Don Butler, 86

Don Butler passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on August 24, 2023, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Don, known as Donny to locals, was born in Hope, Idaho, to Guy and Helen Butler. His parents owned the only store in Hope: Butler's One Stop, where they raised their children Don, Marilyn, Bruce, Joyce and Kathy. Don grew up working at the store and doing all things outdoors in the area such as fishing, hunting, logging, hiking, camping, boating, swimming, berry picking and undoubtedly getting into mischief with good friends and cousins.

After graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1957, Don attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, Wash. During this time he met Charlotte Rogers, fell in love, and married in 1961.

Don finished school and was hired by CPA firm LeMaster and Daniels. After a few years he was tasked with opening a new office in Othello, Wash., where he became a partner in the firm and remained with the firm for over 40 years. He worked long hours to develop relationships of trust with area clients and built a highly successful office. Othello was a wonderful community to raise a family and work in, but Don always considered Hope his home.

While Don worked hard, he liked to play and fishing was at the top of his list. His pursuit of salmon and steelhead was just about year around and increased as soon as tax season was over. He also enjoyed his weekly poker group, the "Bridge" club, friends of Sacred Heart Church and so many other friends that he and Charlotte knew as they raised their children together. Don and Charlotte had many travel partners in their friends and were able to travel the globe in later years.

Don is preceded in his death by Charlotte; and his parents, Guy and Helen. He is survived by his children and their families: Chris (Kerri) of Twisp, Wash., Tony (Trish) of Hope, Todd of Foley, Ala., and Cindy of Lake Forest Park, Wash.; and by five grandchildren: Jackson, Ethan, Logan, Sidni and Devin.

Memorial services will be held Sept. 22, at 3 p.m. at the Moon Chapel in Sandpoint with a celebration of life dinner immediately following at the Ponderay Event Center.