Don Emery Gordon, 80, passed in peace on May 18, 2018 at Skagit Valley Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Elenora Gordon and his siblings Bud Gordon and LuAnne Smith. This loving man is survived by his wife Kay, his children LuAnne (Chuck) Burkhart, Joni Gordon, Don (Heather Wilder) Gordon Jr., and Cyndi (Jeff) Collins. Don and Kay have eight grandchildren: Sheridan Burkhart, Alexandria Burkhart, Shelby Burkhart, Novelli (Gregg) Haddick, Mitchell Lewis, Casey Gordon, Julia Collins, Adam Collins and two great-grandchildren: Asher Haddick and Emery Haddick.

Don was born in Kansas City Missouri, and moved to Spokane in 1953. He met Kay in high school while he was working at Safeway. They fell in love, married in 1958, and have loved each other for more than sixty years. Don graduated from WSU in 1960 with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He was a proud Sigma Nu and Cougar, and never missed an opportunity to endorse his fraternity or his alma mater.

Don was always a businessman and entrepreneur. He had several career moves, but most recently retired as the owner of Gordon Nissan Suzuki in 2003 after being in the auto business since 1969. He never really retired. Instead, he worked tirelessly to help his adult children start Blue Lake Property Management and its affiliates.

Also in 2003, Don was instrumental in the formation of SaviBank, a locally owned, true community bank. He served as Chairman of the Board until 2015, when he took the position of Lead Director. Don never hesitated to work hard on the bank's behalf and was an integral part of turning things around when the bank got in trouble during the recession. He was a strong supporter of local government, local control, and community banks. He loved Skagit Valley.

His many gifts of time and talent included: advisory board member Regence Blue Shield, past Director Skagit Valley Medical Center, committee member Skagit Valley Hospital Bond, advisory group member City of Mount Vernon Development Services, past Director Chinook Enterprises, past Director EDASC, past Director Burlington Chamber of Commerce, past Executive Director Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, past Executive Vice-President WSADA, and past President Kiwanis Club.

Don was a friend and leader to many. He enjoyed deep, lasting relationships with the people who knew him. He had a great sense of humor and put a human spin on almost everything he touched. He loved God, his wife, his family, boating, gardening, and giving service to his community. He will long be remembered.

Memorial Service to be held on June 9, 2018, 1:00pm at Bethany Covenant Church.*

*In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethany Covenant Church.