Obituary of Donald Dale Seward

  Donald “Donnie” Dale Seward of Parma, Idaho, age 74, passed away at home July 27, 2018 after a hard fought battle with cancer while surrounded by his loving family.  Donnie was born the middle child to Don and Inez Seward, August 18, 1943 in Nampa, Idaho, and lived his entire life in Parma, creating a loving home and life for his family just one mile down the road from his parents and childhood home.  Donnie attended Parma Schools, and as a natural athlete enjoyed a great career in high school tennis, winning the state title in boy’s doubles 3 of 4 years, and finishing 2^nd place his senior year before graduating from Parma High in 1961.  Donnie met the love of his life, Sharon Lee Armstrong in 1968 and was married January 24, 1969, celebrating 49 wonderful years together last January.  Donnie and Sharon built a life together based on love, respect, and a deep devotion to family.  As a profession, Donnie grew up as a young man working the farm and learning outstanding work ethic alongside his father, striking out on his own as a farmer soon after graduation.  At an early age, he owned and maintained a small milk and feeder cow operation, then later transitioned his farming practice specializing in growing row crops, his most notable crop being onions.  In 2000, after nearly 40 years of farming, Donnie and son Troy teamed up with his nephew Rick Ketterling, formed Golden West Produce, and realized a common dream of packing, shipping, and marketing their own onions.  A talented artist, designer, and fabricator, he developed and built many implements for use on the farm and for the packing facility, and he took pride in watching the operations and helping keep Golden West running efficiently.  There was rarely a time where Donnie couldn’t be seen proudly wearing his Golden West Produce cap or jacket.

Donnie loved and cherished spending time in the great outdoors with family and friends, camping, taking Jeep rides, waterskiing, golfing, fishing, and hunting.  Hunting was his most passionate personal endeavor throughout his life, and through the years could be found anywhere from Alaska to Africa pursuing his passion for adventure.

 Donnie was a phenomenal archer in the 1970’s before archery was considered “cool,” and when a bow resembled a stick more than a machine.  He and a few friends pioneered one of the first bow hunting/archery clubs in the state called Fort Boise Bowmen, and he competed in many archery shoots and helped promote the sport of archery.  In 1975 he travelled to hunt the Brooks Range in Alaska, which resulted in the proudest accomplishment of his hunting career.  He harvested the #3 Barren Ground Caribou in the world at the time with a bow and was able to take one of the largest Dall Sheep taken from the Brooks Range in Alaska.  His adventures were an incredible inspiration to all his sons, who absorbed every story, picture, and video, and dreamed of being a great hunter just like Dad.  In later years, he loved spending time at the family cabin near Council, Idaho, as he shared his love and knowledge of the outdoors with his family.  He enjoyed big game hunting with his wife Sharon, and many memories of horseback adventures were made, often alongside his big brother Gordon.  For his sons, Donnie was the expert for any advice relating to hunting areas, equipment, or techniques, and he was happy to share his wisdom.  Donnie also loved to spend time with Sharon and friends in Parker and Lake Havasu, AZ in the winter months, and enjoyed salmon fishing the Kenai River in Alaska for many years.  So many lessons taught and memories made, alongside our precious husband, Daddy, Grandpa, and friend, will never be forgotten and shall forever be cherished.

  Donnie loved and gave freely his heart to his family and friends and shall be remembered for his stable and good nature, honesty, integrity, and never compromising character.  He possessed a gift that made friends feel like family, and he cared deeply for those close to him and he knew how to express love through words, hugs, and handshakes.  Donnie touched many lives of those around him through his lessons, led by his example and expectations.  All who knew Donnie, knew that as a relatively quiet man, if he was speaking, you should probably be listening to the wisdom of his words.

  Donnie is survived by Sharon, his loving wife of 49 years, sons Lane, Shane, Wayne, Brent, Troy, and many beautiful and loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Gordon, sister LaDonna, and many extended family and loving friends.  You will be missed but we never shall forget you, as you live in our hearts each day.

  Funeral services will be held August 3, 2018 at 10:30 AM at the Midway Bible Missionary Church, 3200 E. Ustick Rd., Caldwell, ID 83605.  The family suggests memorials be made to Parma High School Athletics, 137 Panther Way, Parma, ID 83660.