Donald Bachant

Donald Charles Bachant, a long-time resident of Skylake community, made his transition from this earthly journey on April 11, 2013. He was 82 years old.

Don was born in Passaic, NJ, to the late Charles and Dorothy (Vanderbeck) Bachant. The family later moved to Fair Lawn, NJ. He was a graduate of Fair Lawn High School, a proud member of Genesis Lodge #88, F & A.M., and served in the Signal Corp of the United States Army in Europe during the Korean War. Following his service, Don worked with his father in the general contracting business and owned Fair Lawn Camera Shop. In 1959, he moved with his parents to Bonita Springs, FL, where they re-established Bachant Builders. In the 1980s, Don moved with his wife and children to Skylake in Sautee-Nacoochee into the home he designed and constructed. He was very active with the Nacoochee Community Center during its early years of development and renovation of the school building, in establishing hiking trails and bluebird boxes in Skylake, and in other Skylake Men's Club activities. During his adult life he was known for his wood working skills which included boat construction, turned wood pieces, and other hand-crafted items in addition to his building skills. Don also enjoyed boating, fishing, and camping, and cared deeply for the environment and companion animals. He will be greatly missed by his devoted dogs, Tasha and Andy, and cat, Alexandra.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Edris "Tinker" Bachant of Sautee-Nacoochee; daughter Jolen Horvath (Susan Stevens) of St. Petersburg, FL; son Steven Bachant (April) of St. Marys, GA; daughter Danielle Bachant-Bell (Michael Bell) of Bloomington, IN; sister Marilyn (Charles "Ted") Ludwig of Alpharetta, GA; and grandchildren Monique and Brandon Bachant of St. Marys, GA.

Donald's wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Nacoochee Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Charles Smithgall Humane Society and Animal Shelter at HYPERLINK "http://charlessmithgallhumanesociety.org"

Online condolences can be made to the family at barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.