Cover photo for Don Charbonneau's Obituary
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Don Charbonneau

April 21, 1943 — September 7, 2018

Don Charbonneau

A Celebration of Life Service for Donald J. Charbonneau, 75, of Rancho Mirage, CA, formerly of Dickinson, will be held at 2:00 p.m. PT,  Saturday, September 22, 2018  at his home in Rancho Mirage.


Donald passed away on Friday, Septem­ber 7, 2018 in Rancho Mirage after many lengthy illnesses.


Donald J. Charbonneau was born April 21, 1943 in Butte, Montana; the son of H.J. Frenchie and Mary (Kelly) Charbonneau.


Following graduation, Don continued his edu­cation at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. In 1953, Donald’s father pur­chased the Buick Dealership in Dickinson; this was also the beginning of his lifetime involvement in car distributor/dealership. Don served in the Army National Guard from 1967–1973 as Buck Sargent with a Combat Engineering Unit. Don married and was blessed with daughter, Danielle and son, Don Jr.


Don became a car distributor for Chevrolet Motor Division in Minneapolis, MN in 1970. He was a dealer and President of his dealership “Charbon­neau Car Center”. His primary makes were Buick – Pontiac – GMC truck – Chrysler – Plymouth and Dodge. Donald was an outstanding citizen in the Dickinson Community. He received many honors over the years. Don was a distinguished leader, his list of accomplishments include: Director of National Automobile Dealers Assn., Chairman of ND State CAR-PAC, served on Chrysler Dealers Council, treasurer of Buick Dealers Ad Assn., president of Dickinson Chamber of Commerce, recipient of Time Maga­zine Quality Dealer Award. Career achievements include: Car Distributor, Chevrolet Motor division dealer and president, also receiving recognition in the 1993 – 1994 edition of Gilford’s “Who’s Who, The Elite Registry of Extra-ordinary Professionals”.


His civic and charitable involvement includes: Dickinson Chamber of Commerce President, Greater ND Association Director, Dickinson Golf As­soc. Director, Dickinson Elks – Exalter Ruler, National Elks District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler, Drivers Education cars for schools, Governor’s com­mittee of ND State for Economic Development, Republican Party Delegate, Director of West Dakota Buick Dealers and GMC Dealers.


Don enjoyed all sports, with a special interest in boating, golf, and car racing. He and Irene spent most of their retirement years in CA.


Don is survived by his wife, Irene of Rancho Mirage, CA; daughter, Da­nielle McClure of Denver, CO; granddaughter, Taya McClure; and sister, Pat (Charbonneau) Berg, and nephew, Eric Berg. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, DJ (Don Jr).


Burial Date: September 22, 2018
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

A Celebration of Life Service: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 22, 2018 at his home in Rancho Mirage, CA
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Don Charbonneau, please visit our flower store.

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