Donald "Don" Patrick Baribault

Donald "Don" Patrick Baribault—an exceptional husband, father, son, brother, educator, community member, and friend—passed away on May 26, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, due to his selfless and heroic actions. He was 53 years old.

Don was born on January 7, 1972, in Amityville, New York, the son of Donald Andrew and Patricia Ann (Di Iorio) Baribault. In 1977, his family relocated to Spokane, Washington, before settling in Northport, where Don began attending Northport Schools in eighth grade. A proud Mustang, he graduated in 1990 after participating in basketball, cross country, hockey, and his favorite, baseball.

During the summers, Don worked as a firefighter for the Department of Natural Resources. He began his college education at Spokane Community College before transferring to Eastern Washington University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history and a teaching certificate in 1995.

In 1996, Don returned to Northport as a substitute teacher and, in 1997, began his first full-time position teaching middle school history, math, and woodshop, while also serving as the school's athletic director. On May 16, 1998, Don married Karen L. LeCaire in Colville, Washington. Together, they built a loving family with their daughter, Ashtyn, and sons, Trenton and Dawson.

While teaching and raising a family, Don pursued higher education, earning a master's degree in administration from Gonzaga University. In 2012, he became principal of Northport Schools and, five years later, assumed the role of superintendent, which he held for the past 10 years. Don was in his 29th year as an educator—a career marked by an unwavering commitment to students, education, athletics, and community.

Don coached numerous sports throughout his career, including high school boys' and girls' basketball, girls' volleyball, and boys' baseball—which he coached for 20 years. He also coached summer American Legion baseball teams and consistently stepped into any role that needed to be filled, always seeking to lead with purpose and heart.

His impact reached far beyond the Northport School District. As President of the Northport Lions Club and a dedicated volunteer, Don played a vital role in countless community projects and events. His leadership helped secure grants and state funding to revitalize Northport Schools, always with a forward-thinking vision for the students and community he loved.

Whether working or vacationing—often on the Oregon Coast, one of his favorite places—Don approached life with energy and intention. He embraced every moment, from beach walks and fishing trips to quality time with his family.

Known for his corny dad jokes—often laughing before the punchline or accidentally combining jokes—Don brought joy and laughter wherever he went. His kids lovingly joked that, "it was funny how not funny he was," but no one could resist smiling alongside him.

Don was deeply kind, thoughtful, and generous, embodying true goodness through quiet acts of sacrifice and a life of service. His absence leaves an unfathomable void. To his family, he wasn't just a good man—he was the best man.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved nephew, Jalen Baribault.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Baribault of Northport, WA; daughter, Ashtyn Baribault of Northport, WA; sons, Trenton Baribault (Alexa) of Colville, WA, and Dawson Baribault of Northport, WA; parents, Donald and Patricia Baribault of Kingman, AZ; siblings, Mike Baribault (Amanda) of Anacortes, WA, Tricia Biggs (Jason) of Olympia, WA, and Guy Baribault (Amy) of Spokane, WA; along with several nieces and nephews and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

A memorial service for Donald "Don" Patrick Baribault will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 27th at the Northport School Gymnasium, with a reception to follow at the Northport Town Park for family and friends to share memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northport Dollars for Scholars. To sign the online guestbook and view Don's memorial, please visit www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.

Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.

#MustangStrong