Donald Warren Negri, 83

Donald Warren Negri, 83, of Somers, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012, at home.

Donald was born June 27, 1929, to Catherine and John A. Negri in Seattle.

Donald had a history with the military, from 1948 to 1953. At a young age he was part of the U.S. Navy Reserve, U.S. Merchant Marines, and the U.S. Coast Guard/Geodetic Survey. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of the Korean War. He considered himself a world traveler with the USNR.

Donald married Beverly J. Blackwell on July 14, 1951. They lived in Seattle and Bellevue, Wash. Together, Donald and Beverly raised their five children.

He worked many different jobs throughout his life, but most of his time was dedicated to the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, working at St. Louise in Bellevue as building superintendent, from 1960 until his retirement in 1987. With retirement, they moved to Whitefish, and then to their home in Somers.

Donald enjoyed construction and remodeling, even after he retired to Montana. He took pride in keeping his home and property well groomed. He enjoyed tinkering with just about anything and if something needed fixing, people knew they would be able to count on him to get the job done.

In his younger years, Donald enjoyed ice skating and spent many hours with Beverly at the ice rink. He later found a passion for downhill skiing and would take the family up to the hill on the weekends. He also was able to take a memorable ski trip with Beverly to Italy and see some of his heritage first hand.

Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly (2011); and his daughters, Teresa (1956) and Nancy Campbell (1991).

Donald is survived by his children, James and Carol Negri of Sacramento, Calif., Joan and Dennis Barrow of Columbia Falls, Howard T. Negri of Kalispell, and Donald O. and Kristy Negri of Whitefish; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and his sister, Donna Heagy, of Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Cremation has taken place through Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church, 195 Coverdell Road, in Bigfork.