Don C. Rice passed away on June 16, 2018 at Swedish/Edmonds Hospital at the age of 88. He was born in Auburn, WA. on October 3, 1929 to Clifford and Ella May Rice. He graduated from Coupeville High School in 1948 with a graduating class of seven.
He worked at the local turkey farm in Coupeville while in high school. He also owned and operated a cabinet shop on the island when he was out of school.
However, his passion was driving. He was a logger on Whidbey Island for a few years. He drove for Kenosha Auto Transport, hauling new Ramblers from the factory in Kenosha out to San Francisco. He also drove for Mayflower (the moving company.) His claim while driving for Mayflower was that he drove in 46 of the 48 states while moving people’s goods.
Don married Ila B. Sheets on August 17, 1959. They were married 54 years. Don and Ila lived in their modest house in Lake City from 1963 until 2014. He became a widower on April 29, 2014. In 2015, Don begin to live out the remainder of his life at the Chateau Pacific assisted living facility in Lynnwood, WA.
Don finished his driving career at Ric’s Transfer in Seattle. He drove for them for 28 years, receiving numerous safe driving awards along the way. He retired from driving in 1992.
After retirement, Don and Ila traveled the country, visiting antique stores and searching for antique trucks and truck parts. Don restored four antique trucks over the years, bringing them back from basket cases to show-worthy classics.
Don is survived by his four children; Mark Rice, Oneta Griffin, Robert Rice and Bruce Rice. He has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He’s also survived by his sister, Lillian Jones.
Don will be buried next to his wife at Acacia Cemetery in Lake Forest Park. No services will be held. A private ceremony will be held off site at a later date.
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