euskalkultura.eus

02/19/2015 - Boise, Idaho US

Donald L. Sabala
1939-2015

Don Sabala passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 19th, 2015.

Donald Louis Sabala was born on September 24th, 1939 along with his identical twin brother, Ron, to Louis and Rua Dell Sabala. He spent his life living in Idaho. He graduated from Boise High School, class of 1958, which was the last graduating class when Boise High was the only public high school in Boise. Don then attended Boise Junior College and Santa Monica City College. Upon the death of his father in February 1962, he and his brother Ron established Sabala Brothers and Company which operated in the Utah/Idaho market. Don retired after 34 years of being in the food brokerage business.

Don loved many outdoor activities which included bird hunting, fishing, motorcycles, boating and snowmobiling.

In 1968 he married Elizabeth (Betty) Araquistain in Lekeitio, Bizkaia, Spain. Together they had three children, Vanessa, Christina, and Steve. They divorced in 1987 after 18 years of marriage. Don spent his years since then with his girlfriend Jo Smith. After retirement Don and Jo moved to the Hat Ranch in McCall and had great memories with friends, taking Harley trips, fishing trips and traveling.

Don is survived by his girlfriend, Jo Smith; his children Vanessa Payne (Danny), Christina Alley (Markus), and Steve Sabala; seven grandchildren, Harrison, Nicholas, Charlie and Christina Payne; Steven, John and Bear Alley. His twin brother Ron Sabala (Diana), his three nephews Lou Sabala (Suzie), John Sabala (Katy), Nick Sabala (Meredith) and their children Rich, Dan, Sara, Betsy, Emma, JJ, Amaya and Ron. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and beloved nephew Rich.

Don will be sorely missed for many reasons and especially his incredible gift to entertain us with the stories of his crazy experiences.

Above all he was a loving, caring, generous father, grandfather, companion, brother, uncle and friend.

We would like to acknowledge the special care he received at Southwest Idaho Advanced Care Hospital. Most especially Dr. Ann Agnew, Scott Allen and the rest of the staff. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made on Don's behalf to The RJS Foundation, P.O. Box 869, McCall, Idaho 83638 or charity of choice. A celebration of Don’s life will be held on February 28th at 1:30 pm at St. John’s Cathedral, 775 N 8th Street in Boise. Services provided by Cloverdale Funeral Home.

(submitted by his family)