Don Witham, 61, of Helena, passed away June 25, 2014 surrounded by his kids and loved ones after a long battle with cancer, he saddled up and rode away to be with the man he loved the most, The Lord.
Don was born to Robert and Edith (Lowry) Witham on April 20,1953. He was the second oldest of seven children. His siblings are Bobbi (Jeff) Hoffer of Helena, Kirk Witham of Alaska, Tom Witham (deceased), Cathy (Tom) Jacques of Belgrade, Mark Witham of Coeur D’Alene and Paul Witham (Sharon) of Helena.
He graduated from CMR high in Great Falls, MT. He was the first to graduate in his family and with that he took great pride in that.
He spent his childhood working and playing on his grandparents farm in Dutton, Montana. There he and his Uncle Clyde, just 6 months older, got into lots of mischief together and til this day still had that special bond.
Everyone who knew Don knew he was the best backhoe operator around… just ask and anyone will tell ya. “Digger Don” to some. He attributed all he knows to Bob Wilson (deceased of Great Falls) whom he moved in with at the young age of 14. He lived and worked with the “Wilsons” til he met and married the love of his life Candy Parvinen in 1975.
Don and Candy moved to Helena and together they had 3 beautiful children. In 1977 Cleve “Shag” Witham and two years later came the surprise of twins, son Cody “Toad” Witham and Daughter Lanny “Bones” or “Nan” Witham, his pride and joys! After the kids were raised they all married, Cleve to Anna Marie of Sheridan, MT, Cody to Michelle of Denver, CO, Lanny to Rick of Helena, MT.
In no time at all he was blessed with 8 awesome grandkids, Blayne (12) “Buckaroo”, Tyler (8) “T-man”, August (7) “Dogger”, Lincoln (5) “Linc”, Cheyenne (4) “Chey Chey”, Stella (4) “Lil Miss”, Mavrick (3) “Mav” and Haddon (6 mo) “Had Man”.
Don Always knew exactly what all his kids and grandkids had going on. He always wanted to be part of everything and “foot the bill”!
As a child all Don ever wanted to do was work construction, run heavy machinery and build things. That’s exactly what he did. A true Jack of all trades.
He worked multiple construction jobs. Many of which was having his own business, “Don’s Excavating”. After that he worked for McGill & Son’s for a few years. He was lucky enough to have spent his last 20 years with his friend and boss Steve Hermanson. Through the years the two moved companies and went through job changes together. He looked up to his good friend “Hermie”. Along the way came Jake Zakovi, whom Don referred to as “My Best Friend”. At the end of Don’s construction days Jake took over Don’s “Forman” position.
In Don’s retirement years he got into the horse business with his oldest son, Cleve Witham, Performance Horses. He love to talk about his herd to anyone that would listen.
In October 2012, Don had a life changing experience and met who he referred to as his “Brother”, Dave Shumpert. Through Don’s last years Dave guided Don to have a relationship with the Lord. With that Don got through each and everyday. Don has many good friends and lots of extended family and left a lasting impression on each and every one of them. One of such “Lil Buckaroo” Jimmy Bushnell. We can all rest assure Don is doing in Heaven, what he did best on earth. Diggin dirt,rodeoin, hunting, spending time with “his people,’drinkin beer and keeping track of everyone. And yes there’s a “Dappers” in heaven.
We ask that everyone join his family for a Life Celebration on Monday June 30, 2014 at the Causeway Chalet from 1pm to 4pm. We look forward to hearing lots of good stories over a cold beer.
We want to offer a very special thanks to all the wonderful nurses at St. Peters Hospice – We Love You!
Also to Bob Wilson for all you did from lawn work to good visits over a cocktail.
We ask that any donations in memory of our dad be made to St. Peter’s Hospice, who cared for him with love for 9 months. Thank you ladies from all our hearts for all you did for our dad, Love Cleve, Cody & Lanny
“Happy Trails Dad”, We love & miss you!
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Michele Abney says
Michele Abney purchased the Days of Sunshine Bouquet for the family of Don Witham.
anna says
Rest in peace, Don. Love, Anna
Matt Horne says
Lit a candle in memory of Don Witham
Matt Horne says
Donny was a great friend to me he helped me in many ways i will cherish the many memories I know he is with the LORD may God Bless him and his family
Alice Hofer says
I went to school with Don but lost touch after he graduated. He was indeed a gentleman even back then. I have memories of all the great times in high school. I am so glad he came to know the Lord but it is no surprise as he was very caring even as a young man. May he Rest In Peace and his family know how blessed they were to have him in their lives. God bless you in your grief. Alice Shupe
Michele Abney says
The last time I spoke with Don, he talked about how his life was centered on his children and grandchildren. I know he must have hated to leave you all. I am sincerely sorry for your loss, but I know he will be in your hearts always….I see he had nicknames for all of the grandkids…Well, to our family he was “Shoestring”. RIP Don. Michele Abney
Michelle Van Nice says
Cleve, Cody, Lanny, Candy and family, so very sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t imagine what you are all going through – I will say prayers and remember all the wonderful memories of all of you and Don. May you all find peace and comfort in all the memories you have. Many hugs to all of you. Michelle Van Nice