Donald Beaver

Coeur d'Alene Idaho. Don L Beaver, to family he was husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, and friend. His mind was sharp and his heart was strong, however to our dismay his lungs gave way. Our Heavenly Father saw best to take our husband and papa Don Beaver home for eternal rest on Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Don was 78 years young. "If you know Don Beaver, you know he will not be resting long, dad will ask God for a project to do!" In a snap shot of a life! Don L beaver was born to Gus and Bernice (Warren) Beaver. June 22, 1934. He began his life in Helena Montana as the oldest son in a large family. Dad started working at the young age of six, working as a paper boy. After graduating from Helena High in 1952, he joined the navy and became a first class petty officer aboard the USS Essex. When he was home on leave, something caught his eye at the local car dealer ship, and it was not a car, it was the beautiful receptionist, Jane Glasby. Their courtship was cards and letters and they were married December 30, 1956. They have been married 56 years, together they have 4 children, and 10 grandkids. After the service, Don graduated from the Montana State University 1962, with a degree in mechanical engineering. We always said dad should have become a Dr. because his mind was always thinking. After college Don was a salesman for Carrier and then Lenox, which involved lots of traveling. After many moves, our dad wanted to be home with his family. Our parents chose Missoula, to raise their family. Our dad went out on his own and opened, Beaver Air Conditioning & Heating, he ran this business for almost 20 years. After moving to Missoula, our mom found an older home in the university area, she told dad, that it just needed a little love. Love it got, plus lots of elbow grease and creative construction. It became the beautiful home mom knew it could be. (A Bob Cat living amongst the Grizzlies.) Dad's favorite thing to do was water ski. He would take his family camping at Seeley Lake. After many years of camping, dad surprised mom with a week at the Seeley Lake Motel, complete with hot showers. Our camping trips in the woods started to decrease. When the motel came up for sale, my dad thought, how hard can it be and came up with a plan to buy the little motel. Our dad has an amazing wife and with family labor. Our parents transformed the little cabins into a special place to come. The world came to their door. Germany, France, and Italy the east and west coast, each one welcomed and friendships made. Dad learned how to ski from mom, and then dad taught at least 75 people to ski over his life time. Dad was not a morning person, except when it was summer and the sun was hardly up. The water was clear as glass; the boat motor was the only sound besides duck calls. Our dad did enjoy watching his sons ski. They would lean into the water and have competitions on who could throw the largest rooster tails. Though dad shared the water ways, and was respectful, I did see on occasion the smile in the corner of his mouth, when my brothers would share some of the morning dew with the fishermen. We kids have great memories watching papa do his two ski trick. He would act like he really could not ski. We called it the Seeley Swaheeley and walking on the water with Jesus. Then papa would put on his special ski. The water became his own playground, he would lean in and it was sight to behold.. (We asked God to take papa skiing as soon as possible.) Don took great delight in his family; He cared deeply and loved his wife Jane of 56 years. They have been through many changes, joys and struggles and they chose to make it last right to the very end. His sisters & brothers, his children and grandkids, yes, Don always felt the need to be teaching us something, he wanted us to be, all we could be. There were many days the eyes have rolled at Papa. It is who he was. Our dad Don did however love each and every one of us. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Gus A. Beaver and Bernice (Warren) Beaver, His In-laws Walter and Bonnie Glasby, his sister Diana Gustafson and just recently in February his beautiful sister Joyce Sturn. Don, dad-papa, will be greatly missed by his wife Jane Beaver (Coeur d'Alene Id.) Daughters, Valerie (Mike) Brown, Missoula, and Kathy Beaver, Son's, Troy (Staci) Beaver Missoula, and Ty (Shawna) Beaver Coeur d'Alene. His grandkids in order are Amanda Brown, Michael (Baylee) Beaver, Kaila Brown, Sharayah Beaver, Stephanie Brown, Mackenzie Beaver, Logan Beaver, Sydney Beaver, Kale Beaver and Dayanara Beaver. Also surviving Don are his siblings, Nancy Archer, Shirley Herrin, Phyllis (Dick) Lamping, Larry Beaver, Carol (Dennis) Dean, Glenda (Jerry) Eenhuis, Raymond (Ivy) Beaver, Mary (Bing) Crosby, Judy (Corky) Harris, John Beaver, and Clarice St. Clair. And many nieces and nephews. We would like to also include our very special and great family friends Chuck and Peggy Baraby. In celebration of Don's life a memorial will take place June 22, 2013 in Missoula MT. (details to follow). To offer condolences to the family or share a memory, please visit www.belltowerfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers, please give a donation to your local food bank or favorite charity.