Donald R. Waldron, 84

Don, 84, of Kalispell, passed away on Dec. 6, 2012, in Arizona of complications from Parkinson's disease.

He was the third child born to Bert and Nellie Waldron. Don grew up in Kooskia, Idaho, and graduated from Hamilton High School in Montana in 1946.

Upon graduation he joined the Marine Corps where he continued playing football, his favorite sport. He served briefly in World War II, and during the Korean conflict.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Western Montana College of Education where he also played football. He obtained his master’s degree in education from the University of Montana.

He worked as a school administrator in the Montana school districts of Troy, Libby and Hellgate in Missoula. Upon retirement, he worked as a lobbyist for the Montana Rural Education Association.

He was affiliated with many educational and community organizations and received numerous awards for his contribution to Montana's educational system. He loved the out of doors spending time with his family hunting, fishing, camping and gathering wood.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Howard; and sister, Audrey Dunne.

He is survived by his immediate family, wife of 60 years, D. Jean Waldron; daughters, Darleda and Rob Tedrow of Kalispell, Debra Waldron of Seattle, and Denise Snyder of Calgary; and grandsons, Sam and William Tedrow. He also leaves behind his dog and his constant companion, Niko. He also is survived by an extended family of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and Rotary exchange students.

A memorial service will be held in Kalispell this coming summer.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association, your local hospice or a charity of your choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.wickenburgfuneralhome.com