Donald Burns

Donald "Don" J. Burns, of Columbia Falls, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, and went home to be with the Lord. He spent 76 years as a beloved son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, and friend. 

Donald was born Dec. 28, 1948, in Spokane, Washington, the fourth of five children to Doris Buchanan Burns and Henry J. Burns. Don was just minutes older than his twin sister (as the doctor thought the boy should be older than the girl). They notably held the record for many years as the biggest twins born at Deaconess Hospital. After graduating from Joel E. Ferris High School, Donald joined the U.S. Navy and served as a corpsman from 1969 to 1974. After his service, he pursued a nursing degree in Spokane but later changed his career path to heavy equipment mechanics — a calling that allowed him to continue fixing and improving things. 

Donald moved to the Flathead Valley in the early 1980s, married, and had three daughters he lovingly called his "three stooges." In 1999, he remarried and welcomed two stepchildren and a foster son into his family. His life was filled with various hobbies including camping, hunting, off-roading, and race car mechanics, but his true passion was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and family. Joyful memories were created with him pushing kid-filled sleds down the hill, cheering on sports games from the sidelines, discussing the most recently spotted wildlife, and playing games around the kitchen table at night. His quirky sense of humor alongside his quiet disposition brought smiles to many faces. 

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Nancy Burns. 

He is survived by his three daughters; Emily (Darin) Stone, Donna (Daniel) Martinsen, and Monica (Dillon) Mendive; stepson Josh Blackburn; stepdaughter Amanda (Landry) Carlson; foster son, Brian (Nicole) Bostwick; and nine grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Maurice Burns, Greg (Marilyn) Burns, Cindy (Mark) DeCamp, and twin sister Donna (Harlan) Thrall. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 640 Seventh St. W., Columbia Falls.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.