Former Sen. Harriet Spanel of Bellingham dies
To get notified of our latest news and updates, click the "subscribe" button
Harriet Spanel, who served Whatcom County for more than two decades as a state legislator, has died. She was 77.
“We have lost an incredible leader and a dear friend,” said Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, who succeeded Spanel as senator representing the 40th District, in a press release announcing her death. The district includes portions of Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties.
Harriet Spanel
Harriet Spanel Courtesy to The Bellingham Herald
“She was a tireless fighter for our communities, our children, the environment and our state,” Ranker said. “She was a champion for the protection of Puget Sound and oil spill protection laws and was a strong advocate for protecting habitat and ensuring that our fisheries were well-managed and that our fishing industry remained a healthy one.”