Obituary of Donald Francis Tash

Donald F. Tash February 4, 1939 – May 18, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don Tash. Donald Francis Tash was born February 4, 1939 in Dillon, MT to Cora Frances (Sapp) Tash and Donald Raymond Tash. He always said that he had the “best” of childhoods – hunting, fishing, and exploring the mountains of southwest Montana in Lima. In 1952 the family moved to Anaconda and a year later to Whitehall where he graduated from High School in 1957. After graduation he served in the U.S. Military, attended Montana State College in Bozeman and received a B.Sc. degree in Education from Western Montana College of Education in Dillon, MT (now the University of Montana Western). In 1965, after receiving a National Academic Year scholarship, he obtained a M.Sc. degree from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. He and his special girlfriend, Penelope Nichols, were married June 3, 1959 and within 8 years their family included 5 children. Don taught school in Harlowton, Montana for 3 years and in 1967 he accepted a teaching position in Stettler, Alberta. The move to Canada was an adventure and was only meant to last 2 years, but became home for 48 ½ years. Don loved kids and he especially loved teaching. His students always held a special place in his heart and he was rewarded with their responses for years later. He said his secret for his successful career was: “You just have to talk to kids”. Don and his Kubota tractor were a common sight in town and the surrounding area for many years, especially in the spring and fall. This “sideline” rototilling business prompted the planting of gardens for many people and he so enjoyed “his” customers. One lady called on a nice day in the middle of February to get her name “on the list”! One of his greatest joys came with membership in the church family at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He loved the people and loved the focus that it gave him to know that there are greater joys beyond this life. He was at peace. Don will be dearly remembered and missed by his wife of 57 years, his children, Kevin (Kate), Scott (Jenny), Dawn Rene’ (Les) Finnigan, Selene, Trevor (Chi) and “divinely sent” daughter, Stephanie Prytuliak. His very sad grandchildren include, Danysia and Arianne Tash, Cheillah and Stefan Kranic, Shirdi Tash, and Vinh and Thao Tash. “Papa” or “Pa” was a huge part of their lives. Also mourning his passing, his beloved sister, Carol Walter (Gary) of Great Falls, Mt; special cousin, Carl Robertson of Bozeman, MT; Brother in law, Jack Nichols (Crystal) of Kennewick, WA; Sisters-in-law, Jill Mathisen (George) of Brighton, CO; and Samantha Fetveit (Steve) of Kalispell, MT; numerous nieces and nephews; former daughters-in-law, Natalia Filipchuk and Pam Thursby; and former son-in-law, Andy Kranic. He and Penny have also been blessed with the best and most generous friends imaginable. Donations are kindly accepted for the Pallative Care Room at Stettler Hospital and Care Centre or St. Peter Lutheran Church. A “Celebration of His Life” will be held June 18, 2016, at Wm. E. Hay High School gymnasium at 2:00 p.m. with lunch to follow at St. Peter Lutheran Church.