Donald William McHattie
April 1, 1926 – April 12, 2015
Donald William McHattie, age 89, died in Colorado Springs on April 12, 2015. Don served in the United States Air Force for 30 years, retiring in 1974 as a Senior Master Sergeant. Upon retirement, Don was a bus driver for the Colorado Springs Transit Company, several different charter bus companies, and lastly, Cheyenne Mountain School District 12.
Don was born on April 1, 1926 in Cass County, North Dakota to Roderick and Marie (Wilson) McHattie. Don married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Bender, on December 24, 1946. They were able to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary on December 24, 2014 before Ruth died on January 1, 2015.
Don is survived by his son Richard; daughter Bethine (Brian); grandson Alex (Julia) and their son Graham, his great-grandson; and granddaughter Katie; and several nephews and nieces. Don joins his beloved wife Ruth; his mother and father Marie and Roderick; brothers Luther and Robert; and sister Ruth.
Because of Don’s military career, he and Ruth moved every few years. Their first assignment together was in Texas; son Richard was born in Vallejo, California and daughter Bethine was born in England. They went on to live in Missouri, Nebraska, California again, Hawaii, and finally to Colorado Springs in 1973, their last assignment before retirement. The couple enjoyed England and traveling to Europe, but their favorite station was in Hawaii, where son Richard still lives.
Don had a passion not only for his military service, but also for golf, aviation and driving. Don began playing golf when he was 14 years old on a sand course in Valley City, North Dakota and continued playing for the next 70+ years. He began his driving career at age 16 as a truck driver for his uncle, and started flying when he joined the Army Air Corps in late 1944. Although he was not a pilot in the Air Force, he did become a private and commercial pilot.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held for Don on Friday, May 15, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church, Colorado Springs, at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the giver’s choice.