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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.”