On
March 11, 2010 Don L. Stiner, Jr., 62, left this earthly world to join
his mother and other loved ones that had gone on before him. His passing will
leave a vast empty space in the lives of all that had the privilege of knowing
him, especially the love of his life and soul mate, Helen, who he had 42
wonderful, fun-filled years with. Don’s family was the most important thing to
him. He loved spending time with them, laughing and reminiscing about old
memories along with making new cherished memories. He also loved cheering his
grandkids on in their sporting and school events. Other loves of his were golf,
hunting, fishing, Nascar, bowling, collecting model cars. He was a huge Griz fan
and loved any kind of social event.
Don was born on July 5, 1947 in Missoula, Montana to Don and Mary Stiner. He attended elementary school in Missoula through the 3rd grade, at which time the family moved to Arlee where he finished his elementary and high school education.
Don met Helen Kennedy in Missoula and they married on July 12, 1968 in Cardston, Alberta. They lived in Missoula and Arlee area for many years. Don joined the National Guard in 1965 and served until 1971. During the Missoula years he also worked at Cenex, Intermountain Lumber, White Pine Sash Co., Arlite Cement Block Co., and Northwest Diesel. They then moved to Cut Bank where he worked for Glacier Motors and Al’s Diesel from which he retired.
Don and Helen were blessed with a son, Zane and a daughter, Kim, in their early years together and later two grandsons, Spencer and Noah, and two granddaughters Kenzie and Kodee.
Through the years Don was active in the Arlee Volunteer Fire Dept., Lake County Search and Rescue, Cut Bank Elks Club, and Cut Bank Golf & Country Club.
Don was preceded in death by his mother, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Helen, son Zane (Tasha) Stiner of Cut Bank, daughter Kim (Josh) Czech of Cut Bank, grandsons Spencer and Noah Czech of Cut Bank, granddaughters Kenzie and Kodee Stiner of Cut Bank, father Don (Juanita) Stiner of Missoula, brother, George (Dianna) Stiner, of Missoula, sister Peggy (David) Benth of Gillette, Wyoming, sister Rebeca (Jamie) Glantz of Missoula, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place at Don’s request and a memorial lunch will be held at the Cut Bank Golf & Country Club on Monday, March 15, 2010, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers are all of Don’s many close friends and relatives.