Donald David Williams
Donald
David Williams, 92, passed away on Monday,
December 19, 2011 in Bonners Ferry. Graveside
services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday
December 27, at Grandview Cemetery with Military
Honors.Born September 9, 1919 in Pasco, Washington, Don was raised by David and Laura Williams in Spokane, Washington. He graduated from Rogers High School after being chosen All City Football halfback and lettering in football, baseball, basketball and swimming. During his youth he built bicycles from salvaged parts then ventured to ride them on day trips to the top of Mt. Spokane and as far as Coulee Dam.
Don served in World War II after enlisting in the Army in March of 1942. He was based in the Pacific, where he taught young troops to swim while wearing full combat gear. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.
Don was fond of reminding everyone that the “luckiest day” of his “entire life” was July 12, 1946, when, during their marriage ceremony, he was asked if he would take Joan Hieber as his wife and his resounding answer was, “You bet!”
While raising three daughters with Joan, Don labored as a journeyman carpenter. He relished large projects such as additions to Sacred Heart Hospital and the five year construction of Boundary Dam in Metaline Falls, Washington. In 1982, after 37 years in the carpentry trade, he retired and liked to display his fingers showing that he had managed to keep them all.
Don and Joan moved from Spokane to Bonners Ferry in 2008.
Don’s passion was gardening. After being nominated by an admiring passer-by, his vegetable garden on Assembly Street was featured in a Spokane Spokesman Review article. He shared his bounty with neighbors and friends at Salem Lutheran Church. His love of the outdoors took him and his family camping, fishing, huckleberry picking, swimming and skating. He looked forward to hot springs soaks and so enjoyed his yearly vacation to Hawaii or Mexico that he often packed months early.
Don lead by example. A hard worker, he was reliable, adept and supportive of co-workers. He was inclusive and generous. His daily gratitude for everything and to everyone endeared him to many.
Don is survived by Joan, his wife of 65 years; two daughters, Shara White and Barbara Lindgren of Bonners Ferry; grandchildren: Randy Rinehart, Sherri Alderman, Jen Rinehart; Aaron, Adrian and Reuben McCrum; Taran and Tyga White; three great grandchildren and his best friend and brother-in-arms David Siebenthaler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters and his daughter, Marilyn Rinehart.
Memorials in his name may be sent to the Community Restorium at 6619 Kaniksu Street, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 83805.
Please sign Don’s online guest book.