Former Washington Congressman Don Bonker dies at 86

Former Washington Congressman Don Bonker passed away at the age of 86 in Silverdale on May 30, according to a release from his family.

He represented Washington’s 3rd district for fourteen years, from 1975-1989.

Bonker’s son, Jon Bonker, remembers his father and all his accomplishments fondly as just not a successful legislator but also just as “dad.”

“Dad made a lasting impact through his work but his love and dedication to our family was even more extraordinary,” said Jon Bonker, on behalf of the family. “He took more pride in the titles ‘Hubby,’ ‘Dad,’ and ‘Papa’ than ‘Congressman.’ He was the rock of our family, our protector, greatest advocate, and best friend. He was truly a remarkable person. We’re devastated by his loss, but we’re grieving with hope because he belonged to Jesus and we know we’ll see him again,” he said.

Bonker is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn, daughter Dawn, son Jon, and five grandchildren.

Don Bonker is not only being remembered by loved ones but also by colleagues.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, who now represents the Third District, said “Don was a champion for Southwest Washington, led by his faith and lifelong commitment to serving our communities. His work to preserve the woods and our way of life will continue to be felt by Southwest Washington for generations to come. I was honored to call him a friend and a mentor.”

“There will never be another Don Bonker,” said longtime friend Ron Dotzauer, CEO of Strategies 360. “His career reflected his life and an extension of his values for cooperation, public service, and commitment to building a better world for all of us.”

Before becoming a congressman, Bonker was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran who began his career in local public service.

He served two terms as Clark County Auditor before being elected to the U. S. House of Representatives in 1974.

Bonker worked in a myriad of environmental, international relations and industrial policies during his 14 year tenure.

Among his many environmental accomplishments, some of those were:

· Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

· Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

· Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

· Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

· Expansion of the Olympic National Park to include Point of Arches and Shi Shi Beach on the Pacific coastline

· Preservation of the old growth Cedar Grove on Long Island in Willapa Bay

Bonker released “A Higher Calling,” a memoir reflecting on his career in public service, and personal philosophies in 2020.