Donald Ross Pfrimmer

Don was born in Great Falls, Montana, on September 25, 1937 as the eighth and youngest son of Robert Bell Pfrimmer and Lillian Green Pfrimmer. He spent his childhood in Whitefish, Montana, on the western side of the Rockies near the Canadian border, hunting, fishing, swimming, skiing, and generally getting into mischief.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Patricia, Jack, Glen, Sylvia, Bruce and Mickey. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Gail, two children, Michael Blade and Tinsley (Dan) Morrison, four grandchildren, Lizzy Blade, Jake Blade, Tom Morrison and Lilly Morrison, and his brother Charles Pfrimmer.

Don was “the Fonz” before anyone knew who the Fonz was. In high school, he wore a leather jacket, rode a motorcycle and was known to participate in the odd street fight. He also was a prize-winning Golden Gloves boxer. But beneath the leather jacket, was the heart of an artist. Don’s beautiful singing voice landed him many lead roles in high school musicals.

Don was a veteran of the United States Army from which he received an honorable discharge after injuring his back in a surfing accident. During his time in the service, he won multiple marksmanship awards.

Don graduated from the University of Montana in 1965, with an English major and Art minor. After college, he spent many years in Alaska where he taught school to Native Inuit children, guided hunting and fishing expeditions, trapped arctic fox, and spent time commercial fishing out of Kodiak Island. Don had a great love of the outdoors, and was an expert hunter and fisherman—despite claims to the contrary by his brothers and children.

Don was a renaissance man. While he could hunt, fish and rabble rouse with the best of them, he could also paint, sing, sculpt, draw, and write poetry. Woodworking was a big hobby and he made beautiful homemade furniture in his basement shop.

It was this artistic side that led Don to think he could make a living writing music. In the early 1970’s, Don moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. Like many before him, his career didn’t immediately take off, but by 1978 he had a top ten, The Power of Positive Drinking by Mickey Gilley. Don had a top ten hit almost every year in the 80s and 90s, and 2000s including “She Keeps the Home Fires Burning,” “Meet in the Middle,” “The Front Porch Lookin’ In,” “My Heart,” “All I Want Is a Life,” and “Love Without Mercy.” In all, ten of them went to number 1. “Mr. Mom,” by Lonestar in 2004 was his most recent #1 hit.

Beyond top 40s and number 1s, Don was a beloved mentor to many other songwriters. He was well known for his big heart. The fact that he has so many friends in such a tough town is a testament to his willingness to help anyone with a guitar and a dream.

In 2015, Don was nominated for the Country Music Songwriters Hall of Fame, and while he didn’t get in this year, his family believes his body of work may still get him in some day.

In the last year’s of his life, Don wrote screenplays for movies and a book. The book centers on a boy in Alaska, a spot that always held a special place in his heart.

A memorial to celebrate his life and accomplishments is being planned. Details will be announced when they are finalized.