Donald Boyd Lindsay

Donald Boyd Lindsay, age 95, passed away of natural causes February 27, 2025 at Sunset Home Assisted Living in Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

Don was born in Hamilton, Montana on January 20, 1930. Shortly thereafter, he traveled by train to Spokane’s Salvation Army Hospital. At nine months old, Boyd and Evalda Lindsay adopted Don because he yanked on Boyd’s tie. Four years later, sister Lorraine was adopted into the family. Don lived near the Downriver Golf Course in Spokane for 16 years. He enjoyed creating things made of wood. Many times, he visited Grandpa and Grandma Swanson on their farm near Moscow, Idaho. There he learned to hitch a team, take the eggs and cream to market, fix kerosene lamps and spade a garden. He attended Finch Elementary, Havermale Junior High and North Central High Schol until Boyd purchased a hardware store in Bonners Ferry. At age 16, Don joined Bonners Ferry High School as a sophomore. He was put into a woodworking class where he helped his classmates use the few power tools available. During high school, he became a clerk in the National Guard. In 1948, Don graduated from BFHS. He attended University of Idaho and joined ROTC to help pay for his education. August 2, 1952, Don married Veryl Gloria Moore from Bonners Ferry. In 1953, he received his commission as a second lieutenant. He and Veryl took their travel trailer, Betsy, to Fort Bennning, Georgia where he trained to maintain tanks and later became a Battalion Motor Officer. From there he was transferred to Kansas. During one convoy, he met some of Mennonites at a restaurant. He introduced himself as a resident from Bonners Ferry, Idaho and said that he might know some of their relatives. He asked when they wrote to their relatives, to say “Hello” from him. They paid for his coffee and did indeed write letters to Bonners.

During his childhood, Don mowed lawns, helped a friend deliver the Spokane Chronicle, and collected pop bottles for pocket change. At age 12, Don worked his first job at Spokane Lumber company. He and his buddy crossed a picket line to install windows at Geiger Field. Later, Don worked at Lindsay’s hardware immediately after school. His first customer needed a new hand saw. Because Don had learned about tools from his dad and Havermale Junior High School vocational classes, he was able to complete the sale. As “the kid” he educated people who were afraid to ask questions of the men.

Don enjoyed woodcraft and metalwork. He had a great eye for photography. Don helped establish the rifle and pistol clubs in Bonners Ferry. He was considered a gun nut. Fishing on Kootenay Lake was his passion. He was always after “the big one.” He could tell people about the major and minor times to fish and recommend the fishing tackle needed. However, Don could never swim.

Don purposefully avoided community charitable, religious, fraternal or political organizations because he felt the need for the hardware store to remain neutral. He aimed to assist customers from diverse backgrounds. He did square dance, assist with BFHS Band Boosters, and participate with Kootenai Valley Rifle and Pistol clubs.

Don leaves behind his daughter Shellye Lindsay, son Scot (Annie) Lindsay, and grandchildren Karl Smith, Nikki Lindsay, and Skyler Lindsay. He also has two great grandchildren, Rosemary and Matilda. Don is also survived by his half-brother, Michael P Nugent, JD from Parma, Idaho. Mike was the chief bill drafter for Idaho State Legislative Services for 41 years. He is married to Rose Marie Holt and has a daughter Alexa. He is predeceased by his wife, Veryl in 2016, and sister, Lorraine Baker Liverance in 2017.

A pie eating social will be held at the Valley Event Center at Boundary County Fairgrounds. Come join family and friends Saturday, March 15th from 1 to 5 pm. Pie provided. Just bring a memory.

Don requested that memorials may be made to the Kootenai Valley Junior Rifle Club, PO Box 111, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805. Another option would be to donate to Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, PO Box 808, Bonners Ferry, Idaho 83805.

Shellye and Scot wish to thank Auburn Crest Hospice for their loving support!

Extra Special Thanks to Sunset Home Assisted Living staff! Everyone there treated Don with respect and dignity! For seven weeks, they were a second family.