaker, Kevin Washington, and James Carter are just few of the many young people who came up in this ensemble and went on to great careers. Donald and his family moved to Minnesota in 1987. Donald has taught in Minneapolis Public Schools, and was a staple of the Twin Cities music scene for years. He retired from teaching in the Minneapolis public school system in 2005. In addition, Donald has performed in concerts including at the Detroit Institute of the Arts, Eclipse Jazz Art Fair, Ferguson Hall with Malachi Favors Maghostus, Montreux Jazz Festival in Detroit, Imp Ork with Roscoe Mitchel, Don Cherry, Ernie Watts, Capri Jazz Band in Minneapolis, and Treignac Jazz Festival in France. His recordings include Donald Washington and the New Day Blues Band.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.