Donald “Don” Donart was born June 7, 1946, in Coeur d’Alene at Lake City General Hospital. He passed away in Spokane on Aug. 6, 2013.

Don spent his youth between Kinzua, Ore., and the farm in Coeur d’Alene where he hunted, fished and worked in the gardens. He graduated from Shadle Park High School and Spokane Community College, and then went on to work for Aluminum Supply Company as a machinist. When they went on strike, he applied at the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department and was hired as a relief Firefighter (24 on — 24 off). Soon Kootenai County Fire District (KCFD) hired him as a full-time firefighter, and while employed there he held all the positions available — including Fire Chief.

During his 25-year tenure at KCFD they purchased a fire boat for Lake Coeur d’Alene and when he “retired” he went to work for Northwind Marine in Seattle where he remained for 15 years. Initially a Project Manager, he soon became Vice President-General Manager. Don worked with companies all over the world who wanted to purchase a fire boat, and then provided the training when it was required. He had the adventure of a lifetime when he was asked to provide training following delivery of fire boats to Bagdad, Iraq. On May 1, 2012, Don “officially” retired and began remodeling the Donart home in Coeur d’Alene.

Don and Shar traveled often and spent a month or two in Kona each of the last 20 years. Don loved the island and there was no better tour guide — he knew so much about the island and his tours were always very interesting! He enjoyed fishing, NASCAR and Duck Dynasty. Grandson always said, “Papa knows about everything!” Don had so many talents and had such an understanding of how things worked. He loved and valued his family, extended family and many friends deeply.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon; son and daughter-in-law Hank and Bridget Eisler; son and daughter-in-law Jason and Alaina Donart; grandson Brandt Eisler; nephew and wife Nick and Cindy Stevens; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandi and Carl Phillips; niece Anita Phillips; nephew Joe Phillips; grandson Cory Tanner and wife Tarah; great-grandson Jackson Tanner; grandson Curtis Tanner; cousins Gary Green and wife Gay Wilson, Larry Mather and wife Joanne, and Judy Battaglia and husband Jack; his lifelong friend, Dave Sitton; and other family and friends, too numerous to name.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at Lake City Community Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene. English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Don’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.