Don E. Grainger

Don E. Grainger joined his beloved wife Marion on July 2, 2011. He was delighted to be a part of this world for 90+ years. Don was born in Miles City, MT on September 8, 1920 and where he spent his formative years.

He served in the Air Force from 1942 through 1945.His service included 2 1/2 years with the 8th Air force stationed in England flying B17s with the 711 Bomb Squadron, 447 Group.  He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Air Medal.

Don was married to Marion Mellor of Staffordshire, England in August of 1945.  Upon Marion's arrival in the USA, they settled in Miles City.  In 1950 they moved to Billings, MT and Don continued his career with Winter Hardware Distributors as a salesman.  During his 31 years with Winter Hardware, he was purchasing manager, sales manager, general manager and at the time of his retirement in 1981 he was partner and general manager of the company. During his 31 years in business, he was president of Toastmasters and Billings Optimists, board member of Billings Rotary and Special Transportation.  He was also active in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was an active member of St Stephens Episcopal Church. Don was the first senior warden of St. Stephens and a Lay Eucharist Minister from 1952 until his death.

He is survived by his son Brian and two daughters Barbara and Debra, along with five granddaughters and one grandson, and six great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 P. M., Sunday, July 31, 2011 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be placed with Marion's in the crematorium at St. Stephens.  Please make memorials to the St. Stephens Memorial Fund.

Remembrances

Hello to the Don Grainger Family.
I went to school with Debbie, and send her my sympathy, also for her sweet Mother, who I remember very well, though until I read Don's obit, I hadn't known Marion's background. We kids are fortunate to have all the freedoms that Don and his fellows fought valiantly for. My love to you all.

Kate Cranston Williams

Dear Brian, Barbara, Debra and Families,

I had the privilege to work with your beloved Dad (and Brian) at Winter Hardware. Your Father was the most honest, caring, living and kind man that I have ever met. He treated everyone with respect and fully lived his life by the Golden Rule. He was a true Christian in every way.

I'll never forget how kind he was when I "broke" the new computer when I was backing it up. (Brian, you will remember those large hard drive "platters" that weren't suppose to come out until the computer was ready.) Well, it wasn't ready and the platter came out when it wasn't suppose to. As a single Mom with a very young child (I think Shawn was about 4 years old) I had no idea where in the world I would ever come up with the money to pay for this expensive computer.

Your Dad knew that I couldn't afford a babysitter for all day and all night each month when I did the month end closing. He allowed me to bring my Son, Shawn in during those evenings so the month end reports would be finished and it wouldn't cost me a fortune for a babysitter. Shawn and I called these nights "Camping out at Winter Hardware." We still talk and laugh about those "Camping trips".

As a small business owner many years later, I modeled the way I treated my employees on the way your Father treated me.

Your Father's love for all of you and your Mom was never-ending.

Your Dad will always hold a special place in my heart and memories.

May God's love help you though this difficult time. Please if you want any other memories, feel free to email or call me.


Tara Lee Holwegner Bertucci
Reno, NV