Category: Memories

Don was simply the best of friends. Kind, generous, full of energy and fun.

So many hours spent messing about with toy soldiers, drinking beer, talking about anything and everything – teaching, UK and US politics, family, history.

So many fun trips together – Paris, Kulmbach, Edinburgh, the Lake House, Warwick. Lovely meals, sampling local wines, visiting beautiful places.

Don has a special place in our hearts. 

Rob and Jack

I worked with Don at the Elgin History Museum.  I enjoyed the days when our paths would cross.  He was such a delightful man and I really enjoyed seeing him work with the school groups.  I remember one day when he arrived at the museum to help with a 3rd grade field trip and I said “oh Don, thank goodness you’re here!  You’re the only one that knows how to do this special part!”. He gave me a quizzical look, laughed and said “I’ve never done this part before in my life! But, well, let’s see how it goes!” And he did it, and it was great.  It was always great and the kids felt his enthusiasm and knowledge on whatever the topic. I’ll truly miss working with him.

I will remember many happy moments spent with Don. I remember when I got to take him out sailing in Seattle. We didn’t have much wind so we got to just chat in the boat which is one of the best parts of sailing anyway.

He was so thoughtful and kind. He always appreciated those around him and the world was a better with him in it. He was genuinely interested in learning about the how things worked and using that knowledge to make the world a better place. He knew that one of the best ways to make the world a better place was to be just a nice person. 

Some of the phrases that come to mind when I think of Don are: genuine, up for anything, present, kind, up for fun, appreciative, thoughful. 

Now there is another word, missed. 

One of the best things about my dad was his sense of humor and silliness. He used this to charm hundreds thousands of Jr. High students for over 35 years. He used it to diffuse conflicts and to make points in a manner that did not offend. He could argue with someone about politics and always end with a comment to make you laugh. It is one of the things his grandchildren adored about him.

I am no writer, but I’ll try to put down what words come to mind for me…

20 years was far too short of a time to know this man…

I know we packed a-lot of time together into that span, but I still find it hard to believe that our time together has come to an end.

Don had many passions…but most precious to him was his family.  He spent so much time with his Grandkids…It was hard to believe how he made time for anything else!!!

He created such wonderful experiences for all of his family, but most lasting among them is “The Lake”.  My girls love their time up there and we hope to keep his legacy and spirit alive in Montello for many years to come.

I’ll try to write more later…

Rudy