Long time rancher, Charles “Dan” McDonald, passed away Sunday, May 24th, 2015 at St. Peter’s Hospital following an injury sustained while working on his ranch in Canyon Creek at the age of 89. Dan was born December 19th, 1925 to Hugh & Mary MacDonald. On his mother’s side, Dan was the 4th generation of ranchers in the Canyon Creek area. His father’s family moved to Canyon Creek from Lincoln purchasing one of the current ranches in the early 1920’s.
Dan graduated from Helena High School in 1944. During high school he played the violin in the orchestra and clarinet in the band. In 1947 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Japan with the corps of engineers tasked with reconstruction following WWII.
In 1952 Dan married Frances Fisher, a nursing student at Carroll College. In 1955 a second ranch was purchased in Canyon Creek and the young family relocated, working together on the ranch and raising their family. Dan is survived by his wife, Frances, of 63 years; a son, Jim of North Dakota and a daughter, Mary Ann and her husband Keith Van Dyken of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren Jason and Crystal Van Dyken of Portland, Oregon, Lindsey and Erik Chronister of Anchorage, Alaska, Samantha McDonald and Zach Holshue of Helena, Montana, and great-grandson, Jacob Chronister of Anchorage.
Dan started working on the ranch of his parents and grandparents at an early age and continued working until his death. Dan loved ranching and his cattle, who knew his voice, and would follow his call. Dan had a strong work ethic which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. A born story teller, Dan found humor in his observations of life enhanced by an innate ability to mimic accents and mannerisms. His hearty laugh, alone, brought joy to those around him.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and neighbors who helped with branding, fencing, and other ranch work enabling Dan to continue living and working at the ranch he loved.
A service celebrating Dan’s life will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 29th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A graveside service with full military honors will follow the service at 11:45 a.m. at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials in Dan’s name are suggested to an organization of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family to share a memory of Dan.
Richard E. Grady says
My condolences to the McDonald Family. Dan’s family as long time residents of the community of Canyon Creek that has a lot of history regarding its ranching operation and service to the many community activities. My prayers to Francis, Jim and Mary Ann, along with Dan’s entire family members.
Bobbie Scott says
Sammi: I was so sorry to hear about your grandpa. Grandpa’s are so special. I still miss mine. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deziah Gilliam says
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. It was always so nice to sit and talk to Dan about the history of Canyon Creek and the ranch. He will be missed by many folks in our little valley.
The Gilliam family.
Greg Keller says
When my brother Jason Keller and I would run into Dan and Francis when we were hunting, we enjoyed spending a little time talking with them about the what was going on in the valley and at the ranch. I know Dan will be missed by all those who knew him. My condolences to Francis and the family. Hi to Jim – haven’t seen you for many years.
Greg Keller
Ogden, Utah
JASON -KATHY KELLER says
I HAVE KNOWN DAN FOR 45 YEARS I NEVER COULD RIDE A HORSE BUT JIM AND I WERE PRETTY GOOD MOTORCYCLE RIDERS.EVERY SPRING WE WOULD GET OUR BIKES AND GO GET THOSE COWS AND BRING THEM TO THE RANCH TO BRAND.WE WOULD RIDE UP TARHEAD -NUGGETT-DEAR CREEK-TO THE LAKE-OR ONE RANCH TO THE OTHER.DAN FINALLY BROKE DOWN AND BOUGHT HIS TRUSTY KAWASAKI 4 WHEELER AND JOINED THE IRON HORSE CLUB WITH DAVE JIM AND I.DAN WAS MORE THAN A RANCHER…HE WAS A VETRINARIAN A BACK- HOE OPERATOR A FENCER A MECHANIC AND A GOOD FRIEND ..I HAVE MANY STORIES OF DAN AND FRANCES TO TELL ….LET ME SAY THIS WHEN THE COW MAN OF CANYON CREEK MADE FINAL WALK ACROSS THE HAY FIELD HE STOOD TALL AND STRONG BESIDE US AS HE LEFT THE RANCH HOUSE HE WALKED AWAY ….AND HE SEEMED TO GET SMALLER AND SMALLER AND WE SAID ….THERE HE GOES….UNTIL HE WAS GONE FROM SIGHT..BUT THOSE ON THE OTHER SIDE SAW A DOT ON THE HORIZON…AND HE GOT BIGGER AND BIGGER …AND THEY SAID …HERE HE COMES….AND WHEN HE ARRIVED HE WAS TALL AND STONG AS EVER…SO GOES THE COW MAN OF CANYON CREEK CARRYING HIS BAND THE LAZY-Y 5….I’LL SEE YOU IN ABOUT 20-YEARS DAN YOUR FRIND JASON…..
deb stansberry says
So very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. Somehow we think these fellas should just live forever, because they are such a huge part of growing up in Canyon Creek. My heartfelt sympathy to Francis, Jimmy, Mary Ann and families. Just know that Dan, my dad, and George are all up there having one heck of a reunion. The stories those old timers could tell.
Much Love, Deb
Don & Jeanette McClain says
We will always think of Dan as the best kind of friend on earth. The times we visited the ranch, the cancer institute or on the telephone were always the greatest. Spending time fixing fence, sharing a nap on the mountain side or just talking about life in general will always be remembered. Dan will be greatly missed but we will still be in contact with Francis to share a laugh or two.
Roy Millegan says
We had lots of conversations (?) in high school, we were both farm kids and thus shared the same sort of life. They were happy times. Sorry we did not get together very much afterwards but reunions were great. He was always thought of by me but followup terrible. Fly high cowboy.
Roy E. Millegan