Donald “Don” William Phillips, 69, passed away Jan. 12, 2013, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born March 13, 1943, in Whitefish. Don graduated from Whitefish High School in 1961.

After high school he went to work for the Montana Department of Transportation as a surveyor. After that he was hired on the Great Northern/BNSF railroad where he worked for 39 years as a conductor. He belonged to the UTU and retired from rail service in 2003.

Don served as a volunteer fireman in Whitefish for 20 years.

Don loved woodworking, his lawn and flowers, as well as attending the Whitefish High School sporting events. Don was an active member of the booster club where he made wooden bulldogs for families and athletes.

He was a wonderful father who always could be seen watching his children coach and play sports after high school, as well as attending many events to watch his friends’ children and grandchildren.

Don and Jeanie were very active in the Community Center shoveling snow and delivering Meals On Wheels. Don also kept several of his neighbors’ driveways and walkways shoveled out for many years. It wasn’t unusual to see Don and his snowblower going around the neighborhood helping others.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Pat Phillips; his sister JoEllen Cookson, and her husband, Hank; his nephew, Kenny Kasselder; and his mother- and father-in-law, Marie and Hank Scheafer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie (Scheafer) Phillips, son Aaron and daughter Aarica. He is also survived by his brother, Lyle Phillips, and Judy; sister, Debbie Phillips; many nieces and nephews; as well as good friends, Jim Pettis and Tom Barringer, and many more.

Don was a lifelong resident of Whitefish.

A memorial service to celebrate and honor Don’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Jan. 18 at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway in Whitefish.

Cremation has taken place, and Don’s ashes will be interred in the Whitefish Cemetery at a later time.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Don’s tribute wall. Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.