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Don E. Spring, a former longtime resident of Santa Fe, peacefully passed away at home in Albuquerque on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, with his daughter, Darby and husband, John at his side. Don was born in Anthony, KS on December 22, 1930 to Clarence E. and Wilda Spring. He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma Jean; his parents; and brothers, Max and Bill. He is survived by his daughter, Deborah and husband, Peter Jiacoletti of Santa Fe; and daughter, Darby and husband, John Butler of Albuquerque; grandchildren, John Ryan Butler, Brittany Butler, and Dawn Jiacoletti. Don is also survived by special "neph", Eric Shockey of Corrales, NM; niece, Jone and husband, Andrew Sanchez of Santa Fe. Other survivors include sisters-in-law, Barbara Ortiz of Nambe, NM, Ida DeGraftenreid and husband, Don of Montana; numerous nieces and nephews, and dear friend Dr. Luis Bernardez of Sandia Knolls, NM. After graduation from Santa Fe High School, Don attended NM. College of A and MA (now NMSU), earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1953. Don served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Tokyo. After Honorable Discharge from the Army, he was employed by the NM. State Highway Department for approximately two years, and then pursued graduate study at NMSU. In 1958, Don joined the consulting engineering firm of Gordon Herkenhoff and Associates, later known as Leedshill Herkenhoff, working there until his retirement in 1994. The major portion of Don's professional career was devoted to the field of bridge design. Don was involved in numerous projects throughout the state of NM While in college, Don married Wilma Jean Jones, his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, on September 9, 1951. Don and Wilma spent their married life in Santa Fe, until Wilma's death in May 1991. Soon after Wilma's death, Don began exhibiting symptoms of Inclusion Body Myositis, a rare and degenerative muscle disease, diagnosed in Denver, CO, October 1995. Don lived alone until his condition worsened to the extent that he then moved to Albuquerque to live with his daughter Darby and husband John. During his life, Don as an avid sports fan, enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He also always enjoyed the companionship of a faithful Labrador retriever. A Memorial Service will be held at the Santa Fe national Cemetery on Friday, April 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in Don's name, to the Myositis Association of America at 1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 402/Washington, DC 20036, or to Hospice of New Mexico at 4015 Carlisle NE, Suite E, Albuquerque, NM 87107. The family wishes to express a very heartfelt thank you to special caregiver, Jeannett Martinez, whose kindness and loving friendship was so immensely helpful to Don and the Butler family. A special thank you is also extended to the Hospice of New Mexico, including Dr. Goldman, Judy Kaufmann, Lindsey Spellman, Mary Regal, Larry Cotter, Curtis, and Lynne. Your professionalism and compassionate care to Don during his final days was such a blessing. Arrangements by Direct Funeral Services, 2919 4th St. NW, ABQ. 505-343-8008
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