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Donald Bernard Vickaryous
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May 27, 1938 ~ May 6, 2013 |
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May 11, 2013 |
 On
May 6, 2013, Donald B. Vickaryous went to be
with his Lord. A Vigil will be held at 7 p.m.
Friday, May 17, and a memorial service will
follow at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18, both at St.
Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry.
Don was born in Bonners Ferry May 27, 1938. He
was the eldest of Michael and Kathleen’s six
children. He grew up on his family’s cattle
ranch in Porthill and graduated from Bonners
Ferry High School. Don joined the Marines in
1956 and served until 1959.
On December 26, 1959, Don married Janet Wilke.
After living for a short time in Colorado, New
Mexico, and Idaho they settled in Castle Rock,
Washington, in 1961, where they lived for many
years. During that time they had five children;
two sons Ray and Barry, and three daughters
Shelly Hoisington, Tammy Benson, and Carol Ross.
For most of his life Don made his living as a
logger and an entrepreneur.
In 1991 he and Janet moved back to their
hometown of Bonners Ferry where they worked to
make a dream come true; in 1992 they opened Twin
Rivers Canyon Resort.
They operated the campground and RV park for
several years. He took pleasure in giving back
to his community and was active in many
organizations and charitable causes including
St. Ann’s Church, Habitat for Humanity, the
Chamber of Commerce, and the Selkirk Loop. For
the last ten years he enjoyed his tenure on the
board of Northern Lights Inc.
Don’s sense of humor was legendary. He possessed
a quick wit and an ability to find the funny in
any situation (even when it appeared that Mom
did not). He had a passion for living that was
contagious; both his kindness and generosity
were without limits. It never took long for
anyone who met Don to see he was a truly amazing
person.
He gave freely of himself and his time, loved
without condition, and welcomed all into his
heart and home.
Throughout his life he was an attentive son,
loving husband, patient and gentle father, proud
grandfather, beloved uncle, caring sibling,
generous friend, philanthropist, and
humanitarian. Don was unwavering in his devotion
to his grandchildren and was happiest when he
was spending time with them, other family
members, or friends. He enjoyed hunting,
fishing, hiking, camping, gardening, golfing,
traveling, and spending time outdoors.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Michael
and his brother Mike. He is survived by his
wife, Janet, and by his mother, Kathleen, all
five of his children and their spouses, sixteen
grandchildren, three brothers; Bob, Jim, and
Kevin, sister Pat Smith, several brothers
and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Giving to those in need was a hallmark of Don’s
life.
If you would like to make a contribution in his
name there are many charitable organizations
that were close to Don’s heart including Habitat
for Humanity, Children to Children, St. Ann’s
Catholic Church, and the Distinguished Young
Women Scholarship Program.
Family and friends are invited to sign Don’s
book at
www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of
Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. |
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