Rarey, Donald R.


Donald R. Rarey 2/8/1931 to 10/15/2007 After a courageous 11-month battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease, Don passed away on October 15 at home. He was surrounded by his wife Bev, stepchildren Teri and Bernie, and Dr. David Kennel, his wife Peggy, and their daughter Kristen. Don was born in Tillamook, Oregon, He attended Tillamook High School, where he was captain of the basketball team and Student Body President. He graduated from Oregon State University and began his teaching career in Orting in 1954. He joined the Clover Park District in 1959, where he taught and coached at Mann Junior High. He helped open Lakes High School in 1962 and remained there, teaching, coaching, and, eventually, head of the counseling department until his retirement in 1992. He loved going to school every day and working with students! After retirement, Don enjoyed playing the stock market on his computer, traveling to see the Mariners at spring training, exercising every day, doing yard work, and playing bridge. Don was preceded in death by his parents Russell and Charollotte Rarey, twin brothers who died at birth, and daughter Janet Rarey. He is survived by his wife Bev, brother David Rarey of Bothell, daughters Dyan Simmons, Judy Gilmore (Scott)Eand son Scott Rarey (Patti), all of Arizona, stepdaughter Teri Kindsfather and stepson Bernie Williamson (Kendra) of Spanaway, grandchildren Gavin and Jocelyn of Arizona, and Cody, Tayler, Baylie and Brooks of Spanaway. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family unconditionally and was a loyal friend to many. Funeral services will be at Fir Lane Funeral Home in Spanaway on Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Retired Women in Education, 719 N. 3rd St., Apt 201, Tacoma, WA 98403, or a charity of your choice.


Published in the News Tribune (Tacoma) on 10/18/2007