Donald J. Howes, 84

Don Howes, 84, passed away on March 6, 2007 in Sandpoint, Idaho. Born on a farm near Merrill, Iowa, July 3, 1922, Don was the youngest of five children born to James and Edna Howes.

He and his two sisters, Dorothy and Lucille moved west during the Great Depression. Don became a prospector near Carson City, Nev. His sisters went on to California.

During World War II, Don served in the Navy in the Pacific Fleet. He saw considerable fighting during the island campaigns. After the war, Don returned to Nevada as a silver prospector. At the age of 29, he met and married Joan Mason with whom he had two sons, Jim and Steve.

He moved to Bonner County in 1955 and became a stone mason. Joan and Don were divorced in 1959 after which he moved to Trestle Creek. In the mid-seventies Don moved his home to Clark Fork where he lived with his beloved dogs, Max and Boots, his horses and an array of squirrels and birds.

Don had friends everywhere he went. He was known for his kindness, his love of nature and of his Lakota heritage. He will be missed by many.

A Lakota memorial ceremony will be held at Trestle Creek Park at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 10. A pot luck will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Hope Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to local area charitable institutions.