Donald Eugene Habel

HAMILTON: Donald Eugene Habel, 78 of Hamilton, died May 31, 2009 at St. Patrick's Hospital of congestive heart failure. He was born April 15, 1931 in Centerville, Montana on the Allread Ranch, the son of Robert and Marcia Allread Habel.

Don was raised in Centerville and Big Fork, Montana until he joined the Marines Corp in 1948 at the age of 17. Don Served his Country as a Sergeant in the Korean War in the "EASY COMPANY 2ND BATTALION" until 1952. Don was quite a gardener, horseman (muleman) and an avid sports fan, betting on playoffs regularly with his kids. He married in 1953 in Great Falls and had three children, Russ, Pete and Sarah. When he was younger, Don loved playing in Town Basketball Leagues along with Cowboy Polo both in Great Falls and the Bitter Root. He officially relocated to the Bitter Root in 1969. He had another son, Ian. Don was always a Rancher and an Outfitter in the Bitter Root Valley and the Selway Wilderness for over 40 years. His wisdom, storytelling, sense of humor, cooking and natural abilities touched many lives and brought him return customers for years upon years. Once retired, he wrote a book about some of these adventures shared with his sons in "70,000 MILES ON HORSEBACK IN THE WILDS OF IDAHO".

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Stepmother Irene and Sister Roberta Feller. Surviving are his children, Russ, Pete, Sarah and Ian along with stepchildren Molly, Paige and Ben; grandchildren Andy and Jessie; Sister, June Schott (and numerous nieces and nephews), his faithful dog "LUCKY" along with his best friend and Partner, Elaine Bethmann.

His favorite saying in the mountains was "aint got much money, cloths aint none to good, eatin pretty regular and I'm feelin powerful good!"