Donald Richard Lord

Donald Richard Lord died Tuesday, February 17 in Missoula after a sudden illness. Don was born March 19, 1936 in Great Falls to Kenneth and Claire (LaMotte) Lord. He attended Great Falls grade schools and graduated from Great Falls High in 1954. He went on to the University of Montana and graduated in 1958 with a degree in business.
In 1957 he married his high school sweetheart Patricia Ann Washburn. They raised their three children, Cindra Rene, Conley Dean, and Stephanie Dawn in Great Falls.
Upon graduating from UM, Don returned to Great Falls and went to work for A & I Distributors. He spent many years as an over-the-road sales representative. He had countless clients along the Highline, from Libby to Wolf Point, most of whom he numbered not only as customers, but as friends. He eventually took ownership of A & I, and he and Pat included the kids in the operation of the business. The two later owned Great Falls Shipping Association and Don learned and mastered the intricacies of a new area of business. In 1991, Don and Pat returned to Missoula and together with their son Conley started another family business – Express Lube. After establishing and expanding Express Lube, they sold it and opened Office Furniture Outlet in Missoula. After a brief, completely-failed attempt at retirement, Don returned to his full duties at OFO where he continued working until just days before his death. An inveterate "people person", Don greatly enjoyed his dealings with myriad customers over his many years in his various businesses. Through constant example, Don and Pat instilled a strong work ethic in all their kids.
While at UM, Don joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. It marked the start of a lifetime of active participation with many fraternal, civic, and community groups. Don was a member of the U of M Alumni Association, Grizzly Athletic Association (including serving as a board member), Grizzly Scholarship Association, SAE alumni and Kiwanis. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge Cascade # 34, Great Falls Scottish Rite, Great Falls York Rite, Algeria Shrine, Western Montana Shrine Club, Midget Patrol, and Royal Order of Jesters. His example taught us to contribute to and help build our communities.
Don read voraciously and had a particular interest in Montana – its history, geology, and culture. He shared his great affinity for the stories of the Lewis and Clark expedition with Grandpa Ken. At some point in each Lord child's elementary school career they did a report on "The Flora and Fauna of the Lewis and Clark Expedition". His keen interest in the works of Charlie Russell was borne out by the innumerable hours he and Pat dedicated to the success of the C. M. Russell Art Auction over the years.
Don took full advantage of all MONTANA had to offer and passed the heritage on to the next generations. The family trailer camped across state and beyond as the kids grew and later he enjoyed every opportunity at the cabin between Neihart and Kings Hill. He loved his hunting and fishing trips, especially those with Conley and the boys. He lived the adage that you always leave your campsite in better shape than you found it.
A devoted Grizzly fan, Don's tailgate friends and activities were the highlight of every fall. His knowledge of the football team was surpassed only by that of his granddaughter Kerry, who represents the 4th generation of our family to graduate from UM. Go Griz!
Don made friends where ever he went. His breadth of knowledge, ease of conversation, and wit will be missed by his family whom he loved so dearly and his many friends. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Pat Lord. Also surviving are his children and their children: Cindy (Lord) & Tom Powers of Butte and Kerry and Conor Powers; Conley & Patrice (Rahn) Lord of Missoula and Bridger & Allison (Tierney )Lord, Zachary & Ashley (Arntson) Lord (son Asher and one on the way), Carson Lord, and Austin & Mattison (Bjorklund) Lord; and Stephanie Lord-Montoya of Missoula and Zoey (and son Rowen), Zane, Zion, and Ziva Montoya.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the tremendous staff at St. Patrick's Intensive Care Unit who lovingly cared for Don and all 18 of the rest of us.
In accordance with Don's very specific instructions, a private family service has been held. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospital in Spokane would be meaningful to our family.

Read Donald Lord's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.