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Don Haggen, co-owner and former CEO of Haggen, Inc., passes away at age 80

August 29, 2011 • Bellingham, WA

Don Haggen, 80, who led the growth of a family grocery business from one store to as many as 34, passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2011 in Bellingham, Wash. after a brief illness.

Haggen, along with his brother Rick, grew their parents’ family business, Haggen, Inc. to be the largest independent grocer in the Pacific Northwest. His parents, Ben and Dorothy Haggen, operated a single grocery store in Bellingham when he joined the business in 1957.

In 1973, Don and Rick Haggen became the primary stockholders of Haggen, Inc. Don Haggen became President in 1973, and in 1989 was promoted to Chairman/CEO. Don and his brother Rick also served as co-chairmen of Haggen, Inc. until earlier this year. The company now operates 13 Haggen Food & Pharmacy stores and 16 TOP Food & Drug stores in Washington and Oregon.

He served in leadership positions in numerous organizations, including the Coca Cola Chairman’s Council and the Western Association of Food Chains.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bellingham at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.