Donald Rainey, 83

Donald Edward Rainey was born in Dos Palso, Calif., on April 7, 1941, to James H. Rainey and Elizabeth Jane Oliver. His family moved to Arizona, Oregon and settled in Boise, Idaho.

Don spent his early years in the Boise school system until he joined the U.S. Army in 1958. He completed basic training at Fort Carson, Colo., and was transferred to the 7th Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he attended Jump School, graduating in early 1959.

Completing his commitment, he was separated from active duty in February 1962, at which time he returned to Boise and worked for various engineering firms as a field surveyor. It was during this time that he met his wife, Pauline Hopkins. They were married in St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Bonners Ferry on Aug. 28, 1965.   

Don enrolled at Boise State College in 1968 and graduated in 1971 with a degree in accounting. During his years at Boise State, Don and Pauline were blessed with three sons: Tom in 1968, Bob in 1970 and Marcus in 1971. Upon graduation, Don went to work for Morrison Knudsen Corp. and remained in their employ until he retired in November 2006. During this 35-year period, the Rainey family saw a great deal of country. Don was on field projects as a project business manager. Most of the assignments were in the Western U.S. with the exceptions of Cleveland, Ohio, Massena, N.Y., Kissimmee, Fla., Saudi Arabia and Cairo, Egypt. In retirement, he enjoyed restoring a British car and a British motorcycle.  

He is survived by his wife, Pauline, three sons and four grandchildren.

No services will be held. Private interment will be in the Grandview Cemetery. The Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family. To leave a message or memory for the family, please go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.