Sept. 10, 2022
City of Renton Contacts
Kelly Beymer, Parks & Recreation Administrator, 425-430-6617
Dave Neubert, Communications Manager, 425-430-6567
Don Persson's granddaughter, Alexis, wife, Vicky, and daughter, Lisa, joined Mayor Armond Pavone, to re-name the senior center, the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center.
Don Persson honored by renaming of the Renton Senior Activity Center
The center is now the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center
RENTON, WA – The Renton Senior Activity Center was re-named today in honor of civic leader Don Persson, who served the Renton community with distinction for 53 years. The unveiling ceremony came after a barbecue that was attended by family and friends and many current and former city officials.
“It’s very appropriate we name the senior center after Don,” said Mayor Armondo Pavone at the ceremony. “Taking care of our seniors was always at the top of his to-do list. He was an exceptional advocate, generously giving his time and talents.”
One of those to-do items was the annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner where for twenty-six years Mr. Persson was the driving force behind the event that provided fellowship and nourishment to countless guests at the center which now bears his name.
(left) Don and Vicky Persson at Don's final city council meeting on Dec. 9, 2019.
Don's daughter, Lisa Berreth, spoke of her father's humor and love of family. "He was an amazing father, grandfather, and husband, spoiling us tremendously. He taught me to laugh very loudly and often and to believe in myself and to know that there wasn't anything I couldn't do. He loved us unconditionally, and the world was better because he was in it."
Former Renton Mayor Denis Law remembered his long-time friend’s sense of community.
"Commitment to community service was in Don's DNA. He was always thinking about what we could do as individuals and what the city could do to improve the quality of life of our residents. He devoted his life to serving this community."
Mr. Persson, once named Renton Chamber’s Citizen of the Year, was a founding board member of Renton River Days Renton Regional Fire Authority, and Communities In Schools Board, and a Renton Rotary board member. He helped create the city's neighborhoods program and provided food and other resources to ensure the success of REACH's Center of Hope.
Today's event was a heartfelt and happy homage to his legendary cooking and catering skills which he shared at the annual senior picnic, neighborhood program activities, and volunteer appreciation events.
Mr. Persson's 53 years included 33 with the Renton Police Department and 20 as a member of the Renton City Council. He retired from the council in December 2019. Mr. Persson passed away in October 2021.
About the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center
The Don Persson Senior Activity Center is a drop-in facility for adults aged 50 and older. The center is a popular and vibrant meeting place offering quality recreational programs and social, health, educational, and nutritional services.
About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 107,500 (2022), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. More information is on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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