Donald C. Sullivan, 91

Donald C. "Sully" Sullivan was born to Tracy and Jenny Sullivan near Weldon, Saskatchewan, Canada, on Jan. 7, 1934. He was the sixth of eight children. He grew up on a farm, where hard work and significant responsibility were expected from a very young age. Times were tough and resources scarce, so he learned how to fix or make whatever was needed. He carried these abilities throughout his life.

He emigrated to the U.S. in the mid-1950s, becoming a proud naturalized citizen, believing that America offered opportunity and freedom that didn't exist anywhere else. He never lost that belief. He served in the United States Army. Service was a hallmark of his life.

Sully met and married his wife, Rochelle, and they raised five children in Columbia Falls. Having grown up on the Great Plains, he frequently commented that he never imagined he would live in such a beautiful place.

Due to his own upbringing, he didn't really learn how to recreate, but he tried to make sure his kids had the opportunity. Having played some hockey in his younger years, he, of course, taught his kids to ice skate, as well as to swim, to throw and catch a ball, to cast a fishing line and to shoot a rifle. He found and purchased a small motorboat, and all the kids learned to water ski. He enjoyed hunting trips with his good friends, Roger Beck, Bill Weaver, Wade Mason, Don Knauss and Jim Proud, packing the horses in and seeking that elusive elk. In his later years, he still had great fishing and hunting partners in Butch Weaver and Rick Berry, who were masters at getting him to take a break from whatever projects he was working on to cast a line. He greatly valued those friendships.

His life was defined by hard work, integrity and service. He worked as a sawyer, millwright and electrician. He started and operated his own plumbing and electrical business, and he raised cattle and sold excellent beef for many years.
He was a dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge for nearly 60 years. One of his favorite programs was "Bikes for Books," which provided bikes for local kids. He loved ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and greeting community members annually at Christmas. He also loved cooking for the lodge and for family. Sully received an Outstanding and Dedicated Service Award as a member of the American Legion.

Sully was well-known in the community due to his skills at building or fixing almost anything. He charged far less than he could have, often working just for what people could afford at the time or giving his time and talent to help others out. He often said that he was making enough money, and people simply couldn't afford what others were charging.

Sully and Rochelle enjoyed traveling in their motor home as they reached retirement age, often with great friends Earl and Louise Woodring. By the time he reached his 80s, Sully had driven through 41 US states and seven Canadian provinces. He loved visiting friends and family and made it to nearly every family reunion. He always traveled with his tools, ready to help any stranger whose vehicle had broken down or any family member who needed a home repair.

Sully had a major stroke in 2020, after which he lived quietly at home with the assistance of his family. He still wanted to contribute as much as he was able, and every effort was made to enable him to continue to live a rich and fulfilling life. He passed away in the house he and Rochelle built, as he had wished. Sully confessed Jesus as Lord of his life and we are grateful to know he is home.

Sully was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. 

He is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Rochelle, daughter Diane Sullivan (Chris Glassel), son David (Dorie), daughter Dawn Kinzle (Jon), son Dallas (Tracy), daughter Debra, 16 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.