Wallace Gordon “Gordy” Rightmire, age 91, of Bellingham, passed away Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 in Lynden. He was born in Cowiche, Washington, on July 18, 1925 to his parents Mary and Everett Rightmire, graduated from Cowiche High School in 1943, joined the Army Air Corps and served in World War II.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Louise Nolte Rightmire, in March 1945 (they enjoyed 65 years together), Gordy took advantage of the GI Bill and, together with his young family and many other GIs, attended Washington State College (now WSU). His experiences growing up on a humble family farm in the Yakima Valley, together with his participation in Boy Scouts and FFA, inspired him to pursue veterinary medicine. Earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1951 and after a few months practicing in Snohomish, the family moved to Bellingham where Gordy partnered with Ebright Animal Hospital. Gordy worked as a veterinarian for almost four decades, serving owners of large and small animals throughout Whatcom County.
An active community participant, Gordy was a member of the Rotary Club of Bellingham, Samish Camp Fire Council Board, First Congregational Church of Bellingham and Bellingham Golf and Country Club. He served as scout master of Boy Scouts of America Troop 4 as well as coach of many youth sports groups. Elected to be the first president of the WSU Veterinary Alumni Association, he presented at several regional and national veterinary association conferences. An avid WSU fan and supporter, Gordy was honored as “Coug Dad of the Year” in 1968 and received the WSU Alumni Achievement Award in 1982.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; son, Richard; and brother, Curtis Rightmire.
He is survived by: his daughters, Deborah (Pete) Granger of Bellingham and Rebecca (Kenneth “Sparky”) McGrew of Vancouver, Washington; daughter-in-law Kathleen Rightmire of Birch Bay; brother Everett Rightmire of Burien; grandchildren Todd Rightmire (Kris), Kristi Harting (Mark), Benjamin McGrew (Mady), Sarah Glos (Derek), Bryce McGrew and Katie Granger-Criswell (Michael); seven great-grandchildren; and a large extended family.
Gordy was the epitome of a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. No matter how busy, he found time to lead, support or attend many of his family’s activities, some involving long-distance trips throughout the U.S.
A long life filled with many friends and experiences, together with his abundant interests and keen mind, kept him socially and mentally vital. From annual gatherings with high school and veterinary school classmates, hundreds of memorable fishing and camping trips throughout Washington and Canada, rousing games (golf, tennis, bridge, Trivial Pursuit and cribbage), attending and following all local and WSU sports activities, annual vacations to Kauai, Hawaii, his enjoyment of all types of music and ballroom dancing, to his later years as a resident at Lynden Manor, Gordy definitely “collected” people and valued his friendships and precious memories with all.
We feel blessed to have had Gordy as our cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cheerleader and friend. His legacy of love, his ability to truly live the Golden Rule daily and affirm the “good” in all he met inspires us all. His long, love-filled life was filled with joy, optimism, music, sports, fundamental truths and faith. We are grateful to the many loving caregivers and medical providers at Lynden Family Medicine, Lynden Manor, Christian Health Care Center and Hospice.
Memorials may be made to either the Dick Rightmire Memorial FFA Scholarship, P.O. Box 74, Ferndale, WA 98248; or to Mt Baker FFA Boosters (Dr. Rightmire Memorial Fund on memo line), P.O. Box 162, Deming, WA 98244.
A Celebration of Gordon’s life will be held in the First Congregational Church, 2401 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, with a reception following in the social hall.
