Donald M. Weaver, 79

Donald M. Weaver, 79, of Cut Bank passed away Friday, Nov. 3, 2006, at Northern Rockies Medical Center in Cut Bank due to natural causes.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Colleen; and sons, Don Jr., and Bonnie Weaver, Lynn and Gloria Weaver, Randy and Stephanie Weaver, and Glenn 'Hank' and Rhonda Weaver, all of Cut Bank. Also surviving are his brother, Art Weaver, and wife, Barbara, of Kalispell; sisters, Kathy of Billings, and Sandy of Oregon; grandchildren, Brian Weaver, Lori and Paul Huxtable, and Kim and Brandon Nuckolls, all of Missoula, Herb and Sandy Weaver of Post Falls, Idaho, Steve and Jana Weaver of Great Falls, Chad Weaver of Butte, and Cory Weaver of Butte; stepgrandchild, Russell and Joan King of Phoenix; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Don was born March 23, 1927, in Kalispell to Mart and Adeline (Black) Weaver. He graduated from high school in Kalispell and the next day he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge, he returned to Kalispell to farm and work the Christmas tree harvest.

He married Colleen Hatton on July 30, 1947, in Kalispell.

Don and Colleen moved to Cut Bank in 1948 and worked for Sammons Farm for four years. He went to work for Anderson Implement as parts man and climbed the ladder to store manager. Later, he and partner Jim Newman purchased the business. In 1980, son Randy purchased Jim's share of the implement, and together they operated the dealership as Weaver Farms. Don retired from the family farm and business and worked for the North Montana Joint Refuse until his health forced him to retire.

Don's love of horses began as a child, and raising horses and horse racing were an integral part of his life. He raised some of the finest quarter horses around. Don coached baseball for 15 years in Cut Bank, winning state championships in Little League, Babe Ruth and Legion. Other than the love for his family, Don loved to fish and hunt, and ride horses in the mountains with his hunting and fishing companions.

Don's family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and doctors at Northern Rockies Medical Center, whose special care and consideration meant so much.

Services were held Nov. 8 in Cut Bank.