STEVENSVILLE - Donald Gene Filcher, of Stevensville and Hamilton, much-loved friend to many, passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Don was a retired railroad worker and in his later years became a skilled carpenter and jack-of-all-trades. Don lived a very full life, both in his cherished Montana and at his winter home in Salome, Ariz. He spent many happy years hunting and fishing in the Bitterroot Valley and teaching his sons, grandsons and nephews the skills required to master the outdoors. (When he was 14, he helped his dad haul timber by mule up St. Mary Peak to rebuild the fire lookout there.)

Don's love of life was contagious to everyone around him. Music, family and friends were the most important things in his life and he taught himself to play the guitar at age 50. Even as a young guy, he would whistle countless songs for his little sisters to play a fun game of "name that tune."

Don never tired of telling stories and jokes, and his presence always lit up a room. Don was always ready for a music jam. He played regularly at the Hamilton Senior Center, nursing and retirement homes, fairs, parades, and school programs in both Montana and Arizona. Don was a member of Five Valley Accordions, Old Time Fiddlers, Stevi Strings, Montana Bluegrass, Eagles, Elks and Golden Age Club. Don was also a 15-year member of the Stevensville Volunteer Fire Department. Don had a special place in his heart for all his railroad buddies and looked forward to his monthly meetings in Anaconda and Butte. He had so much yet that he wanted to do, he could have gone on forever had his big, loving heart not given out.

He was the heart and soul of his large family and is survived by his beloved partner of 14 years, Jean, of Hamilton; son Joe (Beth) of Helena; grandchildren Ben (Codi) of Missoula, Amber (Kevin) of Hamilton and Max of Arkansas; great-grandchildren Ciara and Haylee; brothers George (Edie) of Helena and Yuma, Ariz., and Dale (Betty) of Deer Lodge; sisters Ruth Cimino (Ron) of Littleton, Colo., and Lois Longbottom (Jack) of Sun Lakes, Ariz., and Angola; along with many nieces and nephews who thought of him as very special person. They all share wonderful memories of times spent with Uncle Don. He may not have known how important he was in their lives, but they treasure many wonderful memories of happy days spent with him.

We are sorry to let him go, but we know that he is now with his wife of 49 years, Mayme; son Doug; parents Ben and Georgia; brothers Ralph and John; sister Ethel; and sisters-in-law Charlene and Rose.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the United Methodist Church in Stevensville with reception to follow. A memorial to Don's rich life is planned for June 15. His wish was for his many friends and loved ones to celebrate his life during the summer when the Montana winter is behind us. He was always one to think of others first. We will miss his generosity of love, laughter and thoughtfulness.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Five Valley Accordion Scholarship Fund, c/o Ethel Harris, 478 Tushapaw Road, Victor, MT 59875; or Montana Fiddlers Youth Programs, c/o Dick Pederson, 935 Johnson St., Missoula, MT 59801.