I was shocked when I read that Don passed away. Somehow it seemed like he would always be there, large figure that he was, looming in the Coronado background. Always a quiet, intelligent thoughtful and thoroughly nice person. I didn't realize he was fighting prostate cancer the past 25 years until I read some of his old posts. Don became a petroleum engineer, that is so huge in the oil and gas business which I am also a part of. I will miss him and miss reading his comments. Such a great guy!
what a shock. I have fond memories of growing up with Don. If my memory serves me correctly (which is questionable) i think he and i played little league together. we were on the Rotary team and he was of course first baseman. Nice guy, he will be missed.
When I discovered Facebook, and then a few years later the Coronado ‘66 reunion site(thanks Teddi!), I was so happy. I loved Coronado and everything about it. I was devastated to have to leave after 9th grade and thought of it, and my classmates, often. You see, it’s different to be the one leaving - and having no choice in the matter - than to be the one lucky enough to stay and carry on.
When I reappeared many decades later, at the beginning only two of my former classmates reached out to me via messager. Don was one of them. Don and I had several online conversations periodically over the years. He told me he had been sick for a long time and that it had come back. He was so brave and maintained his sense of humor throughout. He adored his wife and family and it was lovely to hear him talk about them. Don encouraged me to push through my shyness and send “friend” requests on FB in hopes of reconnecting with other Coronado classmates so that we could catch up. I appreciate those who accepted and thank him so much for nudging me along.
Don, you were such a good man. I will miss your humor and friendship. My heart goes out to your wife and family.
John Randel
I was shocked when I read that Don passed away. Somehow it seemed like he would always be there, large figure that he was, looming in the Coronado background. Always a quiet, intelligent thoughtful and thoroughly nice person. I didn't realize he was fighting prostate cancer the past 25 years until I read some of his old posts. Don became a petroleum engineer, that is so huge in the oil and gas business which I am also a part of. I will miss him and miss reading his comments. Such a great guy!
Steve Smith
what a shock. I have fond memories of growing up with Don. If my memory serves me correctly (which is questionable) i think he and i played little league together. we were on the Rotary team and he was of course first baseman. Nice guy, he will be missed.
Steve Smith
Susie Parks (Wilson)
When I discovered Facebook, and then a few years later the Coronado ‘66 reunion site(thanks Teddi!), I was so happy. I loved Coronado and everything about it. I was devastated to have to leave after 9th grade and thought of it, and my classmates, often. You see, it’s different to be the one leaving - and having no choice in the matter - than to be the one lucky enough to stay and carry on.
When I reappeared many decades later, at the beginning only two of my former classmates reached out to me via messager. Don was one of them. Don and I had several online conversations periodically over the years. He told me he had been sick for a long time and that it had come back. He was so brave and maintained his sense of humor throughout. He adored his wife and family and it was lovely to hear him talk about them. Don encouraged me to push through my shyness and send “friend” requests on FB in hopes of reconnecting with other Coronado classmates so that we could catch up. I appreciate those who accepted and thank him so much for nudging me along.
Don, you were such a good man. I will miss your humor and friendship. My heart goes out to your wife and family.