Don Rider

1937 - 2021

Don A Rider was born August 29, 1937 in Wewoka Oklahoma to Pete and Pearl Rider. At the beginning of WWII the family moved to Everett Washington for Pete to participate in "war work" in Alaska. Don always considered Everett and Snohomish County his home. He passed away on April 24, 2021 in Rancho Mirage, CA after a long hard fought battle with Alzheimer's Disease.

Don graduated from Everett High School in 1955. Later that year he began work for the Snohomish County PUD. He continued to achieve much success at the PUD and retired on December 31, 1982 as Director of Public Relations.

Don then formed his consulting firm, Ridon Enterprises, specializing in Government and Public Affairs. He retired in 1998 to enjoy the sunshine and golf at his winter home in Palm Desert California.

Don was involved in many civic organizations. He served as President of the Everett Jaycees and his exceptional leadership earned him the award as the Outstanding Local Jaycee President of Washington State in 1967-68. He later served as President of the Everett Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Snohomish County Boys Clubs, President of the Everett Kiwanis, Chairman of the General Hospital Foundation, and President of the North Everett Little League. He was also a member of the Everett Elks Lodge and later the Indio California Elks Lodge. Don was honored to be named one of the 100 Everett Centennial Citizens during the Everett Centennial Celebration in 1993.

Don also served as a member of the Everett School Board; as a commissioner for the Silver Lake Water District and a member of the Snohomish County Civil Service Commission. As a School Boardmember Don established and chaired the Everett Public Schools Foundation Board .

Survivors include Donna, his wife of 62 years: his children: Mike and Elizabeth Rider of Taylors, South Carolina and Curt and Janet Rider of Everett, Washington; and grandson, David Rider of Los Angeles, California. He also leaves his sisters Anita Potter of Tahlequah OK, MaryAnn Leonard of Camas WA, Karen Nickell of Vancouver WA and Teresa Rider of Vancouver WA.

At Don's request no services will be held. For those wishing to remember Don contributions can be made to the Everett Public Schools Foundation, P O Box 3112, Everett WA 98213 (please reference EHS Class of 55 Scholarship Fund); or to the Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County, 9502 19th Ave SE, Everett WA 98208.

August 29, 1937 - April 24, 2021