Donald F. Bircher, 84, passed away at Kootenai Heath in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on April 26, 2014.

Donald was born in Crane Creek, Idaho, on December 30, 1929, to Jesse James and Effie Mae (Potter) Bircher. He grew up near Princeton, Idaho, where he worked on his parent’s farm. Donald spent time in the U.S. Army, and worked at various Potlatch mills for 37 years until his retirement. On February 26, 1988, Donald married Cathleen Parsons-Ketchum in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Donald enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially the kids. He loved to meet and talk with people, and would frequent several coffee shops in search of a good cup of coffee and conversation. Donald really enjoyed watching football, boxing, and baseball.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Ketchum-Bircher, of Coeur d’Alene; son, Dave McNulty, of Tacoma, Wash., stepdaughter, Brenna Newman-Brunscher and husband Allen, of Coeur d’Alene; stepson, Danny Johnson, of Spokane, Wash., sister, Theona Fields, of Newman Lake, Wash., grandsons, Trevor and Kyle McNulty, of Tacoma, Wash., step granddaughter, Sarah Neuman, of Plummer, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Donald’s life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Interment will be at the Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Please sign Donald’s guest registry, and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com