|
|
Donald "Don" Eugene Armstrong
|
|
March 4, 1945 ~ October 7, 2012 |
|
October 9, 2012 |
Donald "Don" Eugene Armstrong, 67, of Spirit
Lake, Idaho, passed away in his sleep October 7,
2012.
He was born March 5, 1945, to Jim and Elsie
Armstrong, on an Army base in South Carolina,
the youngest of two boys. The family moved to
Oregon and Don spent his youth in the town of
Huntington, where he graduated from high school.
After attending Treasure Valley Community
College, Don graduated from Eastern Oregon
University with an English degree and teaching
certificate. He received his Master's Degree
from the University of Idaho. Don began his
career as an English teacher and then advanced
to school administration.
Don married Janice "Jan" Armstrong in 1967. They
were married for 44 happy years, starting out in
Huntington and Florence, Oregon, and then moving
to North Idaho in 1975.
Don and Jan had two children: Amy Jo, in 1972,
and Aaron James "A. J." in 1975.
The children spent their youth in Bonners Ferry,
where Don was the principal for six years and
school superintendent for three years. In 1984,
the family moved to Potlatch, Idaho. Don served
as the Superintendent of Potlatch schools for
eighteen years until his retirement.
After his retirement, he consulted for the Troy
and Kamiah School Districts.
Throughout his career, he was a leader of
several professional organizations, including
the Districts I and II Boards of Control and the
Youth Endowment Board of Directors. Don served
on the Board of the Idaho High School Activities
Association, and helped with the IHSAA State
Track meet every year through 2012.
He was inducted into the IHSAA's Hall of Fame in
2007.
Don enjoyed the communities of Bonners Ferry and
Potlatch and had many friends there. In 2009,
the Armstrongs moved to Spirit Lake, Idaho, into
a house built by their son, A. J.
Don and Jan loved camping and spent many
weekends with their kids at a rustic cabin near
the Moyie River. Don also loved fishing and
cooking for family and friends. Don met his
grandchildren for breakfast every weekend.
Don was preceded in death by his wife Jan, in
January, 2012.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Avery, and
grandchildren Hannah and Carson of Spokane
Valley; son A. J. and daughter-in-law Kathy and
grandson Paden of Post Falls; brother Jim and
sister-in-law Elaine in The Dalles, Oregon, as
well as his late wife's extended family.
Following Don's wishes, we will not have a
formal service. The family invites all of Don's
friends and colleagues to join them in a
memorial dinner at the Princeton Community
Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday November 3. |
|
|
|
|
