Don Wheat, Designer, Creative `Genius'

The man called genius by his friends and friend by children he helped is gone. Don Wheat, 59, an institution for young people in the University Village area for almost 15 years, died July 14 of a heart attack.

Educated in art and interior design at the University of Washington, Mr. Wheat used those sensitivities and his fondness for tinkering to help all, with special attention to those with troubles.

He worked more than 15 years as creative arts director for the Echo Glen Treatment Center.

"Don worked with the young people there, teaching them about hobbies and positive things from the full range of recreational activities," recalls his wife, Mickey. "I was his assistant in that program."

In 1981, Mr. Wheat bought a shop, named it Don's University Village Hobbies, and quickly became known to youngsters in Northeast Seattle as a man who would help them with problems in building or operating models of all kinds, and offer guidance in other areas.

Mr. Wheat's favored teaching tool was model railroads.

Born Dec. 16, 1935, he grew up in Lake Forest Park and by the time he was at Roosevelt High School, Mr. Wheat was building large model railroad layouts, recalls Don Wyman, his partner in many adventures.

"He was a real genius. He built his own electric circuits and switches for the layouts. He could make anything. Don was extremely intelligent and . . . he was a goer. Don could do things way beyond his training and education," said Wyman.

The buddies built outboard hydroplanes for the annual races up the Sammamish Slough, Wyman said.

"Don was always a kid at heart," remembers attorney Frank Holman, a cousin. "He lived with our family for a time in his late teens or early 20s and I remember him as a guy who could do just about anything with his hands.

"Most of all I think I remember his sense of design. He was strongly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, so his designs were simple and balanced," Holman said.

Mr. Wheat designed a beach home for Holman's parents, equipping it with chandeliers from coffee cans, using an acetylene torch. Still used today, the home includes a number of Mr. Wheat's charcoal drawings.

Several years ago Mr. Wheat used his design skills to help restore the arson-damaged Mount Baker Community Club.

Shortly before his death, Mr. Wheat started planning to move his hobby shop to a new location on Northeast Blakeley Street, next to the Burke Gilman Trail. That move has been completed by his wife and their oldest son, John, and the shop will continue in operation.

Mr. Wheat is also survived by another son, Will, Seattle, and a sister, Linda Hammons, Palo Alto, Calif. In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Wheat's ashes will be spread on Puget Sound. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m., tomorrow at the Mount Baker Community Center, 2811 Mount Rainier Drive S. Remembrances can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.