Donald Albert Aubertin

Donald Albert Aubertin, aka Papa Don, age 84, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 4th, 2021 surrounded by his loved ones.  Dad was born on April 28th, 1937 in Delkena, Washington to Charles and Peggy Aubertin.  He was the 5th of 6 children.  Raised in the Pacific Northwest he thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and causing general mayhem with his siblings.

Dad was fascinated by the natural world and had the mind of an engineer.  The combination of these two traits led him to pursue a degree in Geological Engineering at Montana Tech School of Mines.  His education was followed by a long and successful career in the mining industry, working in many mining districts around the Western United States.  Dad began his retirement with a two-year RV journey around the Southwest.  He finally settled in the Phoenix area where he resided for nine years.  In 2019 he relocated to Spokane to be closer to his family.

Dad was a gregarious and gifted storyteller.  He never tired of being a rock hound and spent a great deal of time searching for the “Mother Lode”.  His love of chili peppers was unprecedented.  He was often heard saying “the hotter the better!”  Dad also had varied and eclectic interests that kept him busy in his later years.

In May of 1958 Dad married Evelyn Finley.  Together they had four children; Dan, Kevin, Mary, and Valerie.  His children all inherited his sense of adventure, curiosity about life, and love of the outdoors.  He is survived by his children Dan (Paula) Aubertin, Kevin (Carol) Aubertin, Mary (Bob) Jacobs, and Valerie Aubertin, many grandchildren and his brother Gary (Pat) Aubertin.  Also surviving him is his former wife Evenly Finley, who, along with his children, helped care for him in his last year of life.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Peggy Aubertin, his siblings Marilyn, Pat, Jody, and Ken, and his fiancé Suzy Hudak.

Our family wants to sincerely thank both Evergreen Fountains and Hospice of Spokane.  Their genuine and compassionate care brought great comfort to our dad and family.  We also want to extend our deep appreciation to Bob and Marty Ziomek, owners of Lovin Manor AFH of Scottsdale, Arizona.  Their diligent and committed care gave us five amazing years with Dad 2.0.

Dad lived an unconventional, extraordinary life… “Life is meant to be lived so get out and live it!”

To share memories of Don or leave condolences for his family on his Tribute Wall.