While attending the UofW, School of Medicine, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer. He went on to receive internal medicine and cardiology specialties. His only son, Thomas, was born at this time. Don always wanted to live in the “west” and arrived in the eighties in Reno, NV in a Cadillac, cowboy boots, and a bolo tie. He spent the majority of his career there and established Sierra Nevada Cardiology, a practice with other cardiologists, where he saved many lives and gained the respect of his colleagues and patients. Don was proficient in cardiac catheterization and was one of the first doctors in the U.S. to perform coronary angioplasty. He was talented and dedicated and his passion for medicine afforded him a rewarding career. One of his esteemed colleagues said, “He could be gruff on the outside and a teddy bear on the inside.”, which perfectly described Don. He was determined to improve the lives of those he treated.

Don married Jan Mumford Shaw January 21, 2000, in Reno, NV. They spent many happy hours working together and traveling throughout the world. He gained a daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Dick Valdez, from this Union.

Don retired in 2008 and moved with Jan, to Utah. He then volunteered with Ogden Rescue Mission and was a member of the Ogden Breakfast Exchange. His interests outside the office included cowboy action shooting, re-enacting history, fishing, hunting, and traveling. He also enjoyed studying western history.

On Monday, he traveled with his recently deceased son-in-law, Dick, to meet those who preceded him in death. He survived by his wife, Jan; his son and daughter-in-law, Thomas (PhD) and Susan Spring; granddaughter, Myia; daughter, Melissa Valdez; and brother, William (Carole) Spring.

He will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Reno, NV. He was loved and will be greatly missed.