Sunday, November 14, 2021
Don was a wonderful Father-in-Law who was always there for us with his caring, generous, and calm demeanor that was solidified with strength, consistency, and fidelity. He introduced me to one of my favorite beers and often showed up with the right tool for a job when he saw that I was using the wrong tool to try and get things done. Don would often break the silence with a joke and his humor was often timed perfectly for the situation.
Don always enjoyed spending time with our family and gave us lots of memories that will live on with us even though he is gone from this life. Two of my favorites took place during his visit to Wingate University and when we went to the Dulles Annex of the Smithsonian Museum. During his visit to Wingate on Parents' weekend, he seemed to beam with pride that Neil was attending a nice school. He also enjoyed tailgating before the football game by having a few Yeungling beers with Nigel and me. When we visited the museum at Dulles, he ran around the building, going from one aircraft to the next in a way that made it hard for us to keep up. It was as if he was giddy with joy as he took a stroll down memory lane.
I will miss Don a lot and am glad that I got to spend time with him, make some memories, and enjoy part of his life. I know we will all remember him with fondness and share the memories and stories of his life which was filled with family, friends, and travel.
