Don Lorenzo Chisholm

Don L. “Sonny” Chisholm was called home on October 1, 2026.

Sonny was born on June 2, 1931, in Omak, Washington, to Ren and Violet Chisholm. He came to Montana in 1947, where he formed lifelong friendships with the Welch and Christensen families. Sonny lived with the Christensen family and began making a living doing what he knew best: working hard. He broke horses, worked on haying crews, and traveled to California to help harvest the Welch family’s orchard. He later worked in the logging industry, spending time at the mill in Plains, Montana, and driving trucks for local loggers throughout Sanders County.

In 1950, Sonny met Jane, who would become his loving wife and fishing partner for life. They were married “bottom of the draw” in Idaho in 1953. That same year, Sonny enlisted in the Army alongside his best friend, Glen Welch, under the buddy system. He served during the Korean War, attaining the rank of sergeant while stationed in Alaska.

Sonny was an accomplished equipment operator, especially skilled in road grading and maintenance. He was known for his resourcefulness, his willingness to tackle a job, and his ability to handle just about anything that came his way.

One memorable incident involved two bulls that had gotten into the county shop and were fighting. Sonny decided to separate them with the loader. First, he dumped a load of gravel on the bulls, which only made them madder. Undeterred, Sonny used the loader to flip them up a few times, eventually driving them out the gate and back toward home. It was just another day in the life of Sonny Chisholm.

Sonny would tell you himself that he tried his hand at the cattle business and failed three times. One of those ventures involved trading labor for calves with the Detienne family. The deal netted him 15 head, which he eventually sold to Kermit Hopkins. That transaction became the beginning of yet another tall tale in the adventures of Sonny, Glen, and 13 silver dollars. Those who knew Sonny knew there was never a shortage of stories, and many of them became part of local lore.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Sonny continued working in the logging industry, working with Bud Brass. In 1973, he bought the red Peterbilt logging truck, which became another important part of his working life. He spent years behind the wheel, working in the woods and hauling logs, doing what he knew best—working hard and getting the job done.

Through years of hard work in the woods, on the roads, and behind the wheel, Sonny built a life rooted in determination, independence, and the kind of practical know-how that could only come from experience.

Sonny believed in being involved in his community and giving his time to organizations he cared about. He joined the Masons in 1979, the Scottish Rite in 1985, and the Algeria Shrine Club in 1987. That same year, he helped start the Clark Fork Shrine Club, where he served as president for 10 years.

The Clark Fork Shrine Club was known for bringing plenty of fun to local parades. Under Sonny’s involvement, the club built three bathtub go-karts that became part of their parade activities and undoubtedly created plenty of smiles and memories along the way.

Sonny also served as president of the Ambassadors of Algeria Temple, president of the Lions International Club in Hot Springs, and president of the Sunday Social Bowling League. Whether he was working, serving his community, or enjoying time with friends, Sonny had a way of becoming involved and taking on a leadership role.

His years of service reflected the same qualities he brought to everything else in life: hard work, commitment, friendship, and a willingness to get things done.

Sonny lived life in his own way, making a living with his hands, his equipment, and his willingness to work. His life was filled with family, friendships, fishing, hard work, community service, and adventures that would be told and retold for years to come. He leaves behind a legacy of stories, memories, and family that will carry his name forward.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Ren and Violet Chisholm; his stepmother, Arabella Chisholm; his wife, Janie; his sisters, Evelynn, Charlotte, and Loretta; his daughter, Violet Harris; and his brother-in-law, Ronnie Moline.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Billie Chubb; son-in-law, Herb Harris; and his children: Barb Rinke (the late Virgil), Bill Chisholm (Judy), Thom Chisholm (Brandy), and Jennifer Brander (Jeff).

He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Billie Jo (Paul) Rinke, Mathew Rinke, Josh Harris (Shianne), Stacy Harris (Clay), Lillian Chisholm, Avery (Grant) Gahard, Robert Arus, Travis (Becca) King, Kolby (Blake) Chisholm, Carson Chisholm, Duncan Chisholm, Afton Brander, and Sydney Brander.

And, in true Sonny fashion, he leaves behind a log truck load of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, along with generations of family who will carry his memory forward.

Sonny’s life was a testament to hard work, friendship, family, community, and a little bit of mischief. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories and memories that will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and the occasional shake of the head to those who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Spokane Shriners Hospital, 911 West 5th Ave, Spokane WA 99204.