Donald George Rachor

Donald George Rachor, (87) of Bellingham, Washington, passed away on April 28, 2023.

Don was born to Clarence and Bernice Rachor on September 18, 1935 in Seattle. After graduating from high school in Port Angeles, he went on to attend Central Washington University and Western Washington University, pursuing a degree in Chemistry. Don began his long career in the pulp and paper industry at Crown Zellerbach in Port Angeles before moving to Bellingham in 1966 to work for the Georgia-Pacific mill. Don had several roles at Georgia-Pacific, eventually becoming a Product Manager in the Chemical Division. Don was very proud of the patents he developed for GP, and no one could drag the term “Calcium Lignosulfonate” into a conversation like Don could! Don retired when the Bellingham mill closed, but continued his friendships with many GP co-workers until the end of his life.

An avid sportsman and traveler, Don loved cruising the world, hiking, and taking road trips. His real passion was fishing, especially his annual trips to Canada and Alaska with good friend John Eastman and brother-in-law Don Olson.

Don is survived by his children Mark (Pamela) Rachor of Bellingham; Kimberly (Douglas) Barnet of Mount Vernon; his beloved grandchildren Paige, Claire, Lauren, and Daniel, and great-grandchildren Naomi and Stella. Also survived by his sister Judy (Don) Olson and several nephews and nieces. Don is preceded in death by his parents and sister Marilyn Williams.

The family requests that donations be made in Don’s name to your favorite charity. There will be a private family gathering to send Don on his final fishing trip down the Lyre River near Port Angeles.