<::taps::> Donald James Becker, member, Elks D&BC (MT)

[Catherine]

SAMMAMISH, Wash. - Donald James Becker, 89, a longtime Great Falls resident and retired businessman, died of natural causes May 6 at a care facility in Sammamish, Wash.

Don was born April 20, 1918, in Great Falls, to Mike and Addie (Muffly) Becker. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1937 and attended the University of Washington in Seattle for two years, studying commercial engineering.

He married Bettie Baker on June 3, 1942, in Great Falls, and they had two children, Mike and Vicki.

Don and his father owned and operated the Great Falls Engraving and Litho Plate Co., which was established in May 1914, by Mike Becker.  At the time, this business was recognized as one of the most completely equipped plants in Montana and the only one in Montana with photolith plate-making equipment for use in lithographics or offset printing.  The firm handled the majority of the engraving work for high school annuals throughout Montana and many news pictures and advertisements for the Tribune and The Leader.  In 1965, the business was moved into the new Becker Building across from the courthouse.  Don closed the business when he retired in April 1983.  His Vandercook Printing Press was donated to the Cascade County Historical Society.

As a younger man, he was a member of the Elks Drum and Bugle Corps, which won first place in several national competitions between 1947 and 1952.

Don was an outdoor enthusiast and had a great passion for life.  He loved boating, water skiing and snow skiing.  Many wonderful summers were spent at their residence on Whitefish Lake. 

 

Don was also very active in Great Falls community organizations.  He was a charter member of the Great Falls Advertising Federation, past president of the Lions Club and 40-year member of the Elks Lodge. In 1987, he and Bettie retired to Sun City West, Ariz., until 2002, when they moved to the Seattle area to be near their daughter.

A wonderful and beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, he will be forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Bettie; a daughter, Vicki, of Sammamish; a grandson, Mike Edwards of Tempe, Ariz.; two nephews, Rex Chamberlin and Max "Gene" Chamberlin of Great Falls; and a niece, Francis Lorraine "Dede" Lands of Columbus, Ga.  He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Donald, in 1965; and his sister, Meda Chamberlin, in 1985.

Cremation took place under the direction of Barton Family Funeral Service of Kirkland, Wash. Graveside services and burial are 3 p.m. Monday at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Great Falls.
Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

Published on 7/29/2007.