Obituary

Dennis “Denny” Ward Rawls passed away suddenly on the evening of November 9th 2012. Denny suffered a massive heart attack. Surrounded by many of his loved ones he passed peacefully at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

Denny was born on the Ides of March in 1946 to Genevieve and Albert Rawls in Bellingham, WA where he spent his entire life. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1965 and served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves.

Denny had a great love for the outdoors and especially water sports, warm summer days and anywhere he could enjoy palm trees swaying in the breeze. On Lake Whatcom, Samish or Chelan you would find him cutting the water on his air chair, a slalom ski or taking a group of kids or friends for a spin on the tube. In the past few years he looked forward to crabbing with his brother Mike; every trip was an adventure. If he wasn’t on the water you would probably find him working on or cruising around in one of his many special classic cars to the great tunes of the 50’s or 60’s. Denny had a great appreciation for the antique automobiles.
Denny worked in sales most of his life, for many years at Fraser Chevrolet which became Framac, Mt. Baker Motors, Hinton and Blade Chevrolet. After sales in the automotive industry he moved on to selling mobile and manufactured homes for Prestige Manufacturing and then Oak Creek Homes.

He is survived by all his children, Kristi Manning (Mike Mcloughlin), Jenni Giambrone (Russ), Korenna and Kody Rawls; his grandchildren Keiley Reiter (Max), Joey and Kaitlyn Giambrone; his wife Marian Rawls (Lind) and former wife Carolyn Rawls (Ashburn); his siblings, J Hope Burse (Richard), Mike Rawls (Linda), Ron Rawls (Cindy) and Kathi Lamont (Gordy) all of Bellingham; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many wonderful friends. Denny was looking forward to becoming a great-grandfather in February.

Denny was preceded in death by his mothers Genevieve (Foltz), Dorothe (Chichester) and his father Albert Rawls.

Although Denny struggled for many years with Type 2 Diabetes, losing his sight was the most difficult for him to cope with. Despite his challenges he was always willing to help a friend or family member wherever possible. The family suggests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Diane Blair for the care and companionship she provided in his final months.

A memorial service with reception following will be held Tuesday, December 4, at 1 PM, at Moles Greenacres Funeral Home.

Farewell Tribute Information

A memorial service with reception following will be held Tuesday, December 4, at 1 PM, at Moles Greenacres Funeral Home. Donations Information

The family suggests donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice.