Obituary of Donald McBride

Donald F McBride entered into rest June 10, 2013 at his home in Deer Meadows, WA. He was born in Juneau, Alaska on June 11, 1939 to Ralph and Muriel McBride. He attended school and Jr. High on the west side of Washington. The McBride family moved to Spokane, WA in 1955. After graduating from Rogers High in 1958, he joined the Navy. He was assigned to serve aboard the USS Warrington, stationed out of Newport, RI. On June 2, 1959, he married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Houger McBride, in Spokane, WA. They traveled the east coast for the next 3 years while he was in the Navy, before making their home in Washington. After completing his education for repair and restoring vehicles, he began his career as an auto body repair man. Don retired in December of 2012 from his long loved work of restoring vehicles. He was owner and operator of Herb's Body Shop in Ritzville since 1976. As a young boy, he loved to build and fly model airplanes; a hobby he continued to enjoy throughout life. Speed was his passion. He started racing bicycles in his early teens, then racing go-carts with his sons. His love for speed continued and took him to the Bonneville Salt Flats. He and his friend Terry built a 1000 cc streamliner; he was able to attain and hold a record of 228 MPH. He also enjoyed racing sprint cars in the northwest with his son, Dennis. His love for speed even took him to the air and he obtained his pilot's license in the 1980's. He enjoyed flying with family and friends. Don had many hobbies that he enjoyed. Restoring hot-rods and touring with the Ritzville Classic Car Club brought him great joy. Don enjoyed life; he was active with his family: hunting, boating, fishing, camping and road trips. He bowled on many bowling leagues over the years. He never met a stranger. Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sharon; three sons: Ron, Dennis (Trena), and Steve; daughter: Sherri (Ed) Clark; 9 grandchildren: Rob (Kamee), Jennifer, Johnathan, Joe, Kevin (Katey), Jason, Steven, Janina and Lydia; 2 great granddaughters; brother: Michael (Lois); mother: Muriel and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service was held Tuesday June 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville, WA. Interment was at Ritzville Memorial Cemetery. Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville was entrusted with arrangements.