Donald Walton Lynch

DONALD WALTON LYNCH 92, passed away quietly on December 4, 2007. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Edwina (Sundholm) Lynch and his two sisters, Margaret Turner and Nonie Krall. He is survived by his three children, David Lynch of Los Angeles, John (Denise) Lynch of Olympia, Washington, and Martha (Ronald) Levacy of San Diego. He also leaves nine grandchildren (Jennifer, Edward, Steven, Andrew, Austin, Michael, Robert, Patrick, and Riley), and one great grandchild (Sydney). Don was born on December 4, 1915 in Fort Benton, Montana to Austin E. Lynch and Maude (Sullivan) Lynch. His early years were spent on the family farm with no electricity or running water and where the farming was done with horse drawn equipment. He graduated from the University of Montana prior to serving four years in the US Navy during WWII. During his Navy experience, Don was the chief engineer on the destroyer USS Mugford. He reached the rank of Lieutenant. After the war, he married Edwina Sundholm, completed a doctorate in forestry from Duke University and pursued a career with the US Forest Service. He retired in 1973 after 28 years with the Forest Service. In his retirement, Don enjoyed spending the summer months in Whitefish, Montana. His hobbies included crafting hand made violins. During his adult life, Don was active in the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside for more than 30 years. Don was a loving husband, a fantastic father and a generous friend to many. Burial service for immediate family will be at the Riverside Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 11 at 1:00 pm, at the Calvary Presbyterian Church, 4495 Magnolia Blvd., Riverside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Calvary Presbyterian Church, Riverside or to the First Presbyterian Church, Whitefish, Montana.