Donald McSparrin, 99

Donald Richard McSparrin passed away March 19, 2024, at the venerable age of 99, at Cascadia Rehabilitation Nursing Home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Don was born July 1, 1924, in Weed, Calif. When he turned 19, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps to serve his country in WWII. At that time, he was sent to Harvard University for training to be a Meteorologist to aid in the war efforts. After the war ended, he went to Oregon State University and received an Electrical Engineering Degree. Going back to California, where he attended Chico State University, he met the love of his life, a stunningly beautiful nurse named Roberta Lee Kelly.

Don and Roberta got married Sept. 19, 1948, and moved to Pullman, Wash. Don then went back to school one more time, this time to WSU, and received his Mechanical Engineering degree. Roberta practiced her nursing skills at St. Ignatius Hospital in Colfax, Washington. He finished his career as a Professional Engineer/Project Manager at the Hanford Nuclear Site in Washington.

Long story short, Don and Roberta were married for 71 adventuresome years and had seven daughters: Linda, Susan, Rachel, Bonnie, Paula, Lisa and Jodi. They also have 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Their one son, Donald Aaron, preceded them in death as an infant. For the past 25+ years, they were the original and faithful parishioners of St. Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Catholic Church at 4315 N. Evergreen Road in Spokane Valley, where Don’s funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2. Interment and Military Honors Evergreen Cemetery, Post Falls. Arrangements and Services by English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, Idaho. Condolences to the family at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.