Donald Bayes

Donald “Don” Bayes, longtime Stanwood agriculture teacher, FFA advisor, auctioneer, and conservationist, passed away on October 17, 2026, in Stanwood at the age of 87.

Don was born February 24, 1939, in Bellingham to Marshall and Greta (Price) Bayes and grew up raising dairy cows and berries on the family farm near Lynden. After graduating from Lynden High School in 1957, he served three years in the U.S. Army, including time stationed in Japan with an intelligence unit. He put himself through Washington State University, earning his degree in agriculture. While at WSU, he met his wife, Wilma, on a blind date. They were happily married for over 57 years.

From 1967 to 1999, Don taught agriculture and natural resources and was an FFA Advisor at Stanwood High School. Known for his quick humor, practical jokes, and hands-on teaching, he spearheaded the Church Creek Adopt-A-Stream project in 1980, creating an outdoor classroom for salmon restoration that continues to inspire generations of students and teachers.

Don served for decades on the Stanwood-Camano Community Fair Board, was a member of the Stillaguamish Grange, and called countless charity auctions for local causes, FFA, and wildlife organizations. An avid outdoorsman, he was active in the Evergreen Fly Fishing Club and Trout Unlimited. He cherished family time at their Birch Bay cabin and spent his retirement summers with Wilma, family, and grandchildren fishing, riding ATVs, and enjoying their cabin in central B.C.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma; children Doug (Wendy), Debbie, and Laurie (Jim); grandchildren Brandyn, Andrew, and Leo; brother Marlin (Mary); sister-in-law Loretta; and many nieces, nephews, former students, and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin sister Donna, and brothers Dalen and Randall.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the Stanwood High School Auditorium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Stanwood FFA.

Mail: FFA Booster Club, PO Box 1366, Stanwood, WA 98292 (write “In memory of Don Bayes” on the memo line) Online: https://gofund.me/95694fbed