Donald James Baldwin, 68

GRANGEVILLE: Donald James Baldwin, loving husband and respected father, passed away February 10, 2005 due to a sudden heart attack. He was a 40-year resident of Grangeville who had many ties to the community, and will be missed greatly.

Don, or D.J. as many knew him, lived a full life. He was born July 29, 1936 at Ahsahka, Idaho to Paul and Nita Baldwin. It was an at-home birth, and it was there that D.J. spent his early years. One of his first memories was of running up and down the grassy hills surrounding the railroad house, the family dog always keeping pace, D.J. always commented “keeping me out of trouble.” In those days the house did not have indoor plumbing so D.J. could remember having baths drawn outside in a large metal washing basin, the sun helping him air dry afterwards.

Later on his family moved to a larger railroad house in Orofino, Idaho, where D.J. grew up and attended Orofino High School. He proudly lettered in football, managed the basketball team, played trumpet, and danced in the social dancing club. D.J. was well liked, and graduated in 1954. During this period of time, D.J. spent a summer working solo on a Fire Lookout for the U.S. Forest Service. He enjoyed that time immensely. He fondly recalled experiences including target shooting, hiking, watching lightening bolts trace the night sky (hitting the lookout at times), and chopping wood in the buff.

After high school graduation, D.J. enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Throughout his life, he was very proud of his involvement and time spent in the Marines. He believed in serving your country with honor and was especially dedicated to the unique mission of the Marines. He did his best to always impart the importance of this to his children. He was very proud that all four of his boys enlisted in the military, and kept each boy’s photo displayed proudly in his home.

After D.J.’s enlistment was up, he moved back home to Orofino, where he was offered a position with the Idaho Department of Transportation, Division of Highways. He worked in various capacities for the State for 40 years.

He enjoyed his work in the Engineering division, taking pride in the construction of both the Lewiston Hill and the new White Bird Hill Grade and Bridge. Later on he joined the Maintenance division, making sure the roads were safe year-round for everyone. From hot and sticky work with asphalt in the summer to plowing piles of snow in the winter, he was an expert at his job. He arrived 30 minutes early each morning to have a cup of coffee and be ready for the days’ workload. He was a family man, though, and would come home every night almost precisely at the same time with metal lunch pail in hand, ready to be with his family, have dinner, and read the newspaper.

During this time, he again, served his country, signing up in the Idaho National Guard, where he was called to duty twice: once during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and a second time for a tour of duty in Vietnam. A Staff Sergeant in charge of supply, he was especially proud of taking care of the members of his platoon while they were in country. Many of the men who served with D.J. during this time still live in the area, and can remember those times. Although D.J. had difficult memories of war, he enjoyed spinning some tall, but TRUE tales about those events, and the stories were generally hilarious. By the manner in which he told them, you could almost feel that you were there.

D.J. was married three times. His first marriage was short, but intense, and was to his high school sweetheart, Patricia McCoy.

In 1963, he married Lois Keith in Tacoma, Washington. They met on a blind date while he was stationed with the National Guard at Ft. Lewis, Washington. They supported each other through the ups and downs of raising five children. After 20 years of loving and loyal marriage, Lois preceded him in death in 1986.

In 1992, he met the love of his life, Kay Huff in Spokane, Washington. It was love almost at first sight, initially a little awkward since one of their first meetings was at an engagement party between HIS son and HER daughter. But they didn’t let that stop them, and married in 1994, blending the almost-grown two families together. They were a successful team, enjoying much music and laughter. They are known for their generous spirit, opening their home to anyone.

Lately, they had been getting much enjoyment and joy from their newborn granddaughter, Rebecca Ann Baldwin. D.J. and his granddaughter liked to place his baldhead to her fuzzy baldhead. Then they would gaze into each other’s eyes, “growling” at each other.

D.J. enjoyed many pastimes including hunting, fishing, photography, card playing and target shooting. He also enjoyed reading western novels and magazines targeted to the sportsman. He had a love of current events, both local and national. He was an avid news watcher and read the newspaper daily. He also enjoyed homemade baked goods and collecting various items. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During his life, he attended several churches, including the Church of Christ and the Grangeville Christian Church.

Donald Baldwin is survived by his soul mate, Kay Baldwin of Grangeville; four sons their wives: Brian and Nanci Baldwin of Spokane, Washington; William (Bill) and Peggy Baldwin of Lewiston; Robert Baldwin and Jaime Bigelow of Grangeville; Doug and Christine Baldwin of Spokane; two daughters: Raymona Baldwin of Seattle, Washington and Karin Huff of Cheney, Washington. Eleven grandchildren also survive him.

His second wife, Lois Keith and his parents, Paul and Nita preceded him in death.

Services are Monday, February 14, 2005, at 10 a.m. at Blackmer Funeral Home in Grangeville, with internment following at the Prairie View Cemetery. A light lunch will follow at the Eagles Hall in Grangeville.