Donald James Simonson

1926 - 2017

Donald James Simonson, 91, of Spokane, died November 23, 2017. Don, son of Jim and Lillian Simonson, loving husband of Shirlee Simonson, passed away peacefully at his home at Moran Vista Senior Living. He is survived by Shirlee, his loving wife for 69 years, Shirlee’s sisters Linda Simmons, Shierelle Oeser, brother Dick Astleford, granddaughters Jackey Starosky and Gina Dempsey, grandsons Michael and Greg Starosky, great-grandson Tyler Starosky, and adopted son John Becker. Don was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Debbi Goddard, and his brothers Jack, Stewart, and Kent, as well as adopted daughter Tere Hall. Don attended Rogers High School, and in the many years since has been a proud supporter of his alma mater-–achieving a step on the Walk of Fame in 2010. After high school, he became a member of the Greatest Generation, serving two years in the Navy in WWII flying sub hunters on the US East Coast. Don loved to quip, “I joined the Navy and hunted subs--but all we ever saw were whales!” After the Navy, Don used the GI Bill to become a teacher, playing baseball at Whitworth before graduating from Eastern Washington College. Don spent most of his 36-year teaching career at Argonne Junior High and in addition to teaching, continued his lifelong love of kids and sports by coaching wrestling, baseball, and football. He loved to talk of his coaching-–he never had a losing season in football in his coaching career. He felt that teaching and coaching were the greatest job any man could ever have. Don built four houses and lived in each-–and was a fantastic woodworker with a natural talent. He was a role model for so many young men and women over his career–-in retirement he was often visited by his former pupils. A celebration of life is planned for January 2018, details will be published as soon as they are finalized.