Donald N. 'Don' Chaney, 73

Donald N. "Don" Chaney, 73, passed away Oct. 24, 2005, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, after a brief but brave battle with cancer.

Don was born Sept. 3, 1932, in Brockton, to Everett and lona Chaney.

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 and was very proud of his service to his country during the Korean War.

He married Donnajo Steele in Brockway on Oct. 23, 1955. Don and Donnajo moved to Columbia Falls that same year.

Don had worked in construction as a heavy-duty mechanic. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service in 1993, where he had been district mechanic at Murphy Lake Ranger Station.

After retirement he and Donnajo became snow birds, wintering in Quartzite, Ariz., where they immensely enjoyed potluck gatherings and frequent jam sessions with friends where Don played guitar.

Don and Donnajo had just celebrated 50 years of marriage in Trego among friends and family, where again Don and his friends picked up their guitars and performed for those at the party.

He was preceded in death by his son, David; parents, Everett and Iona; and one brother, Sam.

Don is survived by his wife, Donnajo, and their children, Sam Chaney and wife, Tanna, of Trego, Patty Raynes and husband, Wayne, of Libby, Larry Chaney of Eureka, and Dorothy Bickel and husband, Jack, of Eureka; as well as eight grandsons, one granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Sherry Shanks of Kalispell, and Shirley Flynn of Oswego; and brothers, Everett "Junior" of Rigby, Idaho, and Tom of Helena.

Memorial services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, at the Trego Civic Center in Trego, under the direction of Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, and the VFW Post 6786 in Eureka.