Donald M. “Don” Spofford, 64, of St. Stephen’s, Wyo., passed away Nov. 27 at the Lander Valley Medical Center in Wyoming, after an eleven-month battle with cancer.
He was born in Medford, Mass., on Oct. 25, 1942, the son of Arthur L. Spofford and Margurite (McLeod) Spofford. His American Indian name was “Cetan Luta.”
He was employed by Fremont Motors of Lander, Wyo., and Tom Youtz Ford of Riverton, Wyo.
Mr. Spofford was an Airman Second Class with the U.S. Air Force, serving in
England, Alaska, and Idaho. While stationed in England he worked with the Royal Air Force as a K-9 training specialist.
He began his firefighting career in Salem, N.H., as a rescue diver and continued his career with the Nashua Fire Department in New Hampshire. “Dad,” as he was known by fellow firefighters, served over 20 years from Aug. 28, 1978 to Jan. 29, 2000. While serving the community, he and his unit received several citations of merit.
His family said he enjoyed spending time visiting with family and friends, fishing, hunting, pow-wows, cheering for the Chiefs and Lady Chiefs, collecting artwork, pottery, beadwork, reading, horseback riding, and the outdoors.
Mr. Spofford was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry L. Spofford, of Riverton, Wyo.; daughter, Heather L. Spofford of Riverton, Wyo. and Maine; adopted sister, Gloria Goggles and husband Gary of Ethete, Wyo.; special friend, Charlie White Buffalo of South Dakota; aunt, Barbie of Maine; cousins, Caryl and Devon of Maine; mother-in-law of California; sister and brother-in-law of California; sister-in-law of Florida and sister-in-law of Texas; adopted family of Ethete, Wyo.; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; numerous firefighting brothers across the United States; many friends from Wind River Country; and his faithful companions, Katie, Maggie, and Jackson.
Memorial service 10 a.m., Sat., Dec. 2 at the Davis Funeral Home in Riverton, Wyo.
Feast will follow at the Wyoming Indian Middle School, 535 Ethete Rd., Ethete, Wyo.
Memorials may be made to the Wind River Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 8643,
Ethete, WY 82520.
Services are entrusted to Davis Funeral Home, Riverton, Wyo.
