Photo courtesy of Heritage Funeral & Cremation
Aug 29, 1926 - Nov 23, 2017
My wonderful neighbor, friend and role model for how a gentleman should be. How I remember the kind, gentle spirit of Shirlee and Don, our dog sitters. Rest in peace my friend. Shirlee find solace in Gods love and promise of forever with Don.
Dick Smith
December 13, 2017 | Clovis, NM
I'm a better person for knowing Don. He always treated me with love & respect. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Rest In Peace Don.
William Barrett
December 10, 2017 | Spokane Valley, WA
Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.
November 29, 2017 | WA
The Washington State Veterans Cemetery extends our deepest sympathies to the family of Donald J. Simonson for your loss. We honor him for the service and sacrifice he made for our nation, he is a true hero.
November 29, 2017 | Medical Lake, WA
My husband and I both had Mr. Simonson at Argonne Jr. High in the 1980s. He was my art teacher and my husband's art and shop teacher. We both still have treasures that we made in his classes and they mean so very much to us. He was a wonderful man and touched many lives in the West Valley School District. His legacy lives on.
Barb and Tigan Knauss
November 28, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Simonson family. May you find peace from God during your time of grief. Rm. 15:33
Ann
November 28, 2017
Mary Kay and I have enjoyed Don's friendship for a long
time. We will miss him very much. Don was always a very positive man and was a joy to be around.
Frank and Mary Kay Vawter
November 27, 2017 | Spokane, WA
My father and Don were schoolmates at Rogers High. So imagine the pressure I gained upon later playing football for Don at Argonne Jr High in the late 1960's. Nonetheless, he was my greatest coach and mentor who taught a smart alecky young teen so much more about growing up and being responsible than any other. He was tough, but fair. And gracious. A very Special Man and Teacher. Lastly, I fondly recall him and his wife sitting on their front porch and cheering on our American Legion Baseball...
Mark Henderson
November 26, 2017 | Liberty Lake, WA
Shirlee,
This is Kari, Clyde & Kay Lewis' daughter. I just saw Don's obituary and wanted to tell you what fond memories I have of you & Don. You always held a special place in mom & dad's heart. I last saw Don at my mom's funeral and recognized him right off, that was so kind of him to come, he looked great & dad was so glad to see him. Don will be missed & you're in my thoughts and prayers. If dad is able he will be there for Don's celebration. My phone # is 509-993-4679 if you or...
Kari Lewis-Pettit
November 26, 2017 | Hayden, ID
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.
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