Donald Eugene Matoon, Jr.

Donald Eugene Matoon, Jr. was born Oct. 23, 1943 and passed away Jan. 25, 2017.

Don was born in Kendrick, Idaho to Donald Eugene Mattoon, Sr. and Dorothy Helen Mattoon. He grew up in Lewiston and Chewelah, Wash., graduating from Jenkins High School in 1962. Following graduation, he attended Washington State University and served in the National Guard. Don held many different jobs over his life and retired from Spokane Transfer, having moved from truck driver to human resources.

Don met his wife, Susan Carney Hanegan, in the Spokane Mountaineers. They were married Dec. 24, 1992, the same day his parents were married in 1942.

Don was a man of many interests. He was a member of the original New Horizons Orchestra, learning to play the cello with no previous music experience. He went on to play with the Spokane Falls Orchestra and Project Joy.

He was a golfer who was always improving with lessons. Hiking, bicycling, and skiing, along with sailing and fly fishing were also pursued as a result of his love of the outdoors. Most recently, photography found him a member of the Spokane Camera Club.

Don is survived by his wife, Susan, at the home; stepsons Jeffery (Traci) Hanegan of Spokane and Bill Hanegan of Bellingham, Wash.; aunts, Peggy (Chuck) Snyder of Lewiston, Idaho and Mary Bell Mattoon Macki of Chewelah; siblings, Doug (Kathie) of Asotin, Mike (Alicia) of Spokane Valley, Becky Hunt of Cheney, Ginger (Steve) Devorak of Pullman, Robin (Scott) Brannan of San Antonio, Texas and Shannon (Gary) Shelley of Meridian, Idaho, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother Jeff.

The family wishes that memorial gifts be sent to Holy Names Music Center's Scholarship Fund at 3910 W. Custer Drive, Spokane, Wash. 99224. Don was a member of the committee that granted assistance to families that wished their children to have the joy of music in their lives.

Please join the family for a celebration of Don's life on Feb. 11, from 2-4 p.m. at Women and Children's Free Restaurant, 1408 N. Washington St. in Spokane.