Donald Leroy ‘Ole’ Byrd, 78, of Helena, a former high school teacher, died of lung cancer Saturday, April 21 at Big Sky Care Center.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A potluck reception will be held following the service.
Don is survived by four daughters, Kelly (Todd) Olsen and Kim (Scott) Wangsgaard both of Logan, Utah, Sarah Byrd of San Francisco, CA, and Rachael Byrd of Seattle, WA; brothers, George (Carla) Byrd of Maxville, MT, Guy Boomer of Great Falls,MT and John Byrd of North Carolina, sister, Gaye Lynn (Arvid) Johnson of Great Falls, MT; six grandchildren, one great-grandson, many nieces and nephews, and special friends, Pat Mackay and Zach Pallister.
He was preceded in death by his father, John H. Byrd; Stepmother, Barbara Byrd; his mother and stepfather, Ruth and Gerald Boomer; son, Walker Byrd; daughter, Katharine Byrd; brothers, Henry, Richard and Stanley Byrd, Gerald G. Boomer and sister, Rose Daniels.
Donald was born in Toston, Montana on October 18, 1933 and graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-56 in the 101st Airborne. He received his B.A. in English from the College of Great Falls and served as Student Body President from 1961-62. He received his M.A. in history from the University of Montana in 1964. He taught high school English, history and government in Conrad, Missoula, Helena and Shelby.
Donald enjoyed several years in Montana State government beginning in 1964 as an assistant to Governor Babcock. He served as Chief Clerk of the MT House of Representatives in 1981 and as advisor to the House leadership in 1987. He served as the grants officer for Northern Montana College from 1987-92 and won several grants for nonprofit organizations in California.
With enormous gratitude, Don thanked God for the richness of his life, especially for the people in it, saying, “God has an uncanny ability to go to central casting and put the perfect people in your life.” Don often shared about his great pride in his children. His love for family and friends and exuberance for life and learning made everyday an adventure to be shared. Don’s great gift with words on and off the page inspired and helped people all his life. He was blessed by the fellowship of friends of Bill W. who enjoyed the path of recovery. Remembering his journey, Don said, “We all create our own Camelots.” We will miss our traveling bard and his grand storytelling. A great light has gone out from among us.
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.
Art & Betty Bieler says
We looked forward to Don’s visits, He’d call from town to see what we wanted for supper. Sometimes he’d have company and sometimes alone. Don & I hauled lots of wood one summer. I’d saw and he kept ahead of me loading. Later when I told a couple miners who had watched Don moving in the timber, that he was working on one good leg, they wouldn’t believe me. He told us many stories of Gov Babcock, his mother killing a bear, the truant officer knowing him by name, higjacking a train in Japan, Maxville adventures, etc. Thanks, Don for stopping by, we will certainly miss those visits.
Carol Jane Byrd says
Uncle it has certainly been a journey. I know you are soaring above us now. I love you and miss your kind and encouraging words. You are the perfect uncle.
Chris & Jenny (Byrd) Dargan says
Rest in Peace Uncle Don. We all love you so much and we each hold our own dear memories of love and laughter with you. Thank you for your love and ever positive influence. BLYSYMM
Denise Jensen says
My sister and I had the opportunity to meet Don at Big Sky Care Center. (my sister lives there)
What a wonderfull man. Our sympathy goes to the family. We will treasure the short time that we were able to share his fabulous stories.
Hal R says
I only knew Don the past couple of years. Nonetheless, it was my very great pleasure to have known him. I learned a great deal about what’s important in life and marveled at his outlook. He’s an inspiration to us all.
jenine says
It was my privilege to have met Don just a few months ago. The words to the song ‘Say Goodnight’ by Beth Nielsen Chapman seem to speak of how Don will live on in his family and friends.
Say goodnight not good-bye
You will never leave my heart behind
Like the path of a star
I’ll be anywhere you are
In the spark that lies beneath the coals
In the secret place inside your soul
Keep my light in your eyes
Say goodnight not good-bye
Don’t you fear when you dream
Waking up is never what it seems
Like a jewel buried deep
Like a promise meant to keep
You are everything you want to be
So just let your heart reach out to me
I’ll be right by your side
Say goodnight not good-bye
You are everything you want to be
So just let your heart reach out to me
Keep my light in your eyes
Say goodnight not good-bye
Kelly Byrd Olsen says
Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to write in my father’s guest book. Everyone should be so lucky to have had a dad like mine. How many girls can claim they got a horse for their 12th birthday? I have wonderful memories of him, particularly when he taught high school and kept score at the basketball games. Some of my best qualities are gifts from him – optimism, love of life, joy in teaching, the delight of a good book. May we all find God’s comfort; I’m not worried about my Dad – he’s got eternity to share his grand stories.
Kittie O'Leary says
Mr. Byrd was my history teacher so many many years ago at Helena High(1966-67) It was a tough year but I definitely have many good memories of his class. My sincere sympathy to his family
Larry & Anne Bauer says
Don will surely be missed by so many of us. He truly was an original. He touched many, many lives and lifted so many spirits even unto the end. Your whole family is in our prayers.
Linda Lee Birmingham says
The great orator has moved on. I will miss his wisdom, his kindness, and his unfailing logic. It was an honor to know him
Peggy Byrd says
Will miss you Uncle Don you were an inspiration to me and filled my life with Joy and expectationR
Rick Marks says
Very grateful to have known Don. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Robyn Siegers says
I feel very lucky to have known Don over the last 4 years. Don always had a smile on his face and kind words to say and that never changed as his health declined. I am a better person for having met Don!
Sara Margie Graveley-Knigge says
So sorry to hear of Mr. Byrd’s passing. He was my favorite teacher. He saw the talent in me I didnt know I had.
I will always remember him. God bless his family and friends.
Shawn White Wolf says
My dear friend Don Byrd. I will miss you very much. It has been a great pleasure getting to know you. You taught some very valuable life lessons to me and my daughters. They have enriched our lives more than anyone could have ever thought. The gift of education keeps giving and giving. I think you must have coined that phrase.
Susan Buckingham Evans says
Don was described in High School as the coach’s dream.
v. thompson says
Dear Byrd Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) With deepesr sympathy,
Friends of Bill W., Sanpete County, Utah says
We are grateful that Don was in our lives, both in Sedona, Az and here in Jerusalem (habitation of Peace), Utah. He inspired because he loved. As he worked to establish Camelot where ever he went we were instructed to “dust off our dreams” and “regain our innocence.
Don, now as then, you are incredibly loved.
“Life is forever, we just change forms”
Blessings and comfort to family and friends, , Myiss
Stevie Allen says
I first met Don after the accident that took his leg, and was immensely blessed to have him as my history teacher in high school. Then as a neighbor up Grizzly, and finally a pen pal.
I’m so glad I kept his letters, and so wish I could have seen him earlier this year when I was in Montana for a few days. He was a special person who saw what people could be and encouraged them to pursue their dreams.