Doniell Birk

Doniell Lea Birk, died in an automobile accident on Feb. 23, 2007.

She was born July 15, 1967, in Whitefish, the daughter of Thomas I. and Thallis M. (Clare) Birk.

Doniell's love for new places and cultures was not as apparent as her love for home and the people most important to her when her journey ended so close to where it began.

Doniell grew up a cowgirl, and her horses were her most compelling and permanent passion. Whether going to 4-H horse shows, high school rodeos or packing into the "Bob," Doniell's goal was to let her horses live up to their potential, and Jerric, Annie and Sadie always amazed her.

The essence of her favorite places, and the beings in her life, were the most important things to Doniell, the material only important for its sustenance of the spirit. She accomplished so many of her goals, personally and professionally, but all she really wanted was the respect of those she loved and respected.

Doniell was always the champion of the innocent, her nieces and nephews or her pets or nature, and her cares defined her life as she followed a career with the Forest Service. She enjoyed almost any outdoor activity and was a talented skier, canoeist and fly fisher. She loved music and good books.

It is fitting that she was accompanied in passing by Barney, her dog and best friend for the past 14 years.

Doniell was preceded in death by her brother Tommy and her grandparents Henry and Illyhia Clare and Ingvald and Selma Birk.

She is survived by her parents Tom and Thallis Birk, of Kalispell; sister Kim Bell and husband Lloyd, of Frenchtown; brothers Tim and wife Julie, and Bret, both of Kalispell; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family; and her many friends.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, March 1 (today), 2007 at 11 a.m. at Johnson Mortuary Chapel in Kalispell.