Don Greenlief

POLSON — Donald W. Greenlief, 86, of Polson died of natural causes Nov. 4, 2006, at his home surrounded by loving family. Don was born on July 16, 1920, to Ethel May and Silas Greenlief in Missoula.

Don spent his childhood in Missoula during the "Great Depression." He had many stories about the difficulties and adventures of being raised during the depression. Don began his career with the Northern Pacific Railroad in Missoula, where he operated the biggest steam engine Northern Pacific had at the time.

In 1941, he moved to Bremerton, Wash. He worked the "big ships" in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. In 1942, Don joined the U.S. Navy serving during WWII. He operated landing craft boats in the South Pacific and New Guinea. Don attained the rank of Boatswain Mate First Class before being honorably discharged in 1945.

Upon returning to Bremerton, he met his wife of 52 years, Marion Winkleman. Marion also worked at the shipyard as a crane operator. Don and Marion married on Aug. 17, 1946, in Missoula. He and Marion resided in Bremerton where Don went to school on the G.I. Bill and learned the upholstery trade.

Don and Marion were blessed with two daughters while residing in Bremerton, Patricia and Nancy. They moved to Butte in 1951, where they were blessed with the birth of their youngest daughter, Laurie. Upon moving to Butte, Don worked as a miner and also owned and operated the Pioneer Lounge and Pard Bar in Meaderville.

Later he returned to the upholstery trade operating Don's Upholstery Shop. Don ended his varied career life with Arco. He operated 100 to 170-ton dump trucks at the Berkley Pit until his retirement in 1985. After retirement, Don and Marion spent time traveling the United States spending time with their family. Don and Marion celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Butte, where a grand celebration was held. Marion died in 1998.

Don later moved to Polson, where he married Vivian Sanzone. Vivian and Don became acquainted in their younger years while in Missoula and later reunited. Don enjoyed his time in Polson with Vivian, where he spent his days in the yard, watching the birds and enjoying the view of Flathead Lake from their home. Don's hobby for over 20 years was training Labrador retrievers for hunting and field trials. He served as president of the Butte Retriever's Club. Don was also an avid hunter and fisherman.

He had a love for gardening and spent countless hours in his vegetable garden and greenhouse on Silver Bow Blvd. Don took great pride in his garden and loved to give anyone and everyone a tour of his accomplishments. Don continued to garden until his death.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marion; brothers, Robert Greenlief, Noel, Raoul and Clyde Warmoth; sister, Thelma Bartholomew; and niece, Tammy Greenlief.

He is survived by his wife, Vivian; daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and William Torgersen, Nancy Bergman, and Laurie and Tom Gross; stepson and daughter-in-law, Risk and Marilyn Sanzone; grandchildren Carrie and Dan Holland, Shannon and Max Holland, Shawn and Tonya Holmes, Julie and Mike Fink, Greg and Chris Torgersen, Roger and Meg Torgersen, Mike Torgersen, Wendy Bergman, Walt Bergman, Tonya and Tino Soblotne, and Brandon and Ryan Gross; great-grandchildren April and Cory Svejkosky, Megan Holland, Erin and J.D. Holland, Johnny, Gracie and Maria Holmes, Kyler and Carley Fink, David, Ryan and Kate Torgersen, Vicki Bergman, and Taylor, Gabrielle, and Alexandria Soblotne. Don is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sis Greenlief, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Funeral services were conducted Nov. 9 in the Duggan Dolan Mortuary Chapel. Interment was Nov. 10 in Florence.

Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of the Rockies, Hospice, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, or the charity of the donor's choice.