Don Crosswhite, 90

Donald Joseph Crosswhite was born to Joe and Veronica McNay Crosswhite in Deer Lodge County on November 16, 1935. He died June 5, 2026 at Sacred Heart in Spokane after a brief, but valiant battle with physical health issues.

Don lived a memorable 90 years and left many colorful stories which ensure his legacy will continue. He grew up in Anaconda, Bad Rock, and Columbia Falls, graduating from Columbia Falls High School. Don lived in Montana at the time of his death, on his beloved Swan Lake. He also lived in Arizona and Hawaii.  

Don served in the Marines from after graduating High School until 1958, when he was honorably discharged. Don was a proud and committed veteran who believed in his country. 

At a young age Don followed in his father’s footsteps and became a life-long member of the Operating Engineers Union. His skill and love of operating heavy equipment brought us many of the roads we enjoy in Montana, the train tunnel in Trego, golf courses in Hawaii and Arizona, and numerous development projects across the western United States.  With each job Don left with a treasure of life-long friends, and a trove of stories ranging from why he only has half of a finger to seeing Michael Jordan and the 1992 “Dream Team” on the tee box of the golf course he was building in Hawaii.  

Don was a dedicated Columbia Falls Wildcat fan, and a sports enthusiast in general. He enjoyed boating on Swan Lake, skiing and golf in his younger years, and following his favorite teams. Don coached his sons in baseball, and for many years refereed high school sports across Montana. Don especially enjoyed his keg cooler on his deck dedicated to half Grizzlies and half Bobcats in an effort to keep the peace.  

Don was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Joe and Veronica Crosswhite, brothers Terry and Larry, son Daniel and infant son Doug, and granddaughter Veronica Rose, who made grandpa an advocate of Spinal Muscular Atrophy research and support.  

He is survived by his daughter Debby St. Onge, and son Dave Crosswhite (Jennifer), grandchildren Tristen (Kyle), Taylor (Cannon), Rebecca, Amanda, Billy, Jessica and numerous great grandchildren, including Carson, Luka, Capri, and Lance. His great grandchildren brought him enormous joy in his final years. He embraced technology purely so he could watch a video on loop of Carson skiing.  

The family would like to thank Don’s amazing friends in Arizona, who looked after him on his yearly trek to his home in Lake Havasu. A celebration of life will be held on August 29 on Swan Lake. Burial will take place at Lower Hill Cemetery in Anaconda, where Don will rejoin his mom, dad, and brothers in eternity.