Donald Eugene Gould, 87
Donald Eugene Gould passed away on Oct. 16, 2022, in Kalispell.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife, Lorene (Yates) Gould (June 15, 1936 - March 27, 2020), and his youngest son, Randall Eugene Gould (Nov. 6, 1964 - Jan. 12, 2020).
He is survived by his oldest son, Scott Donald Gould, and his brother, Robert Gould. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Julia Gould and his two granddaughters, Lucy and Sophie Gould.
Don was born on March 11, 1935, in Ainsworth, Neb. Don was one of six children born to Edwin Alfred Gould and Gladys Daisy (Merriwether) Gould. He grew up in Montana and loved exploring the outdoors, hunting and fishing. At a young age, Don dedicated his life to Christ and was always willing to share his faith and the message of salvation with anyone willing to listen.
Don met the love of his life, Lorene Yates, while attending the Assemblies of God Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from Northwest College in Kirkland, Washington, they were married in August 1959. Don then served three years in the Army as a chaplain’s assistant, stationed in Panama. He was proud of his military service, and enjoyed wearing his U.S. Army cap and jacket. They were blessed with two sons, Scott Donald (1963) and Randall Eugene (1964-2019).
Both Don and Lorene felt a strong pull toward foreign missions. They were sent to Paraguay, South America, in 1970. There, they both fell in love with the people and culture. Don and Lorene treasured their time building churches and schools, and training pastors and teachers. Don especially enjoyed playing his guitar and singing during services and gatherings. Life in South America also shaped their family culture — both Randy and Scott became fluent in Spanish and the native language of Guarani and enjoyed growing up as locals — experiencing unique adventures, customs and forging lifelong friendships.
Don and Lorene retired after 40 years on the mission field to a cabin 10 miles outside Glacier Park in Montana. Here their adventures continued — later years were filled sharing time with friends and family. Many a Christmas was spent with son Randy, his wife Julia, and two of their greatest joys, granddaughters, Lucy and Sophie. The holidays were always special; joyful days spent baking cookies, sledding or sharing a warm comforting meal after a long day skiing at Big Mountain. Their happy home was always open to any who might drop for short or longer visits.
Don dedicated his life to an active vocation of helping and teaching others. He exemplified the love of Christ and always enjoyed sharing his faith and channeling his energies into extending aid to anyone who might need a helping hand. We find great peace in knowing Don has been reunited with Lorene, Randy and all of the many friends and family who have gone before him. A memorial service will be held in the spring or summer of 2023.
The family wishes to especially thank the incredibly caring staff at Hidden Meadow Memory Care, and also appreciates the loving support of all the great people at Enhabit Hospice. Your dedication to Don was outstanding.