Donald G. Brown, 70

Donald G. Brown, 70, passed away from cancer Monday, Nov. 30, 2009, at The Heritage House in Kalispell, after a short illness. Don was born April 5, 1939, in Libby to Clarence and Lois (Driear) Brown. He graduated from Libby High School in 1957, and served in the Army Reserves at Fort Leonardwood, Mo., for six months. He was married to Marlys (Barr) Brown for 25 years. Three children were born from their marriage. During this time, Don worked at J. Neils Lumber Co. for a short period of time before purchasing a dump truck and loader. He later sold them and bought a logging truck. Brown Heavy Hauling was established and he built a shop north on Highway 37 where he managed his business of hauling logs and moving heavy equipment. Don and Marlys marriage was dissolved in 1984. Don moved to Kalispell and later married Betty Schneider. They purchased the Central School and built the Pro Clean Carwash. Don had several ventures during this time including driving truck for Roger Claridge. Betty passed away in November 1998. Don moved back to Libby and started up a paving business which he ran for several years. Three years ago he bought Happy s Inn and he and Maxine have been running that business while remodeling. Don is survived by his special friend and partner, Maxine Domgard; his son, James Brown, and his wife, Terrie, of Moses Lake, Wash.; his daughter, Judy Mavis, and her husband, Dennis, of Hungry Horse; his son, Ron Brown, of Dundee, Ore.; his brother, Robert Brown, of Kalispell; and three grandchildren, Cory McReynolds of Columbia Falls, and Shannon McReynolds and Melissa McReynolds of Kalispell. Other family members are stepson, Sam Schneider, of Soap Lake, Wash.; stepdaughters, Linda Blankenship and Penny Scott, of Great Falls; Gail Decker of Kalispell; Faith Brewer, Neil and Karen Brewer, Bill and Phyllis Lynch, Glen and Pat Koski, and Jack and Beth Lynch, all of Kalispell; and all of his many great friends in the Libby and Kalispell areas. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to view Don s guest book, offer condolences and share memories. Don s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of his life will be held at noon on Friday, Dec. 4, at the Kalispell Moose Lodge.