Donald Scales

Donald Lloyd Scales, 91

Donald Lloyd Scales was born on Aug. 8, 1925, in Sacramento, Calif., to Ernest Scales and Ora Scales. Don lived most of his life in Southern California where he and his amazing wife Grace raised their two children, Denny Scales and Lynda Scales-Thurman. Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, friend, and very important to him, a gentleman! Don or “Pop,” as most came to know him was an amazing friend to anyone he came in contact with.

Don was introduced to Grace, the love of his life while he was on a weekend pass from the U.S. Navy. Don proposed to Grace that weekend after knowing her for only two days. Don married Grace on Aug. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Calif. They continued their “Incredible Journey” of love for more than 63 years and they were an inspiration to us all.

Don served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy during World War II, earning the World War II Victory medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal, American Campaign medal and the Liberty medal. After leaving the Navy, Pop spent some time as a logger and eventually started a steel company with his father and brother in Paramount, Calif.

Don spent countless hours camping and boating with his family and friends over the years. Don and Grace purchased their home on Lake Coeur d’Alene in 1987 where their family and friends were able to spend many wonderful happy times which included endless hours of water skiing, boating and several weddings.

Don was very active and independent until his passing, making many trips from North Idaho to Southern California and Parker, Ariz., to visit his family and friends. The most recent being in October 2016.

Don leaves behind his son, Denny Scales (wife Marilyn); daughter Lynda Scales-Thurman (husband Martin Sr.); grandsons Marty Thurman Jr. (wife Joni), Dustin Thurman (wife Kelly), Justin Scales (wife Carrie) and Jeff Thurman (wife Kaycie); granddaughters Lacy Williams and Raejean Belsaguy (husband Eric); and 10 great-grandchildren.

At Don’s passing he states on numerous occasions how he “Had a perfect life and wouldn’t change it for the world!” He also reiterated on several occasions how he had a “Perfect family!” Don passed away at home peacefully with his family at his side on Jan. 26, 2017, at 11:15 a.m., just exactly as his son, Denny’s plane safely touched down at the Spokane International Airport.

The family would like to thank the many people who were there to make him comfortable during his final days especially the staff of Hospice of North Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to be made in Don’s honor to Hospice of North Idaho: 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Viewing will be prior to his service from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Graveside service will immediately follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens with Military Honors for those that wish to attend.

At Don’s request, a “Party” will be held from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at the Coeur d’Alene Eagles, 209 Sherman Ave., Coeur d’Alene, for those that cannot attend the service or graveside.