Donald Raymond Fitzwater

Donald Raymond “Don” “Donny” Fitzwater, 53, of McCall, Idaho, passed away September 12, 2026.

Born in McCall on October 17, 1972, Don graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School in 1991 and earned a degree in Visual Communications at the Art Institute of Seattle. He built a life in Washington, becoming a father to his daughter, Shelby, in 1994 and his son, Mason, in 2005, while developing a successful career in design, packaging, and sales.

In 1999, alongside his advancing career, Don founded the fly fishing brand WETFLY. Its roots reached back to his childhood in McCall, fishing at Brown’s Pond with his father and sisters and selling nightcrawlers with his father’s encouragement. He turned that early love of fishing and business into a thriving brand, guided by his belief that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone.

Family came first for Don. He was a devoted father to Shelby and Mason, shared a close bond with each of them, and would have done anything for them.

Don and Shelby often felt they grew up together. From softball fields and tournaments to fishing and hunting trips when she was young, he taught her independence and a strong work ethic, held her to high expectations, and proudly watched her become her own person. Their close bond grew into a friendship filled with inside jokes and honest conversations. She looked to her dad for guidance through life’s big decisions and milestones, and he valued her perspective and sought her advice, too.

Mason was Don’s fishing and hunting buddy, bringing out his dad’s youthful spirit. Their adventures took them from saltwater fishing to camping and fly fishing for bull trout in Yellow Pine. Together, they built a bond filled with laughter, adventure, and memories Mason will carry forward.

Don met the love of his life, Liz, in 2012, and they married in 2016. Their love for each other and the spark between them carried into the life they built together. They shared a passion for business, days skiing at Brundage, long walks with their dog, Bogie, and quiet evenings cooking and enjoying wine. Don loved that Liz was a Seattle “city girl” and introduced her to a beautiful life in Idaho. He also gave her the gift of becoming Shelby and Mason’s stepmom. In 2024, they made McCall their full-time home to be closer to family.

Strong-willed, funny, and charming, Don made people feel loved and welcome. He loved to cook and enjoyed the outdoors in every season, from fishing, hunting, and golfing to skiing. His family knew his goofy humor and tender heart.

Don is survived by his wife, Liz; daughter, Shelby Fitzwater, and her husband, Dylan Yu; son, Mason Fitzwater; mother, Judy Madden; sisters, Tricia Ramos and Margie Burgess; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Lee Fitzwater.

Services will be held September 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in McCall, followed by burial at McCall Cemetery. A reception will follow.

His family thanks everyone for their love and support, especially the Idaho County deputies, rescue crews, and volunteers, and the Spokane County air rescue crew who helped bring him home.

Online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.