Donald Leroy Simmonds, 85
Donald Leroy Simmonds of Columbia Falls passed away on Tuesday,Dec. 8, 2020, at the age of 85. Donald died peacefully with his beloved wife Winnie by his side. Our large family grieves not for Don, for he rests from the trials of this life in the arms of Jesus. We grieve for all the days without his presence in our lives. Until that time that we will join him in heaven, his memory lives in our hearts forever.
Don was born in Modesto, California, on Aug. 16, 1935, to Walter E. Simmonds and Catherine Simmonds. Don met his wife while attending Oregon State University and they were married in 1957. He received his Bachelor of Science in Geography degree and could tell you every mountain, lake, river or stream in the world and he loved to travel. His love of aviation and patriotism led him to the United States Air Force after graduation.
Don was in the USAF from 1957 to 1965 where he flew B-47 bombers during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After the Air Force, Don served as captain for American Airlines until his retirement in 1995. Don and Winnie started their family and raised their four children in states where they were stationed all around the U.S., the last of which was Bonsall, California. They enjoyed their avocado farm in California and they retired to Columbia Falls. During retirement, they loved to snow ski, hike in Glacier National Park and raft the rapids near where they lived. They have so many wonderful friends who love them dearly.
Don was always described as a kind man, a gentle soul and everyone’s father and grandpa. He had the best smile and loved his family. He enjoyed reading all kinds of books, but mostly loved books by Tom Clancy and books about military history.
Don was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Winnie T. Simmonds; children, Debbie Ceciliani (Mike), Linda Wheeler (Ernie), Suzanne West (Jeff), and Paul Simmonds (Gina); grandchildren, Ryan Ceciliani, Rachael Ceciliani, E.J. Wheeler, Rebecca Wheeler, Shannon Wheeler, Hunter West, Hannah West, Cole Simmonds and Grant Simmonds; great-grandson, Henry Ceciliani; and sister, Dianne Miles.
A military internment private service will be held at Miramar National Cemetery, along with a celebration of life outdoors at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in January 2021. A separate celebration will be held at Glacier National park later in the spring/summer 2021.
People wishing to honor Donald’s lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to the Glacier National Park Conservancy. Please send all donations to P.O. Box 2749, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.