Donald Edward Dawson, 78, passed away peacefully on Oct. 6, 2015, at his home in Clark Fork surrounded by his loving family.

Donnie was born on Sept. 2, 1937, in Quilcene, Wash. He was the youngest of 11 children born to Ed and Viola Dawson. The Dawson family moved to Clark Fork when Donnie was a year old. He went to school in Clark Fork where he met the love of his life, Beverly Twilegar. They were married right after high school and shared their love and life for 56 years, all spent in Clark Fork. During this time they raised three daughters.

Donnie was in the Armed Forces for two years, worked construction and was a logger all of his life. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Never one to idle, you could find him in his shop fixing lawn mowers, chain saws and anything else people would bring his way. He was always there for his family and friends helping out wherever he could. He never met a stranger. Trolling on Lake Koocanusa or ice fishing when the weather turned cold were two of his favorite pastimes. He took great pride in being from Clark Fork and one of his true passions was spending countless hours in the mountains. The Fourth of July was his favorite holiday. You could see him in the parade and he was a fixture at the annual log sawing contest.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Beverly; daughters Sandy (Rick) Johnston of Elk, Wash., Connie (Dave) McKenzie of Coeur d’Alene and Amy (Shawn) Gregg of Coeur d’Alene; grandchildren Katie, Samantha, Blake, Madison, Taylor and Rachel. He is also survived by sisters, Shirley Crawford of Clark Fork, Barbara (Ron) Broadway of Yuma, Ariz., and Margie (George) Christopherson of Wickenburg, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Louise; brothers Jiggs, Swede, Alan, Ray, Bob and Doug; and brothers-in-law Roy Crawford and Don Marty.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015, at the Clark Fork Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life at the Senior Center.

Family and friends are invited to sign Donnie’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.