Don Budig, 78, of Spokane, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2026, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, with his family gathered around him. Don was born July 19, 1948, in Spokane, to Vern and Joyce Budig. As a boy, Don spent hours with his model trains - the first of a lifetime of things he loved to build, tinker with, and keep running. He quickly grew into a young man who loved the outdoors, enjoying hunting, his time in the rifle club, fishing, and riding dirt bikes and motorcycles. He graduated from University High School in 1966.

That same year, on June 20, 1966, Don married the love of his life, Nora Mueller. For 60 years they built a home and a family side by side, raising three children, Mike, Derek and Stacie, and welcoming the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who filled their lives with joy.

Don started out with Chevron Oil, managing some of the largest stores in Washington for nine years, before going on to own and operate Manito Exxon which later became Conoco, for 50 years. He was a hard worker who was never happier than in the middle of a project. He could fix nearly anything, and he was always buying, fixing up and selling motorized toys. He was also a pilot and loved flying his Cessna 210, frequently flying up to Priest Lake.

In his 30s Don took to the water, sailing his sailboat. In later years he found his peace fishing, riding his Harley and BMW motorcycles, and spending time at the cabin on Priest Lake with the people he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Nora; sons Mike (Shelley) and Derek (Angela); daughter Stacie (Dave) Byus; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother John Budig; and sister Lynn Kinnunen.

Don was a living example of "work hard, play hard," and he believed that you get out of life what you put into it. He put everything into his work, his adventures and, most of all, his family. He left this world surrounded by them, and he will be missed every day.

A Rosary will be held Sunday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m., and the Funeral Mass will be Monday, Oct. 26, at 10 a.m., both at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Spokane. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas More.

Arrangements are by Holy Cross Funeral Home.