1932
2019
DONALD LEE GROAT, SR.
September 7, 1932 ˜ August 28, 2019
Donald Groat, Sr., a lifelong resident of Clark County, WA, passed away on August 28th, 2019, at the age of 86. He was born on September 7, 1932 in Vancouver, WA to Lloyd and Erma Hathaway Groat and was the second of three children. The family moved to a farm in Ridgefield when he was 6.
Don graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1950 and after graduating he went to work in the timber industry.
Don married Vera Bacon in 1953 and was married for 46 years until her passing in 2000.
Don continued to work in the timber, construction, and farming industries as well as for Pacific Wood Treating for many years.
In the early 1960’s, Don purchased the family farm, where he and Vera raised their family.
Don and his brother Lowell went into business together with the start of Columbia Woodwaste. They would eventually purchase Ridgefield Woodwaste from Roy Sonny and in 1971 they formed Groat Brothers Inc.
Don sold his interest of Groat Brothers to his brother in the early 1980s and continued to operate Columbia Woodwaste and the family farm until 2006.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales, watching football, playing cards and gathering with family and friends.
Don is survived by his 4 children, Terry (Keith) Grendahl of Vancouver, WA, Don Jr. (Carolyn) Groat of Touchet, WA, Greg (Maureen) of Ridgefield, WA and Gary (Tammy) Groat of Vancouver, WA; his sister, Melba Richards of Sandy, OR; his brother, Lowell (Netta) Groat of Ridgefield, WA; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and several other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Vera; and his parents, Lloyd and Erma.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 14th at 12:00 PM at Ridgefield United Methodist Church.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
As neighbors of Don Groat, here in Battle Ground, we send our condolences to the Groat Family. Don was a wonderful man and for many years we couldn't have asked for a better neighbor. He had us pasture our horses on his fields, so as to keep them eaten down. We enjoyed visiting with him whenever we could. Always enjoyed his stories of his life. Such a kind man... He definitely will be missed!! Sincerely, Bill & Debbie Sneathen
Bill & Debbie Sneathen
October 5, 2019
Don Groat was a very nice person who raised a great family. May his family and friends forever remember this fine person.
Ron & Darlene Deering
September 8, 2019
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