Donald Martin Pilcher

1926 - 2023

Donald Martin Pilcher
February 26, 1926 - March 25, 2023
Bellingham, Washington - Donald Martin Pilcher
Feb. 26th,1926- March 25th, 2023
Donald Martin Pilcher was born on Feb. 26th, 1926, a child of the Great Depression and one of 14 children born to Elizabeth (Butler) Pilcher and Harry Daniel Pilcher. He spent his youth on family farms in rural Kansas near the town of Delphos and in the years since enthusiastically regaled friends and family with stories from his childhood and a profusion of poetry he composed with his unique brand of humor. He was ever a champion for the poor and disadvantaged.
Don served in the Marine Third Division, Signal Company platoon with Navajo Code Talkers during World War 2 and called them good friends. After the war he married Phyllis Tennyson and the couple had 3 sons, Donald Jr., Ronald and Marshall, but eventually the couple divorced.
He earned degrees in Psychology and Social Work from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from UCSD, and joined SDSU in San Diego as a professor where he met Ann Jackson. The two married and in 1976 moved to Melbourne, Australia to teach at La Trobe University. Later he also became Dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Melbourne.
In 1988 Don and Ann returned to the US, settling first in Washington, D.C. and later in Orono, Maine. He was named Director of the School of Social Work at the University of Maine in Orono and retired as Professor Emeritus at age 70.
After retirement, Don and Ann moved to Bellingham, Washington to be closer to family. After Ann's death, Don developed a close relationship with Dixie Evans that lasted until his death.
He was preceded in death by all his siblings; with his passing comes an end to an era. He is survived by his partner, Dixie Evans, his sons Don, Ron and Marshall, his grandchildren Travis, Lindsey, Laura, Becca and Jordan, as well as many great grandchildren. He is also survived by stepdaughters, Cathy Harper, Susan Harper, Mary Harper and Sally Harper.
A Celebration of Don's life is planned for 12PM, July 22nd at the Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S. Harbor Loop Dr.