Sylvan George Donegan
1927 - 2011
Sylvan George Donegan, Jr., began his final journey to heaven Aug. 3.
He was born May 22, 1927, in Twin Bridges, to Sylvan, Sr., and Effie Donegan, where his family history and hearts have always been rooted in the valley.
He attended school in Twin Bridges, and completed the necessary testing in the U.S. Marine Corps to receive his Twin Bridges High School diploma with the class of 1946.
He served his country with pride overseas during World War II, and was honorably discharged in 1947 when he returned to Twin Bridges. He then married the love of his life, Dorothy Fulwood, March 6, 1948, and they made their home in Silver Star and Laurel. In 1951 they returned to Twin Bridges where they raised their two daughters, and were close to family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sylvan, Sr., and Effie (Todd) Donegan; his wife, Dorothy; and sisters, Wanda Birdsill and Della Triplett.
Surviving are his daughters, Carol Donegan, East Helena, and Sylvia and Rick Dulaney, Twin Bridges; four grandchildren, Debra Frances, Missouri, Ryan (Amy) Dulaney, Brandon, S. D., Garett (Nicole) Dulaney, Sioux Falls, S. D., and Dale (Patti) Lawyer, Soldotna, Alaska; four great-grandchildren, Simone and Jasmine, Missouri, and Landon and Tristan, South Dakota; and one great-great-grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sylvans' family was one of his greatest pleasures, as well as friends, and the love of mining through several exploration projects. He also valued a sense of community and civic duty where he served as a council member and mayor of Twin Bridges for many years.
It was also his privilege to be a part of the Twin Bridges Volunteer Fire Department, served on the town development committee, and was a member of the Westgate Masonic Lodge No.27 for 58 years.
His work history included Victoria Mines, truck driving for a Canadian Co., Victor Chemical Mining Co., and the Montana State Highway Department as maintenance superintendent for the Butte division until his retirement in 1993.
Sylvan and Dorothy also enjoyed many years of traveling, especially time spent in Arizona, Washington and Alaska, and on numerous cruises. His love of the mountains and prospecting gave him many hours of enjoyment along with outdoor activities.
Dad you are at peace now, may you and mom forever ride your four-wheeler in the heavens above. God bless you forever.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Twin Bridges Fire/Rescue Department.
Military graveside services were held Saturday, Aug. 6, at 10 a.m. at the Twin Bridges cemetery with Rev. Ben Nardi officiating, and Masonic Lodge No.27 conducting rites. A luncheon was held at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant following the service.
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