Donald Skinner

Donald Ray Skinner Jr. passed away Friday May 19 th , 2023 at his home in Kamiah. He was 70 years old.

Don was born on July 20 th , 1952 to Donald Ray Skinner Sr. and Deloris Howerton Skinner Harrington in

Lewiston, Idaho.

As a child Don lived in and attended grade school in both Glide and Yoncolla, Oregon. Don went to

Kamiah High School for his freshman year and then as a sophomore he moved to Pierce, Idaho to live

with his father Don and his stepmother Myrle Skinner. Don graduated from Timberline High School in

1971 which had just opened in 1969. Don met his future wife Terri Snyder at Timberline in the fall of

1969 and immediately became high school sweethearts and attended every homecoming and prom

together until they both graduated.

Don was an outstanding athlete participating in football, basketball, and track. In 1971-72, Don

attended the University of Idaho. In the fall of 1972, Don received his draft notice and was inducted into

the Army for two years and was stationed at Fort Ord, California; Fort Bliss, Texas; and Fort Lewis,

Washington. While home on a short leave, Don and Terri eloped January 5 th , 1973. Don was able to

secure a longer leave and they had a beautiful wedding in April of 1973.

Don was discharged from the army in November of 1974 and immediately went to work as a logger for

his father in Pierce, Idaho. Don later worked for Ray Coon logging as a hooker and sawyer for 12 years.

While working in the woods and living in logging camps Don made many lifelong friends.

In 1976 Don and Terri built their first home in Weippe, Idaho. Then in 1977 they welcomed their first

children, twins, Bryan and Brandon. In 1980 they added their son Aaron and their family was complete.

In 1988 the family moved to Kamiah, Idaho where they lived until Don’s passing.

Don worked at various jobs in Kamiah until he was appointed postmaster in Lenore, Idaho. He retired in

2012. After retirement, Don and Terri cruised to the Bahamas and Alaska. They also took a fishing trip to

Canada with friends Stan and Shirley Yates.

All who knew Don understood his passion for his family, the outdoors and the Rolling Stones. Don

cheered for his grandchildren at as many sporting events that he could attend.

Don was known for his great sense of humor and was once told he could be a standup comic. His wit

helped create many fun memories with his family. He loved hiding his chocolates from granddaughters

Addison and Karlee. He made fishing a competition with grandson Rylan.

Don was an avid hunter, and he took great pride in teaching his boys, extended family, and friends to

love and respect the outdoors. Don also loved to fish; he brought home some beautiful spring chinook.

Family was everything to him, so all vacations centered around camping, boating, and fishing.

Don was baptized into the church of the Nazarene. Don’s community service consisted of Kamiah fire

district, board member of Pine Ridge water and sewer district, as well as school board member of

Kamiah School District.

Don is survived by his wife of 50 years; son Bryan (Jen); Brandon (Trisha); and son Aaron (Stacey); sisters

Betty Bidlake, Renee Loomis, Diana Erickson, and brother David Harrington; Mother Deloris Harrington

and stepmother Myrle Skinner. Grandchildren Jacob Knott, Hailey Knott, Lucas, Jake, Karlee, Rylan,

Everett, Addison, Bentlee, and Gattlyn Skinner, and great grandson Waylon Skinner. Don was preceded

in death by his father Don Skinner Sr., stepfather Blair Harrington, brother Jimmy Harrington, and in-

laws Louie and Dorothy Snyder. A private viewing will be held on Monday the 22nd at Trenary’s funeral

home in Kooskia, Id. And a Celebration of Dons Life service will be at the Life Center June 2 nd at 1:00PM.

There will be a memorial luncheon to follow at the Life Center. Please bring a dish and a memory to share