Buddy Ray Donaldson, 68, a resident of Gila, NM entered eternal rest Thursday, March 17, 2022 at his residence. He was born August 15, 1953 in Silver City, NM to Bruce Merlin Donaldson and Betty Elkins.
Buddy Ray Donaldson lived an incredible life. As a young man he served his country in Vietnam. He would forever after be a patriot with a deep love for his country. Buddy became an electrician after returning from Vietnam. Some years later he would change careers and become a nurse. He was geared toward the trauma field of nursing and would work for 15 years as a flight nurse. Later he began working in the ER, and ended his career as a highly qualified ICU nurse. He loved helping people through difficult illnesses and injuries and did so for 32 years.
A gifted artist, Buddy was a horn and antler carver. He created beautiful masterpieces on moose, elk, fallow deer antler, and wild sheep horn. He also carved on gun stocks, fireplace mantels, and knife handles. The wildlife he depicted on these various mediums were amazing and very realistic.
First and foremost Buddy loved his family. Time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren were precious to him. He was devoted to his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the ward Mission Leader, an early morning Seminary Teacher, and as a ministering brother. He spent many hours caring for others as a nurse, husband, father, and friend. His determination to serve his fellowman was founded in the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his loving wife, Hazel Donaldson of the family home; five sons, Levi Donaldson and wife Katie of Safford, AZ; Clay Donaldson and wife Tasha of Cliff; Terril Donaldson and wife Darci of Duncan, AZ; Johnny Donaldson of Farmington, NM; Cash Donaldson of Oklahoma City, OK; two daughters, Lin Miller of Grand Junction, CO; Lori Donaldson of Farmington, NM; twenty-three grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Tex Donaldson and wife Patty of Cliff; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wade Donaldson.
A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, April 1st at 10am at the Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints Church in Gila, NM with Bishop Mayberry-Dedication Congregational. Concluding service and interment will follow at Gila-Mesa cemetery. Pallbearers will be Levi Donaldson, Clay Donaldson, Terril Donaldson, Tex Donaldson, Myron Sullivan, and Glenn Sullivan. Honorary pallbearers are Rowan Perry and Clancy Kartchner.
Buddy Ray Donaldson lived an incredible life. As a young man he served his country in Vietnam. He would forever after be a patriot with a deep love for his country. Buddy became an electrician after returning from Vietnam. Some years later he would change careers and become a nurse. He was geared toward the trauma field of nursing and would work for 15 years as a flight nurse. Later he began working in the ER, and ended his career as a highly qualified ICU nurse. He loved helping people through difficult illnesses and injuries and did so for 32 years.
A gifted artist, Buddy was a horn and antler carver. He created beautiful masterpieces on moose, elk, fallow deer antler, and wild sheep horn. He also carved on gun stocks, fireplace mantels, and knife handles. The wildlife he depicted on these various mediums were amazing and very realistic.
First and foremost Buddy loved his family. Time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren were precious to him. He was devoted to his faith as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the ward Mission Leader, an early morning Seminary Teacher, and as a ministering brother. He spent many hours caring for others as a nurse, husband, father, and friend. His determination to serve his fellowman was founded in the love of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
He is survived by his loving wife, Hazel Donaldson of the family home; five sons, Levi Donaldson and wife Katie of Safford, AZ; Clay Donaldson and wife Tasha of Cliff; Terril Donaldson and wife Darci of Duncan, AZ; Johnny Donaldson of Farmington, NM; Cash Donaldson of Oklahoma City, OK; two daughters, Lin Miller of Grand Junction, CO; Lori Donaldson of Farmington, NM; twenty-three grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Tex Donaldson and wife Patty of Cliff; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Wade Donaldson.
A funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, April 1st at 10am at the Jesus Christ Latter-Day Saints Church in Gila, NM with Bishop Mayberry-Dedication Congregational. Concluding service and interment will follow at Gila-Mesa cemetery. Pallbearers will be Levi Donaldson, Clay Donaldson, Terril Donaldson, Tex Donaldson, Myron Sullivan, and Glenn Sullivan. Honorary pallbearers are Rowan Perry and Clancy Kartchner.
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