John Ray Donaldson

MISSOULA ~ John Ray Donaldson, 65 of Missoula passed away on Wednesday May 29th, 2024, after complications from Cancer. In his final hours, he was surrounded by his loving family. 

John was born March 19^th, 1959, in Missoula, Montana to Allen and Janice Donaldson. As a young boy he lived with his family in Superior for a couple of years and eventually settled in Missoula. Growing up with a large family, he enjoyed his time with his siblings and close friends. John started his career at Roseburg Forrest products in 1989, where he worked for 35 years before he retired in March of 2024.

John was selfless with his children, family and friends.   The most important role he played was being a father to J.R., Olan, Ethan and Kaitlynn.  He dedicated his life to ensuring he was present and spent quality time with each of them. His favorite times were spent taking them fishing and road hunting. John had a difficult work schedule but made sure to attend every sporting event for his children. He always had strong bonds with his siblings throughout his life and it continued until his passing.  

John began his love of hunting and fishing as a child. He was an avid whitetail hunter and loved to hunt them every season. His favorite lake to fish was Holter Lake. Later in his life during the early spring months, you could find him with his brothers and kids at his favorite pike fishing hole gathered around a campfire waiting for the fish to bite. His brothers, his children and he spent a lot of time in the hunting camp. Things could get somewhat competitive while hunting and fishing to see who would get the biggest game. His last days were spent with his family doing what he loved. Spending time with his kids and on his boat fishing.

He is preceded in death by his parents Allen and Janice Donaldson, his son J.R. Donaldson, and several aunts/uncles who were all loved very much.

He is survived by his children Olan Donaldson, Ethan Donaldson, Kaitlynn Donaldson, his grandson Noah Donaldson, his siblings David Donaldson of Missoula, Larry (Cathy) Donaldson of Harrison, Joe (Ann) Donaldson of Thompson Falls, Daniel Donaldson of Idaho Falls, Kathy (Rob) Christman of Island Park, ID; nephews, Chad McCorkle of Missoula, Nikki Donaldson of Idaho, Parker (Mattie) Donaldson of Island Park, ID, Brady (Rachael) Donaldson of Harrison, Beau (Marissa) Donaldson of Ennis, Daniel Donaldson of Los Angeles, and the mother of his children Penny Campbell of Fort Worth.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Orchard Homes, 2537 3^rd Street W on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 3pm.