Donald Ray Weaver

Long-time resident of Bellingham and Whatcom County, Donald R. Weaver, age 87, died Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

He was born January 16, 1938 to Roy and Alice Weaver in Winona, MO. His early school days were in a one-room school which he walked to with his two older sisters. His family moved to Washington State in 1946 to a home in the Laurel area. They moved to Lynden the next year, and that was where he attended school, grew up, and worked for a short time before enlisting in the Army. After basic training at Ft. Gordon, GA, he was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. He ended his service at Ft. Lewis, WA, in 1962

He moved to The Dalles, OR, where two of his sisters lived, found work with a company that built houses, and learned the carpentry trade from the bottom up. While in Oregon, he met and married Diana Thomas in 1963. They moved to Bellingham in 1967, where Don continued in the carpentry trade. He ended his working career as a construction superintendent with Eldred and Essex Builders of Bellingham.

Don always enjoyed music. His mother taught him to play the guitar when he was a young teen and which he enjoyed the rest of his life. A later addition to his love of music was Karaoke singing. He had no problem singing in front of a crowd and considered it great fun.

Don’s interests kept him busy. He restored a ’57 Chevy, bought and rode his cherished Harley motorcycle, traveled often to visit family and friends, and enjoyed several trips to Mazatlán, Mexico. He always looked forward to the monthly lunch at Fairway Café in Lynden with former classmates from Lynden High School, Class of ’56.

Belonging to the American Legion, Post 7, in Bellingham gave Don the opportunity to serve with their Honor Guard for many years. He considered it a privilege to participate in honoring hundreds of veterans at graveside services. He was awarded a plaque for his commitment to the Honor Guard during half-time at a Bellingham Mariners baseball game at Joe Martin Field in Bellingham.

Don is survived by his wife, Diana, son Lane (Margaret), daughter Kim (Greg), grandchildren, Caelan, Duncan, Shelby and Jessica, and great-grandchildren Koi and Violet.

A graveside service with Military Honors will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, June 13, 2025 at Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale. Followed by a reception at the American Legion Post #7, 1688 Bakerview Road, Bellingham, WA 98226.