Donald R. Harrington

Donald Rex Harrington was born on March 5, 1924 in Bonner, Montana to Charles V. “Vessey” and Vera (Wilcox) Harrington. The family moved to Iowa and he spent his early years there, moving back to Montana and the Nine Mile Valley in the 1930’s.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army in the 10th Mountain Division in the Italian campaign, training at Camp Hale in Colorado in winter survival and mountain skiing. He received multiple acknowledgements and medals for his service including a Purple Heart.

In June of 1949, he married Helen (Vos) Harrington and they settled on the family ranch in the Nine Mile, and raised two daughters, Donna and Debra.

After 35 years as a civil engineer for the U.S. Forest Service, in the Lolo Forest at the Nine Mile Ranger District, he retired in 1979. His career included time as a fire lookout, firefighter and crew boss and road surveyor, to name a few of his many duties.

He was an avid skier, hunter and fisherman and the family mechanic for the Harrington ranch. He also enjoyed sailing on Flathead Lake and spending time there at the family cabin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, five siblings: Charles Harrington Jr., Robert Harrington, Doris Stickney, Letty Schiweck, and Ardith Steinberg. He is survived by his sister, Ruth Froehlich, daughters Donna (Patrick) Paige and Debra (Keith) Keller and grandson, Derek Paige as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Military services will be held at Sunset Memorial Cemetery on Thursday, July 30 at 1:30 p.m.