Donald Paul Foynes

Where does one begin when trying to describe a man who lived life to its fullest, but left us too soon.  Donald was the best father, grandfather, Papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.  Donald was my husband, my rock, my best friend, and my soul mate.

 He was born, on his father’s birthday, June 6,1950 to Paul and Beatrice (Goodearl) Foynes, in Boston, Massachusetts.  He was the second oldest, but the oldest brother, of seven children.  He left this earthly world, to go to Rock and Roll Heaven (as he would put it), on April 14, 2024.

Donald grew up in the Brighton area of Boston.  He attended schools in Brighton.  After graduation, he enlisted in the Marines.  He did basic training at Camp Lejeune, Parris Island, South Carolina.  After basic training he was sent to Viet Nam as a rifleman during the Viet Nam War.  He was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal and returned to Boston. Once a Marine always a Marine.  Semper Fi my love!

He attended Boston State College, now known and UMass, and received his bachelor’s degree in Business, on the GI Bill.  He minored in his favorite subject, History.  He was always the history buff, up until his final days.  There was never a day go by that he didn’t have the History Channel, News channel or Military channel on his TV.  He loved to pass his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren.

Donald met and married Karen Callahan in Boston.  This marriage ended in divorce, but while married he was the best husband he could be.  He was the best father to his children from that union, John Henry and Tara Foynes.  He would do anything for them.  He was a little league coach for many years in Brighton.  He did his best to be at all functions for his kids and regretted that he didn’t do more for them.  During this time, Donald was employed by the Postal Service. 

In 1991, while building a swing set for his future sister-in-law, he met her roommate. I was a young lady from Belt, Montana, who had moved to Boston to be a travel agent.  We spent the afternoon watching the New England Patriots football game and talking.  We spent many hours on the phone, but did not see each other for some time.  I could tell from the very first meeting that he was special.  He finally asked me out to dinner and that was it.  He told me on that date that he was in love with me.  We never looked back.  We were married on October 2, 1992.  We had our ups and downs, but thru it all, our love grew stronger. 

From this marriage we welcomed our son, Paul Michael Foynes.  Donald worked nights so that Paul Michael always had a parent there to raise him.  He sacrificed so much for us, but he was determined to be there for us no matter what.  He attended Paul Michael’s sports events, school events and was his best friend.  One thing that can be said about Donald, he lived for his children.  The adventures we had with him are too numerous to mention.  He made the best of the worst situations.  He loved to travel and camp.  Many years we camped at Nickerson State Park in Massachusetts.  Those were his favorite vacations.  One camping trip that he forever talked about was the camping trip in Yellowstone National Park.  When we set up camp it was 75 degrees out.  The following morning, I found him in the car with it running due to it had snowed and was 28 degrees outside.  He couldn’t get over that it was the middle of July and we had snow. 

He made the decision to move to Helena, Montana in 1995.  Leaving his family behind was an extremely hard decision for him.  We packed up a U-Haul and traveled 2400 miles.  He left behind some of the best friends he had.  But moving to Helena, there was never any doubt he would make new ones.  He was the type of friend that would drop what he was doing to help.  He would give the shirt off of his back for a friend in need.  Many nights he would be sitting with a friend in need.  Never once regretting the time he spent with them.  He would leave a special spot in his friends’ hearts.  In his final years he had one friend, Tom, who became his best bud.  We are forever grateful for this friendship. 

Donald worked at numerous jobs while in Helena.  His favorite job was as a CNA and then a prosthetic representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs, at Fort Harrison.  He loved assisting the Veterans and made numerous friends while there.  He retired from the VA, but never left the feelings behind.  Many times he would meet up with a Veteran he had either cared for or worked with.  That was just the type of person he was. 

The love of my life, my rock, my husband and my best friend will be deeply missed by myself, Pati Foynes.  There will never be another to replace this giant of a man.  He is also survived by his children:  John Henry (Shana) Foynes of Walpole, MA, Tara Foynes of Framingham, MA and Paul Michael Foynes of Helena, MT.  His grandchildren: Billy Foynes, Nick Foynes, Jessyca Baia, Paulie Baia and Scott Baia all of Massachusetts and his grandson, Ryker Foynes, who he treasured for the past six years, of Helena, Montana. His great-grandchildren of Massachusetts,  Bella and Kevin Jr.   His siblings: Ellen Sperry, Peter (Fran) Foynes, Robert (Toni) Foynes, Judith (Al) Valverde, Mary (Rick) Coleman and Trisha (Brian) Wencis all of Massachusetts.  He is also survived by his brother and sister-in laws; Tom Zuhoski, Pam Zuhoski, Mike Zuhoski and Paula Loving of Montana.  He leaves behind too many nieces and nephews to mention, but loved each and every one of them.  And of course, his best buddy, Tom.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Bea Foynes.  His mother and father-in-law Mike and Marge Zuhoski. 

Per his request, no services are to be held.  Next time you are camping, drinking a Miller Lite or just enjoying life, think of him.  Nobody can replace the man he was, but his memory will always be a part of us.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. 

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